TACLOBAN CITY — As the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) 2026 officially kicks off in Baybay City on Sunday, March 1, local governments across the region have mobilized to send off their student-athletes with full support, equipment, and encouragement, underscoring the growing emphasis on grassroots sports development.
On February 26, Calbayog City’s delegation, the Calbayog Supersonics, experienced a minor road incident en route to Baybay.

While traveling in convoy through Purok 5, Barangay Payao, Catbalogan City, one of their buses braked suddenly, causing a black sedan to be sandwiched between two vehicles. Fortunately, only the sedan driver sustained minor injuries, and no athletes were hurt.
After resting and changing vehicles, the delegation safely arrived at Gabas Integrated School in Baybay City, where they were welcomed with performances by the school’s drum and lyre corps and a dance presentation, followed by a meal for the weary athletes.
Prior to departure, Vice Mayor Rex Daguman led the send-off, distributing competition uniforms and providing P500 financial assistance to each of the city’s 610 student-athletes, totaling P310,000.

He reminded the young athletes that EVRAA is not just about winning medals but also about showcasing integrity, sportsmanship, and discipline. Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod were also present to extend their support.

Meanwhile, Catbalogan City formally sent off its 640-strong delegation, the Katbalaugan Warriors, during the “Panalipod” ceremony, which included a Holy Mass and a short program.

City officials presented athletes with complete competition kits, including uniforms, duffel bags, shoes, toiletries, umbrellas, IDs, tumblers, and other essential materials.
Mayor Dexter Uy emphasized that the city’s investments in sports aim to benefit the athletes and secure their future opportunities. He said, “This is not just for us, but for you and your future.” Schools Division Superintendent Carmela Tamayo and SGOD Chief Dr. Maribel Ruedas echoed the message, urging athletes to uphold discipline, respect, and integrity on and off the playing fields.

At the same time, Ormoc City, defending EVRAA champions since 2018, sent off 655 student-athletes, the Ormoc Siglaro Elites, at the Ormoc City Superdome.

Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez distributed uniforms and playing shoes while reminding athletes that they carry the city’s pride and legacy of excellence. The send-off included a Holy Mass to bless the athletes for safety, strength, and success. City Vice Mayor Leo Carmelo Locsin Jr., SP members, and youth leaders were present to show full support.

The EVRAA Meet 2026 brings together top student-athletes from 13 school divisions across Eastern Visayas to compete in various sporting events, serving as a qualifier for the Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY— A 59-year-old utility worker was found lifeless inside the Samar National School (SNS) campus in Barangay 7, Catbalogan City on Sunday, March 1, prompting an investigation by local authorities.

The victim, identified as alias “Neil,” a resident of Purok 4, Brgy. Guinsorongan, Catbalogan City, was discovered by a fellow worker at around 1:00 p.m. The Catbalogan City Police Station (CPS) responded after the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) reported the incident.

Police said that upon arrival, the victim was found with an injury on his left forehead and saliva with bubbles coming from his mouth. According to initial reports, the victim’s niece, alias “Nina,” noted that her uncle had a history of seizures due to epilepsy. Eyewitness accounts indicate that a passerby, alias “Jaime,” noticed the victim lying motionless and alerted the school security guard, who immediately called rescuers.

The responding medical personnel declared the victim dead at the scene. The Catbalogan CPS coordinated with the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team to process the body for further investigation.

Authorities are treating the death as consistent with a medical incident related to the victim’s known condition, but a full investigation is ongoing to rule out other possibilities.

(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY-A pedicab driver was found lifeless in the waters of Barangay Iniguihan, Bato, Leyte on the evening of Thursday, February 26, authorities reported.

The victim, identified only as alias “Anton,” of legal age, single, and a resident of Barangay Tinago, Bato, was discovered floating near the local dike around 6:00 p.m. by concerned citizens who immediately alerted police.

Bato Municipal Police Station, responding to the call, confirmed that local rescue responders had already retrieved the body and transferred it to shore.

The victim was then transported by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) to Hilongos District Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival (DOA) by the attending physician.

Initial investigation revealed that Anton was reportedly a frequent consumer of alcoholic beverages. Eyewitnesses said he had been drinking at a store owned by a certain “Dan” and later continued drinking at another nearby establishment. According to his companions, he excused himself to urinate but did not return. Hours later, he was found floating in the seawater.The Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Probo Quijano, conducted a post-mortem examination, which confirmed that the cause of death was drowning and found no signs of foul play.

The cadaver was subsequently released to his relatives in Barangay Tinago for final rites.
Authorities continue to remind residents to exercise caution near water bodies, especially after alcohol consumption.

(ROBERT DEJON)

The total value of exports in Eastern Visayas in November 2025 amounted to USD 3.48 million, representing an annual decline of 98.1 percent from USD 185.02 million in November 2024.

Meanwhile, total imports decreased by 96.8 percent, dropping from
USD 465.44 million in November 2024 to USD 15.07 million in November 2025.
The significant decline in exports affected the region’s trade balance, which was recorded at –USD 11.59 million in November 2025. This narrowed the region’s trade deficit by 95.9 percent compared with the USD 280.42 million deficit reported in November 2024.
Overall, total trade in November 2025 amounted to USD 18.55 million, registering a 97.1 percent decrease from the USD 650.46 million total trade in November 2024.

Eastern Visayas exported 113.35 million kilograms of goods in November 2025, which was 43.8 percent higher than the volume exported in November 2024 at 78.85 million kilograms.

Ores, slag and ash commodity group worth USD 3.13 million comprised the bulk or 89.9 percent of the total value of exports in November 2025.

The People’s Republic of China was the top export destination in November 2025, contributing USD 2.98 million, or more than four-fifths (85.7%) of total exports for the month.

The region imported 121.09 million kilograms of goods in November 2025, lower by
42.5 percent than the 210.42 million kilograms of goods imported in November 2024.

The top import commodity group was salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement worth USD 4.97 million and comprised one-third (33.0%) of the region’s import value in November 2025. The Republic of Korea (South Korea) supplied USD 3.33 million worth of imports, representing more than one-fifth (22.1%) of the total import value. (PR)