TACLOBAN CITY — The Tingog party-list, represented by Reps. Yedda Romualdez, Andrew Romualdez, and Jude Acidre, has filed a total of 177 bills in the first regular session of the 19th Congress, including 14 measures identified as priorities under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The party-list group said the volume of proposed measures reflects its commitment to “people-centered governance,” focusing on the needs of ordinary Filipinos rather than political interests.

“Every bill we file is rooted in the stories and struggles of ordinary Filipinos — from mothers feeding their families to workers seeking stability,” Tingog said in a statement issued on Thursday, Oct. 23.

Among its key LEDAC-aligned measures are proposals to strengthen food security and healthcare, such as the Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment (RICE) Act, Universal Health Care amendments, and the Geriatric Health Act;expand access to education and social welfare through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Act and the Private Basic Education Voucher Assistance Act; promote transparency and economic growth with amendments to the Bank Secrecy Law and the MSME Magna Carta; enhance digital resilience with the proposed Cybersecurity Act; and advance sustainable development through the National Land Use Act, Blue Economy Act, and National Water Resources Act.

Tingog said its legislative efforts aim to translate “stories of hardship into policies of hope,” emphasizing service and compassion in public leadership.

“Our mission is clear: to put people at the heart of governance by listening with compassion, leading with integrity, and ensuring no one is left behind,” the group said.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial government of Samar, in partnership with the Department of Tourism–Eastern Visayas (DOT Region VIII), has launched the Dancing Samar Legacy Program in Calbayog City — a 35-day initiative aimed at promoting cultural pride and developing local dance talents across the province.

The program opened on Monday, Oct.20, with more than 100 participants, including students and choreographers, joining intensive workshops that combine technical dance training with lessons on Samar’s cultural heritage.

Spearheading the sessions was renowned choreographer Douglas Nierras, who serves as lead trainer and facilitator. His role involves mentoring participants on performance techniques while deepening their understanding of local traditions and creative expression.
Provincial officials said the program forms part of Samar’s broader effort to strengthen its identity as a center for arts, culture, and tourism in Eastern Visayas. It seeks to nurture the next generation of dance artists while preserving and reinterpreting the province’s unique heritage through movement and storytelling.

The program will culminate in a grand performance showcase, highlighting the participants’ artistic journey and celebrating the vibrant cultural spirit of Samar.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY— Bishop Crispin Varquez of the Diocese of Borongan has called on the faithful to confront the country’s continuing social ills — including poverty, injustice, and corruption — as the diocese marked its 65th founding anniversary on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
In his pastoral message titled “Have Loved You with an Everlasting Love” (Jer. 31:3), issued on the occasion of the diocese’s milestone celebration, Bishop Varquez reminded the clergy and laity alike that their mission as a Church goes beyond worship, urging them to “be the hands and feet of Christ” in addressing the problems that plague Filipino society today.
“Our current realities present many challenges to us. The continuing scourge of poverty and injustice, the scandal of corruption and lack of accountability offer us an opportunity to give witness to the Gospel,” Bishop Varquez said.

He urged the Church in Eastern Samar to actively promote justice, peace, human dignity, and care for creation, describing these as integral to living out the Gospel in contemporary times.

“We are called to be a Church that listens and responds, a Church that walks alongside our people,” he said, adding that even small acts done “with great love,” echoing St. Mother Teresa, can make a difference.

The prelate’s message, released as part of the diocese’s theme “Graced 65 Years: Together let us Honor the Past, Serve the Present, and Embrace the Future,” also reflected on the faith journey of the local Church, founded in 1959.

Bishop Varquez paid tribute to the early missionaries and leaders who helped build the diocese, acknowledging their sacrifices and faith that “continue to bear fruit in the thriving Church we have become.”

He also called for unity and hope as the diocese moves forward amid uncertainty, drawing inspiration from Scripture: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).

The Diocese of Borongan, which serves the entire province of Eastern Samar, was established on October 22, 1959, through the apostolic constitution Cum Ecclesia Catholica issued by Pope John XXIII.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)