TACLOBAN CITY — A new transport network vehicle service (TNVS) provider has entered Eastern Visayas with the formal launch of UTOL (Unified Transport Operations League) on November 21, offering another mobility option for commuters in the region.

The launch was attended by company officials led by Corporate Secretary Atty. Orlando Ocampo, and UTOL Region VIII representative Christian Bañez.

Bañez expressed gratitude to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for approving the franchise and said the company hopes to help address common commuting difficulties such as long waiting times and unreliable transport availability.

He said UTOL’s services are anchored on accessibility, reliability, and safety, including real-time tracking, fare transparency, and driver and vehicle screening.

Ocampo highlighted that UTOL is Filipino-owned and that even its mobile app system was developed locally. The service first operated in Metro Manila and has since expanded to Iloilo, Bohol, Cebu, and now Region VIII.

With its rollout in Eastern Visayas, commuters are expected to gain an additional transport option as the government continues its nationwide push for public transport modernization.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

PALO, Leyte— Several local government units in Eastern Visayas were recognized for outstanding implementation of population and development initiatives during the Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Award (RMSKPA) regional awarding ceremony held at the Leyte Provincial Capitol mini-theater, this town.

In the municipal category, Merida, Leyte took first place, followed by Gandara, Samar, in second and Mapanas, Northern Samar in third.

For the city category, Tacloban City emerged as the lone awardee.

In the provincial category, Leyte placed first, while Northern Samar finished second with it’s town of Palapag receiving special citation.

Cash incentives were awarded to the top LGUs: P50,000, P30,000, and P20,000 for the first, second and third municipal winners; P70,000 for the city awardee; and P100,000 and P70,000 for the first and second placers in the provincial level.

CPD-8 Regional Director Elnora Pulma, who led the awarding rites, praised the LGUs for their continued commitment to addressing population issues through responsive and data-driven planning.

Among those who received the awards on behalf of their respective LGUs were Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, Tacloban City Councilor Bryan Granados, Mapanas Vice Mayor Dr. Ma. Luisa Barbara Tejano , and several municipal population officers.

First-place awardees will advance to the national selection for the RMSKPA.

The RMSKPA, jointly implemented by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), honors provinces, cities, and municipalities with innovative and effective programs promoting responsible parenthood, reproductive health, gender equality, and sustainable human development.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Government and partner institutions in Borongan City have finalized a development roadmap aimed at strengthening the local bamboo industry following a three-day Bamboo Industry Development Roadmap Writeshop held from November 19 to 21 at Boro Bay Hotel.

The activity was jointly organized by the Department of Trade and Industry–Eastern Samar, Eastern Samar State University, and the Borongan City Environment and Natural Resources Office. Participants included officials from the Borongan City LGU and collaborating agencies.

Workshop sessions focused on planning tools such as situational analysis, stakeholder analysis, SWOT analysis, and action planning, covering the full supply chain from bamboo production to market development.

Sessions on budgeting and LGU plan integration ensured that strategies would align with the city’s development agenda and funding priorities.

Resource speakers also discussed the ecological and economic value of bamboo.

Felly Cervantes noted bamboo’s contribution to environmental protection, citing its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and help prevent soil erosion and flooding.

Mark William Gonzales described bamboo as the “grass of hope,” referring to its cultural value and livelihood-generating potential.

The writeshop concluded with the crafting of a unified roadmap that positions bamboo as a key component of Borongan’s sustainability, climate resilience, and economic development goals.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)