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Northern Samar expands educational access through school building projects in remote areas

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SCHOOL BUILDINGS. At least 25 school buildings were constructed across Northern Samar for the past three years, an indication that the administration of Gov. Edwin Ongchuan is giving premium on education. (THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
SCHOOL BUILDINGS. At least 25 school buildings were constructed across Northern Samar for the past three years, an indication that the administration of Gov. Edwin Ongchuan is giving premium on education.
(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)

TACLOBAN CITY – Over the past three years, the provincial government of Northern Samar has successfully funded the construction of school buildings, particularly in remote and underserved communities across the province.

This initiative, supported by the Special Education Fund (SEF), aims to complement the national government’s efforts to increase educational access and reduce barriers to learning.

Under Governor Edwin Ongchuan’s leadership, the provincial government is committed to ensuring that all Nortehanon children, regardless of location, have access to quality educational facilities that foster their potential and prepare them to become future leaders.
To date, 25 school buildings have been completed through provincial funding.

Some of these schools include Vinisitahan Elementary School in Brgy. Vinisitahan, San Antonio; Madrasah School Building and Francisco Rosales Sr. National High School in Catarman; Pambujan National High School Canjumadal Annex and the ALS Learning Hub “Balay ni Mano Emil” in Pambujan; Cabongaan Vocational School in Brgy. Cabongaan, Silvino Lobos; San Miguel National High School and Quirino Elementary School in Las Navas; Rombang Elementary School and Catigbian National High School in Laoang; Mapanas Central Elementary School in Mapanas; Hitapian Elementary School and Osang Elementary School in Catubig under the Barangay Development Program, with ongoing construction at Magtuad Elementary School and Roxas Elementary School in Catubig.

The single-story school buildings include basic amenities such as restrooms, green boards, and energy-efficient lighting to foster an optimal learning environment. Designed with accessibility in mind, the facilities feature ramps to accommodate students with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity for all learners.

Rombang Elementary school head Ma. Laurene Denura expressed gratitude for the province’s commitment to advancing education.

“Thank you, Governor Edwin Ongchuan, for your continued support and dedication to our children’s education. May your leadership bring more services and assistance to Northern Samar,” Denura said.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Maripipi welcomes international cruise tourism, embraces economic opportunities

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CRUISE DESTINATION. The island town of Maripipi, Biliran is emerging as a cruise destination. Just last week, the municipality played host to international guests who were on board of the Coral Adventurer. (DOT-EASTERN VISAYAS)
CRUISE DESTINATION. The island town of Maripipi, Biliran is emerging as a cruise destination. Just last week, the municipality played host to international guests who were on board of the Coral Adventurer. (DOT-EASTERN VISAYAS)

TACLOBAN CITY – Maripipi Island’s selection as a stop for international cruise ships visiting the Philippines is not only a privilege but an honor, said Mayor Joseph Caingcoy of Maripipi, Biliran, who sees it as a gateway to growth and opportunity for the island municipality.

Maripipi has hosted two international cruise ships since joining the cruise tourism circuit: the Coral Adventurer in 2023 and the Coral Geographer this year, bringing foreign tourists keen on shore excursions and cultural immersion.

“This visit greatly promotes and markets our town to tourists, which will in turn boost arrivals and result in economic gains,” Mayor Caingcoy shared.

“If more tourists and investors come, this means development for our municipality, more job opportunities, and additional livelihood and income for our people.”

He noted that a key part of their development agenda is positioning Maripipi as a notable destination, both nationally and globally.

One of Maripipi’s preparations for the expected rise in tourism is the promotion of a homestay program to address the limited accommodations available on the island.

Currently, 11 homeowners have been trained in homestay management by the Department of Tourism in Eastern Visayas, with plans to expand the program to include all 13 barangays in Maripipi.

“Homestays are ideal for our island, as they allow tourists to immerse in the local way of life, traditions, and culture,” Mayor Caingcoy explained. “We’re focusing on improving and organizing our homestay program to enhance the visitor experience.”

Additionally, the local government is working to revitalize traditional crafts by encouraging youth engagement in nito weaving and pottery-making, skills predominantly held by the older generations.

“The younger generation is gradually moving away from these crafts, so we’re encouraging them to engage in pottery and weaving. We hope this sparks curiosity and appreciation for these art forms,” Caingcoy said.

