BAYBAY CITY — Leyte Division opened its medal hunt in style at the 2026 Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet as Crisha Mae Tajaros captured the first gold for the province in the Secondary Girls 3,000-meter run on Monday, March 2.
The victory, achieved at the New Binaybayon Sports Complex, gave Leyte’s 838-strong delegation an early boost in its bid for overall championship.

“Crisha Mae’s triumph is a shining example of what our athletes can achieve through hard work and determination. This win marks the start of a remarkable journey for her and the Leyte Division team,” said Department of Education (DepEd) Leyte Division Superintendent Mariza Magan.

Tajaros has built an impressive track record, winning gold at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte and recently securing a silver medal in the 3,000-meter run at the 14th ASEAN Schools Games in Brunei, the Philippines’ first podium finish at the tournament.
“Crisha Mae has set the bar high for our young athletes, and we expect great things from her and the rest of the Leyte Division team,” Magan added.

The DepEd Eastern Visayas Regional Office, which organizes the annual competition, hailed Tajaros’ performance as “a moment of pride, a triumph of endurance, and a victory for Leyte.”

“Crisha Mae dominated the track, proving that champions are built through discipline, resilience, and heart. Every stride reflected months of preparation, sacrifice, and an unbreakable spirit to bring honor to Leyte,” the regional office said.

The office further noted that the victory “sets the tone for EVRAA 2026—strong, focused, and fearless,” emphasizing that the win symbolizes what young athletes can achieve when passion meets perseverance.

The weeklong EVRAA Meet, Eastern Visayas’ largest inter-school sports tournament, has drawn over 10,000 participants, including student-athletes, coaches, trainers, and officials from 13 schools divisions.

The competition also serves as a qualifier to select the region’s representatives for the upcoming Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur.

(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Samar Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone has ordered an assessment and renovation of ‘Balay Darangpan’, a province-run temporary shelter for neglected and abused women and children in Eastern Samar, to ensure safer and more humane living conditions for its residents.

Balay Darangpan, established in 2001, operates under the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and serves as a temporary refuge for vulnerable women and children from various towns across the province.

The facility provides protection, basic needs, and psychosocial support to residents who have experienced abuse, neglect, and other forms of hardship.

During his inspection, Evardone was joined by representatives from the PSWDO and the Provincial Engineering Office, including department head Engr. Sixto Limbauan.

The team evaluated the structural condition of the building and identified areas requiring repair and upgrading to enhance safety, comfort, and overall functionality.

Currently, the center houses nine children under the supervision of four house parents who work on a rotating schedule to ensure round-the-clock care and guidance.

The governor emphasized the importance of maintaining a secure and child-friendly environment, noting that many of the residents have endured traumatic experiences at a young age. He said the provincial government must ensure that the shelter provides not only protection but also a nurturing space that supports healing and recovery.

Provincial officials said the planned renovations will focus on improving living quarters, strengthening structural integrity, and upgrading essential facilities. The initiative aims to enable Balay Darangpan to continue functioning not just as a temporary shelter, but as a safe haven where residents can rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — An injured sparrow hawk was successfully treated and returned to the wild after a coordinated rescue and rehabilitation effort by local authorities in Ormoc City on February 12, 2026.

The bird was turned over by a concerned resident to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) after it was found injured and in need of assistance. To ensure its safety and prevent further harm, the hawk was temporarily secured while awaiting proper assessment.

Upon turnover, the bird was examined by veterinarians from the City Veterinary Office. The medical team found minor injuries and immediately administered appropriate medication along with multivitamins to aid its recovery. Following veterinary advice, the hawk was placed under close observation for two days to monitor its condition and response to treatment.

After showing clear signs of improvement and regaining strength, the sparrow hawk was released back into its natural habitat.

City officials said the successful rescue highlights the importance of swift reporting and inter-agency coordination in protecting local wildlife. Authorities emphasized that wild birds and other native species are protected under Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which prohibits the hunting, possession, and harm of wildlife without proper authorization.

Residents are encouraged to report injured, distressed, or displaced wildlife to the City ENRO or the Bureau of Fire Protection to ensure proper rescue and handling procedures.
Local officials said community vigilance plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance in urban and rural areas alike.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)