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Aquaculture firm eyes 300 hectares for N. Samar expansion

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TACLOBAN CITY – A giant aquaculture firm is seeking 300 hectares of coastal area in Northern Samar to support its production of farm-raised seafood.

The Northern Samar provincial government reported on Thursday that Nortberto Chingcuanco, Fisher Farms Inc. vice president of corporate planning, led a site assessment and stakeholders meeting with fishermen from the coastal towns of San Jose, Palapag, and Laoang from Oct. 7 to 9.

“Fisher Farms expressed their intention to set up sea fish cages in Northern Samar to support their exports of high-quality seafood to the US, Canada, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe,” Jhon Allen Berbon, Northern Samar provincial economic development and investment promotions office, said in a phone interview.

To date, the aquaculture firm has the largest number of sea fish cages in the country, and the majority of its business is driven by its milkfish products.

Fisher Farms grows most of its milkfish in the seawaters of Pangasinan. It is then made into deli, breaded, smoked, marinated, ready to heat, and unseasoned milkfish. The company also offers raw, breaded shrimp, and cooked shrimp.

“The firm actively engaged with fishermen, sharing insights and strategies to elevate sustainable practices. They also facilitated a connection for a local resident of Palapag with a businessman interested in sourcing crabs, demonstrating commitment to local empowerment,” Berbon said.

The official said the Board of Investments, through Investment Assistance Service rector Ernesto Delos Reyes, has been instrumental in linking the provincial government with Fisher Farms Inc. (PNA)

United States donates P5 million in equipment to support fisheries in Ilocos Norte

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Manila-The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), turned over P5 million ($89,500) in aquaculture equipment to the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte to support fisherfolk in sustainably farming tilapia.
USAID Philippines Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks handed over the donation to Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc at the government-owned Pasuquin Fish Farm on October 10.

“The United States is proud to support fishers in Ilocos Norte with tools that can increase their income and create resilient communities,” Deputy Mission Director Eubanks said. “These supplies will help fishers, especially those impacted by the recent Super Typhoon Julian, restore their livelihood and contribute to long-term food security by increasing affordable sources of protein for local communities.”

“I’d like to express my deepest and sincerest gratitude to USAID on behalf of our fisherfolk and on behalf of over 610,000 Ilocanos. We really look forward to working closer with USAID for the benefit of our Ilocanos,” Governor Manotoc said.

The donation includes a generator, a 1,000-watt solar-powered outdoor light, a ring blower, an oxygen tank, a submersible pump, an aerator for a paddle wheel, a sewing machine for net production and repair, fish fingerlings, fish breeders, and feed.

The equipment and supplies are expected to boost the farm’s current tilapia production by 20 percent by ensuring a stable supply of electricity, increasing the stock of fingerlings and breeders, and maximizing the facility’s overall efficiency.

USAID also donated fish cages to 70 fishers representing fisherfolk associations from the municipalities of Pasuquin, Bangui, and Pagudpud, and whose fishing equipment were damaged by Super Typhoon Julian.

This assistance is part of USAID’s P41-million grant to Impl. Project Philippines to create conservation-based livelihood projects, help manage marine protected areas, and conduct research and development into seaweed and aquaculture farming in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, and Palawan.

While in Ilocos Norte, Deputy Mission Director Eubanks also reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to boosting innovation, education, and economic development in the region.
On October 9, Deputy Mission Director Eubanks visited the Batac Campus of Mariano Marcos State University to mark its inclusion in a network of 22 universities under USAID’s Energy Secure Philippines (ESP) project.

Through this program, USAID provides career mentoring to help students embark on successful careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. She also launched USAID’s WISER app, an interactive platform that educates the public about renewable energy.

She also delivered remarks at the graduation ceremony of 91 young Ilocanos who completed a 15-day course in construction as part of USAID’s YouthWorks PH project. This course helped the graduates obtain jobs at construction firms such as AsiaPro, Worklife, and Datem.