During cruise visits, tourists are invited to participate in these traditional activities, meeting local artisans and visiting villages where nito weaving and pottery-making have been practiced for generations. Guests also explore Sambawan Island, one of Maripipi’s marine sanctuaries, renowned for its crescent-shaped beach, snorkeling spots, and scuba diving.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Leyte fishermen reap benefits from BFAR-SAAD set net project

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TACLOBAN CITY – Fisherfolk in Tolosa, Leyte have seen immediate returns from the Set Net (Lambaklad) project granted through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) initiative.

Just 12 days after installation, the Golden Fish Warrior Fisherfolk Association (GFWFA) harvested 1.4 tons of assorted fish, generating over P277,593 in revenue from catches made between October 11 and 22, 2024.

The 31 members of GFWFA successfully caught various fish species, including trevally, barracuda, queen fish, batfish, pompano, mackerel, blue marlin, bigeye tuna, yellowtail and torpedo scad, angelfish, lizardfish, pomfret, and white tongue jack. These were sold within Tolosa and to local buyers at market prices ranging from P170-P280 per kilo.

GFWFA joined the SAAD program’s Phase II this year, where they participated in social preparation activities, capacity-building, and specialized training focused on sustainable fishing practices, as well as operational and maintenance skills for the Lambaklad project.
“Thank you, SAAD, for giving us hope to improve our livelihoods. As long as we’re here, we’ll ensure this project thrives and succeeds,” said Erwin Sarino, GFWFA president.
As a program beneficiary, GFWFA received P2.2 million in Lambaklad inputs, fulfilling the program’s Food Production and Livelihood component.

“The entire group is grateful for the support SAAD has given us. This is a big help for our daily needs, especially for our senior members who can no longer go far out to sea,” said Basilio Zabala, a senior member and vice president of the association.

In 2025, the Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) of Leyte, led by provincial fishery officer Loreginia Briones, will continue supporting the association with Capability Enhancement Training on Values, Advocacy, Networking, and Linkages.
The program will also provide post-harvest materials and techniques to diversify income sources and ensure sustained profitability.

For 2024, a total of P9.18 million has been allocated to PPMSO Leyte to support eight fisherfolk associations comprising 264 marginalized members across municipalities classified as 5th and 6th class income areas.

These projects, designed to aid some of the province’s poorest communities, include Bangus Production in HDPE Cages, Tilapia Production in Ponds, and Raft Oyster Culture with Aquasilviculture, Shallow Water Payao projects, and the Lambaklad project itself.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Flood mitigation project nears rollout

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INTERNATIONAL CRUISE SHIP VISIT – A foreign guest enjoys the pristine beauty of Higatangan Island off Naval, Biliran, during a visit by international tourists aboard the MV Coral Geographer, an Australian-based cruise ship that stopped at the island on November 2. (Photo courtesy of LGU Naval)
INTERNATIONAL CRUISE SHIP VISIT – A foreign guest enjoys the pristine beauty of Higatangan Island off Naval, Biliran, during a visit by international tourists aboard the MV Coral Geographer, an Australian-based cruise ship that stopped at the island on November 2. (Photo courtesy of LGU Naval)

In Northern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY-The Integrated Flood Management Project in Northern Samar, prioritizing the flood-prone town of Catubig, is nearing implementation as planning and assessments continue, according to Jan Allen Berbon, head of the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO).

While the project is set to cover the entire province, Catubig has been given priority due to its high flood risk and importance as a major rice-producing hub.

“Catubig is a key area for Northern Samar, not only because of its high flood vulnerability from the Catubig River, the largest in the province, but also due to its vital role as our primary rice granary,” Berbon said.

During Severe Tropical Storm ‘Kristine’ last month, floodwaters in Catubig reached up to 4.35 meters, particularly affecting the town center, as reported by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.

The town has approximately 4,250 hectares of rice fields, yielding an annual production of 13,306 metric tons.

In March 2024, Governor Edwin Ongchuan signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea’s Kyong-Ho Engineering and KCleng Co. Ltd.

This led to the pre-master plan study, conducted on October 28, led by Vice Governor Clarence Dato along with representatives from the engineering firm.

