TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte has approved on Tuesday, June 2, a P1.457-billion Supplemental Investment Program (SIP) aimed at funding priority development projects and strengthening public services across the province and its component local government units.

The approval of Supplemental Investment Program (SIP) No. 1 was made after a series of deliberations and review by members of the provincial board, underscoring what officials described as a commitment to accountable and development-oriented governance.
Leyte 5th District Board Member Carlo Loreto said the measure reflects the provincial government’s continuing effort to direct public funds toward programs that improve infrastructure, social services, and local economic activity.

“The approval of Supplemental Investment Program No. 1 reflects our continued commitment to improving the lives of Leyteños through strategic investments in infrastructure, social services, and other priority programs,” he said.

Aside from the province-wide allocation, the provincial board also approved supplemental and annual investment programs of several municipalities, including Burauen, Inopacan, Palompon, San Isidro, Bato, and Mayorga.

The approved local investment programs include Burauen — P21 million and an additional P46 million SIP; Inopacan — P11 million and P12.7 million SIP; Palompon — P20.7 million SIP; San Isidro — P7.6 million SIP; Bato — P246.3 million SIP and P254.4 million Annual Investment Program (AIP); and Mayorga —P147.6 million SIP and P677 million AIP.
Loreto said the approved budgets are expected to finance infrastructure development, social welfare programs, and other local priorities identified by the respective municipalities.

He added that the Provincial Board continues to work closely with local government units to ensure that public funds are utilized efficiently and aligned with development goals.

Officials said the approval of the investment programs is expected to fast-track project implementation and support inclusive growth across Leyte province.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY– Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI) has expanded its footprint in Eastern Visayas with the opening of a new retail store in the capital town of Naval, bringing its supermarket, department store, and home lifestyle offerings closer to residents of Biliran province.

The Metro Naval, which opened on May 15, serves as a one-stop shopping destination, offering essential goods, fashion items, and home products for consumers in Naval and nearby municipalities.

The opening marks MRSGI’s 83rd store nationwide, its 65th location, and the company’s 12th branch in Eastern Visayas, underscoring its continuing expansion in regional markets outside major urban centers.

The inauguration was led by MRSGI President and Chief Operating Officer Joel Orense and attended by local government officials, including Biliran Governor Rogelio J. Espina, Naval Mayor Gretchen Stephanie Espina, and Vice Mayor Nick Arthur Parilla, along with business partners and community stakeholders.

According to the company, the new store is expected to generate employment opportunities and support local economic activity through partnerships with suppliers, vendors, and other stakeholders in the province.

“Metro Naval represents our commitment to growing alongside the communities we serve,” Orense said. “As we expand our footprint across the country, we want to ensure that families in provinces like Biliran have access to quality and affordable retail options while also creating opportunities that contribute to local economic growth.”

The facility houses Metro Market, Metro Department Store, and Metro Home Lifestyle, providing residents with a wider range of products and a more integrated shopping experience.

MRSGI said the expansion forms part of its broader strategy of making modern retail services more accessible to underserved and growing communities across the country while contributing to local development.

Metro Retail currently operates 83 branches across Luzon and the Visayas under various formats, including Metro Supermarket, Metro Department Store, Super Metro Hypermarket, Metro Value Mart, and Metro Home Improvement and Lifestyle.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

In Southern Leyte

PINTUYAN, Southern Leyte — The municipal government of Pintuyan officially closed its whale shark interaction season on June 1, marking the end of another strong tourism period that drew thousands of visitors and sustained local livelihood opportunities in the coastal town.

In a statement signed by Mayor Ricarte Estrella and Municipal Tourism Officer Engr. Edilberto Alapag, the local government said the seasonal closure reflects both conservation measures and the town’s continued commitment to responsible marine ecotourism.
Municipal records showed that 9,842 local and foreign tourists visited Pintuyan for whale shark interaction activities from October 2025 to May 26, 2026, underscoring the town’s growing reputation as an ecotourism destination in Southern Leyte.

Tourist arrivals have steadily increased over the past seasons, from 2,040 visitors in 2023, to 3,894 in 2024, and 6,521 in 2025, indicating rising interest in Pintuyan’s marine wildlife encounters.

The local government thanked tourists, tour operators, stakeholders, and community members for supporting sustainable tourism practices that prioritize marine conservation.
Despite the seasonal closure of whale shark interactions, Engr. Alapag said visitors can still enjoy other tourism activities in the municipality, including pygmy squid catching at the port, jigging, spearfishing, snorkeling, diving, mountain trekking, waterfall visits, and excursions to Mt. Caningag Resort.

He emphasized that whale shark tourism in Pintuyan is governed by strict guidelines that prohibit feeding, baiting, and physical contact with the animals, allowing them to migrate and surface naturally while protecting marine biodiversity in Sogod Bay.

Alapag also highlighted the economic impact of the program, noting that many residents who were previously dependent on farming and fishing have found alternative livelihoods as boat operators, tour guides, and whale shark spotters.

He said tourism growth has also benefited local businesses such as inns, restaurants, transport services, and other related enterprises.

One of the most significant outcomes, officials added, has been the transformation of former illegal fishers into active partners in marine conservation efforts.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday inspected the ongoing P28.73-billion rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway in Samar, saying the project will significantly improve mobility in Eastern Visayas and cut travel time between Tacloban City and Catbalogan City by more than an hour once completed in August 2026.

Accompanied by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, the President visited the project site in Pinabacdao town, where he was welcomed by Mayor Viannery Dy Mabag and other local officials.

Marcos said the rehabilitation of the key highway corridor is expected to boost regional connectivity, facilitate the faster movement of people and goods, and support economic growth across Samar and neighboring provinces.

Once completed, travel time between Tacloban and Catbalogan is expected to be reduced from approximately three hours to one hour and 45 minutes, providing motorists with a safer and more efficient route.

The President also stressed the need to ensure that the project meets quality standards and is completed on schedule.

The rehabilitation covers a major section of the Maharlika Highway, also known as the Pan-Philippine Highway, the country’s principal land transportation network linking Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao.

In Eastern Visayas, the highway stretches 395.52 kilometers from Allen, Northern Samar, to San Ricardo, Southern Leyte, with about 205.75 kilometers traversing Samar province. The road serves as a critical corridor for passenger transport, commerce, agriculture, tourism, and government services.

Government officials said the rehabilitation project is intended to address aging and deteriorated road sections that have been affected by years of heavy use and adverse weather conditions.

Beyond reducing travel time, the upgraded highway is expected to lower transportation costs, improve logistics for farmers, fisherfolk, and businesses, and enhance access to schools, hospitals, government offices, and other essential services.

Officials also noted that the improved road network will strengthen disaster response capabilities by ensuring safer and more reliable routes for relief and recovery operations during emergencies and natural calamities.

The rehabilitation works are targeted for completion in August 2026, marking a major step in the government’s efforts to modernize infrastructure and improve connectivity in Eastern Visayas.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)