During her visit, Deputy Mission Director Eubanks witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between USAID’s U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation, and Lifelong Learning (UPSKILL) Program and the Ilocos Norte Regional Development Council’s Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee.

This new partnership will create new relationships and strengthen existing cooperation between the government, private sector, and the academia to align investments and foster innovation that will drive growth and development in the region. (PR)

DPWH Leyte 4th DEO joins international coastal clean-up

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ALBUERA,Leyte – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) took part in the International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) at Brgy. Tinag-an, Albuera, Leyte on Friday, October 4, 2024.

Assistant District Engineer Peter Scheler V. Soco, who led the team of volunteers, remarked, “This beautiful stretch of coastline is an important part of our community and we’re all here to do our part in keeping it clean and safe.”

Equipped with brooms, gloves, and other cleaning materials, employees from the DEO diligently combed the coastline, collecting trash and debris that had accumulated along the shore. Their collective efforts resulted in the retrieval of 90 sacks of waste.

OIC-District Engineer Rosita A. Tinawin also highlighted the broader impact of the activity stating, “Taking part in this activity is an important reminder that the work we do goes beyond building infrastructure but also in protecting the environment. Every small action we take today helps ensure that our coastlines remain healthy and inspires everyone to consider the well-being of our surrounding.”

The ICC, an initiative spearheaded by The Ocean Conservancy, is celebrated globally and aims to address the growing issue of ocean pollution by gathering volunteers to clean coastal areas. (PR)

Romualdez seeks 3rd term as Tacloban mayor; Grafil among seeking council seat

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CANDIDATES. Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez(left) formalized his reelection bid as he filed his certificate of candidacy on October 8 at the city office of the Commission on Elections. Among the candidates who filed for council seats is Dandee Grafil. (PHOTO COURTESY)
CANDIDATES. Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez(left) formalized his reelection bid as he filed his certificate of candidacy on October 8 at the city office of the Commission on Elections. Among the candidates who filed for council seats is Dandee Grafil. (PHOTO COURTESY)

TACLOBAN CITY – Mayor Alfred Romualdez is seeking for another as he filed his certificate of candidacy (CoC) on the last day of filing for those running for the May 12, 2025 elections.

Romualdez, who filed his CoC on Oct.8, is seeking his third and final term as mayor of Tacloban, the regional capital, under the banner of the Nacionalista Party.

Joining him once again is his son, Raymund Romualdez, who is running for vice mayor.
Raymund previously ran for the same position in the 2022 elections.

Also in the running is Dandee Grafil, husband of outgoing Councilor Aimee Grafil, who is serving her third and last term.

Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., expressed enthusiasm about his candidacy, saying he is eager to continue serving the people of Tacloban.

“I am excited to run again for mayor. It’s been a long journey, and I want to continue that journey. Tacloban has been recognized as the most improved highly urbanized city in the country,” Romualdez said after filing his CoC at around 10:18 a.m. at the Commission on Elections city office.

He also outlined his priorities, including addressing the city’s insufficient water supply, which has become a pressing issue due to the growing population and demand.

“We plan to fix it, and Taclobanons can expect to see improvements by next year,” he added.

Romualdez will face off against Renato Sipaco, a former village chairman, in the mayoral race.

Among those vying for city council seats in next year’s election is Renato Sardena, a 41-year-old security guard running as an independent.

When asked why he decided to run for office, Sardena declined to provide details.
“It’s a personal matter. Wait until the campaign period starts, and I will explain my reasons,” he said. (JOEY A. GABIETA)

Last day of filing in EV marked by CoC withdrawals

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GOV. BEN EVARDONE

Among them was Gov. Evardone

GOV. BEN EVARDONE

TACLOBAN CITY — The final day of filing certificates of candidacy (CoCs) for the May 12, 2025, elections in Eastern Visayas saw several unexpected developments.

Among those making headlines was Governor Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, who withdrew his CoC for reelection, allowing his son, Ralph Vincent “RV” Evardone, to take his place as a gubernatorial candidate.