The study included assessments of current flood infrastructure, river flow patterns, and high-tide impacts to determine effective flood management strategies.

Berbon mentioned that funding details are yet to be addressed. However, the provincial government plans to seek national funding support once the study is finalized.

The project aims to reduce flood levels in Catubig by an initial target of 0.45 meters and includes proposals for constructing a sluice gate at the Catubig River Estuary and a multipurpose dam to aid in flood control, water storage, and electricity generation.

“This initiative aligns with Governor Ongchuan’s vision to build a safer, more resilient future for Northern Samar communities, particularly in critical agricultural areas like Catubig,” Berbon noted.

The project’s ultimate goal is to enhance flood resilience for Northern Samar’s agricultural regions, reducing the severe economic and social impacts of recurrent flooding.

(JOEY A. GABIETA with report ROEL T. AMAZONA)

DZR Airport reopens Iloilo and Davao flights; seen to boost tourism, economy

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CONNECTIVITY. Flights from Tacloban to Iloilo and Davao have resumed beginning October 29, paving the way for more tourists and even investors coming to Tacloban City and the rest of the region.Photo shows the Daniel Z. Romualdez(DZR) Airport, the premier airport of Eastern Visayas. (PHOTO COURTESY)
CONNECTIVITY. Flights from Tacloban to Iloilo and Davao have resumed beginning October 29, paving the way for more tourists and even investors coming to Tacloban City and the rest of the region.Photo shows the Daniel Z. Romualdez(DZR) Airport, the premier airport of Eastern Visayas.
(PHOTO COURTESY)

TACLOBAN CITY – Direct flights from Tacloban City to Iloilo and Davao have resumed as of October 29, strengthening Eastern Visayas’ connections to other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.

This new connectivity is expected to boost regional tourism and facilitate economic ties.
The Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport, which already serves flights to Manila and Cebu, now includes routes to Iloilo and Davao, both operated by Cebu Pacific.

The Department of Tourism Eastern Visayas (DOT-8) welcomed these additions, seeing them as vital for promoting Eastern Visayas as a prime travel destination.

DOT-8 Regional Director Karen Rosa Tiopes emphasized that improved air connectivity is essential for increasing visitor arrivals by making the region more accessible.

“This expanded connectivity offers new opportunities to attract tourists from Western Visayas and Mindanao. Local tourism businesses can now more easily collaborate with counterparts in Iloilo and Davao, expanding their market reach,” Tiopes said.

The DOT is also hopeful for future expansions, particularly a Tacloban-Clark route, which would connect Eastern Visayas with Northern Luzon, further enhancing accessibility and tourism growth.

The Tacloban-Iloilo flights are scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, while the Tacloban-Davao flights operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

These routes were originally suspended in 2013 following the devastation of Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’.

This relaunch coincides with an extensive rehabilitation project at DZR Airport, which received over PhP1 billion for upgrades to support more flights and larger commercial aircraft.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista inspected the airport on October 11, underscoring its importance as a priority project under the Marcos administration.

Currently, DZR Airport handles up to 21 daily flights to Cebu and Manila, serving over 1.5 million passengers in 2023.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)

Eastern Samar hospitals earn over P118 million in 2023 through PhilHealth and aid programs

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TACLOBAN CITY – Despite offering free healthcare services, hospitals under the provincial government of Eastern Samar generated an income of more than P118.21 million last year.
This was disclosed by Governor Ben Evardone who said that the revenue came primarily from payments received through PhilHealth, Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP), Malasakit, and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

According to records, the Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital in Borongan City led with earnings of P62.82 million followed by Felipe Abrigo Memorial Hospital in Guiuan with P24.92 million and Oras District Hospital in Oras, P8.43 million.

Other hospitals contributing to the total income include General MacArthur Memorial Hospital in General MacArthur, P6.77 million; Albino Duran Memorial Hospital in Balangiga, P5.21 million; Llorente District Hospital in Llorente, P3.30 million; Can-avid District Hospital, Can-avid, P2.60 million; Quinapondan District Hospital in Quinapondan, P2.48 million; Taft District Hospital in Taft atP1.0 4 million; and Arteche District Hospital in Arteche, P596, 428.

Gov. Evardone emphasized that all hospital income is reinvested to improve health services, ensuring better medical support for the people of Eastern Samar.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

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