Initially, RV had filed his CoC for a councilor position in their hometown of Sulat.
The elder Evardone, who was set to run for his third and final term as governor, explained that he was stepping aside to volunteer for the senatorial candidates of the ruling party, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.

His decision led to his son’s substitution in the gubernatorial race, where RV will now face Quinapondan Mayor Rafael Asebias.

In Palompon, Leyte, another surprise unfolded when incumbent Mayor Ramon Oñate withdrew from his reelection bid.

His 25-year-old daughter, Mary Dominique Oñate, will now run for mayor in his place.
The elder Oñate, who was seeking a second term, had been dismissed from office by the Office of the Ombudsman after being found guilty of grave misconduct and dishonesty related to the misuse of government funds during his time as vice mayor.

Mary Dominique, in a local media interview, revealed that her candidacy stemmed from what her family perceived as political persecution against her father.

“I never wanted this,” she admitted. “But sometimes, life calls us to fight battles we didn’t plan for. My father’s work in Palompon is not done, and I will see to it that his legacy is honored, not tarnished by those who owe him their very positions.”

Her father has been active in politics since 1995, having served as mayor of Palompon for several terms. Mary Dominique will face former mayor Georgina Arevalo in the upcoming mayoral election.

Meanwhile, in Eastern Samar’s lone congressional district, what was expected to be an easy reelection campaign for Representative Maria Fe Abunda has turned into a contest.

Former Guiuan Mayor Christopher Sheen Gonzales, who also served as the province’s vice governor, filed his CoC as an independent candidate. Abunda, on the other hand, is running under the Lakas-CMD party.

Gonzales said he was compelled to run after being encouraged by several incumbent mayors who are facing challengers allied with Abunda.

This move comes after Abunda and 4Ps party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan reportedly forged an agreement, with Libanan agreeing not to challenge her reelection in exchange for her not fielding candidates against his allied mayors.

“I vow to serve our people here in Eastern Samar,” Gonzales pledged.

In Northern Samar, another surprising development occurred when Governor Edwin Ongchuan opted not to seek reelection.

Instead, he is running for the province’s second congressional district, with his cousin, Representative Harris Christopher Ongchuan, taking his place in the gubernatorial race.
Both cousins are currently serving their second terms in their respective offices.

JOEY A. GABIETA

Ormoc City wins at 2024 ATOP PEARL AWARD

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TACLOBAN CITY – The city of Ormoc triumphed at the prestigious 2024 PEARL Awards of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP), winning three accolades during the 25th Silver National Convention hosted by the Provincial Government of South Cotabato on Thursday, October 10.

Ormoc City claimed the grand prize for best sports tourism in the independent/component city category for its successful hosting of the 2023 Philippine Summer Ball Dancesport Championship.

The city also earned first runner-up for best practices in community-based tourism for its program, “Chasing Eco-Tourism Dreams: From Mountains to Mangroves – Ormoc Tourism L.E.A.D.S. Program”, which focuses on sustainable tourism development and community empowerment.

Additionally, Ormoc was recognized as second runner-up in the best event hosting category for the Road to Blue Zone event, further showcasing the city’s ability to host high-impact events that draw attention from visitors and stakeholders alike.

This isn’t the first time Ormoc has received recognition from ATOP. Last year, the city garnered four awards, including the grand champion title for Best Local Event Hosting in the City Category.

The ATOP Pearl Awards honor local government units and tourism industry stakeholders for their best practices, innovations, and initiatives that contribute to the growth and promotion of the country’s tourism sector.

The awards are organized by tourism officers from various municipalities, cities, and provinces nationwide.

Categories for the ATOP Pearl Awards include best tourism souvenirs (non-food), best tourism month/week celebration, best practices in community-based tourism, best tourism promotions, best practices in sustainable tourism, best event hosting, most outstanding tourism officers organization, most outstanding tourism officers, best sports tourism event, best tourism event (festival), best institutionalized program for culture and the arts, and best tourism-related LGU.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

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