ORMOC CITY-A pedicab driver was found lifeless in the waters of Barangay Iniguihan, Bato, Leyte on the evening of Thursday, February 26, authorities reported.
The victim, identified only as alias “Anton,” of legal age, single, and a resident of Barangay Tinago, Bato, was discovered floating near the local dike around 6:00 p.m. by concerned citizens who immediately alerted police.
Bato Municipal Police Station, responding to the call, confirmed that local rescue responders had already retrieved the body and transferred it to shore.
The victim was then transported by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) to Hilongos District Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival (DOA) by the attending physician.
Initial investigation revealed that Anton was reportedly a frequent consumer of alcoholic beverages. Eyewitnesses said he had been drinking at a store owned by a certain “Dan” and later continued drinking at another nearby establishment. According to his companions, he excused himself to urinate but did not return. Hours later, he was found floating in the seawater.The Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Probo Quijano, conducted a post-mortem examination, which confirmed that the cause of death was drowning and found no signs of foul play.
The cadaver was subsequently released to his relatives in Barangay Tinago for final rites.
Authorities continue to remind residents to exercise caution near water bodies, especially after alcohol consumption.
EVRAA MEET 2026. Young athletes from the 13 school divisions in the region are to compete for various sporting events for five days in this year’s EVRAA Meet in Baybay City which opened on Sunday, March 1. Governors and mayors from the region graced the opening ceremony with Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro as the guest of honor. (PHOTO COURTESY)
EVRAA MEET 2026. Young athletes from the 13 school divisions in the region are to compete for various sporting events for five days in this year’s EVRAA Meet in Baybay City which opened on Sunday, March 1. Governors and mayors from the region graced the opening ceremony with Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro as the guest of honor. (PHOTO COURTESY)
BAYBAY CITY — The 2026 Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet officially opened Sunday, March 1, this city, with Mayor Jose Carlo Cari welcoming more than 10,000 athletes, coaches, trainers, and chaperons from 13 Schools Division Offices of the Department of Education (DepEd) Region VIII.
The weeklong regional sports competition, held from March 1 to 7, formally kicked off at the newly-built Binaybayon Sports Complex, drawing thousands of participants and supporters from across Eastern Visayas.
In his welcome message, Cari highlighted Baybay City’s upgraded sports facilities, particularly the newly completed Binaybayon Sports Complex, which serves as the main venue of the games.
He also invited delegates and visitors to explore the city’s tourist destinations, including Lintaon Peak, the “16,000 Blossoms” garden, pilgrimage sites such as Pomponan Church and Punta Church, the sea-of-clouds view in Villa Solidaridad, and the city’s boardwalk known for its local barbecue.
The mayor expressed gratitude to the provincial government of Leyte led by his cousin, Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the Baybay City Council, DepEd Region VIII, and his son, Rep. Carl Nicolas Cari, for their support, particularly in ensuring funding for the completion of the sports complex.
He also thanked the Philippine National Police for maintaining peace and order throughout the event.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro was the guest speaker as she underscored the role of sports in shaping discipline, leadership, and resilience among the youth.
“Sports teaches us lessons that go far beyond medals and trophies. It teaches us discipline, teamwork, humility in victory, and grace in defeat. True sportsmanship is not just about winning—it is about respecting your teammate, your opponent, and the journey that brings all of us together on the same playing field,” she said.
DepEd Regional Director Ramir Firmo, in his message, emphasized camaraderie, respect, and excellence as guiding principles throughout the games. He urged athletes to give their best in every event while upholding integrity and sportsmanship.
Firmo also thanked the Baybay City local government for hosting the regional meet, lauding the city’s preparedness, hospitality, and strong partnership with the Baybay City Division to ensure the smooth conduct of the games. He likewise acknowledged the support of local government units across Eastern Visayas in nurturing young athletic talents.
A total of 7,992 athletes from 13 delegations are competing in various sporting events across different categories during the regional meet.
The opening ceremony gathered local chief executives, DepEd officials, tournament directors, coaches, parents, and thousands of student-athletes who proudly marched under their respective division banners.
Among the officials present were Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, Biliran Governor Rogelio Espina, Eastern Samar Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone, Southern Leyte Vice Governor Emilia Mercado, Catbalogan City Councilor Stephany Uy representing Mayor Dexter Uy, Calbayog City Vice Mayor Rex Daguman, Board Member Bembot Bermejo representing Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan, Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales and Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez and his wife, Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez.
The total value of exports in Eastern Visayas in November 2025 amounted to USD 3.48 million, representing an annual decline of 98.1 percent from USD 185.02 million in November 2024.
Meanwhile, total imports decreased by 96.8 percent, dropping from
USD 465.44 million in November 2024 to USD 15.07 million in November 2025.
The significant decline in exports affected the region’s trade balance, which was recorded at –USD 11.59 million in November 2025. This narrowed the region’s trade deficit by 95.9 percent compared with the USD 280.42 million deficit reported in November 2024.
Overall, total trade in November 2025 amounted to USD 18.55 million, registering a 97.1 percent decrease from the USD 650.46 million total trade in November 2024.
Eastern Visayas exported 113.35 million kilograms of goods in November 2025, which was 43.8 percent higher than the volume exported in November 2024 at 78.85 million kilograms.
Ores, slag and ash commodity group worth USD 3.13 million comprised the bulk or 89.9 percent of the total value of exports in November 2025.
The People’s Republic of China was the top export destination in November 2025, contributing USD 2.98 million, or more than four-fifths (85.7%) of total exports for the month.
The region imported 121.09 million kilograms of goods in November 2025, lower by
42.5 percent than the 210.42 million kilograms of goods imported in November 2024.
The top import commodity group was salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement worth USD 4.97 million and comprised one-third (33.0%) of the region’s import value in November 2025. The Republic of Korea (South Korea) supplied USD 3.33 million worth of imports, representing more than one-fifth (22.1%) of the total import value. (PR)
REEF PROTECTION DRIVE. Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard and local divers remove crown-of-thorns starfish from a reef area off Barangay Himay-angan in Liloan, Southern Leyte, as part of the PCG’s iCare Program. (PCG-SOUTHERN LEYTE)
REEF PROTECTION DRIVE. Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard and local divers remove crown-of-thorns starfish from a reef area off Barangay Himay-angan in Liloan, Southern Leyte, as part of the PCG’s iCare Program. (PCG-SOUTHERN LEYTE)
TACLOBAN CITY — At least 1,300 crown-of-thorns starfish were removed from a reef area off Barangay Himay-angan in Liloan, Southern Leyte, in a joint marine conservation effort led by the Philippine Coast Guard and local divers.
The large-scale injection and extraction activity, held on Feb.28, was carried out under the PCG’s iCare Program, a campaign focused on protecting and rehabilitating coastal and marine ecosystems.
Taking part in the operation were personnel from Coast Guard Sub-Station Maasin, the Marine Environmental Protection and Response Unit–Southern Leyte (MEPERU-SL), the Coast Guard K9 Team in Liloan, and Field Station Southern. They were assisted by the “Dap-ag” Boys, a group of local divers from Liloan, and members of Lukas Dive.
The team covered about 400 square meters of reef during the activity. Of the total removed, around 500 crown-of-thorns were neutralized through injection, while approximately 800 were manually extracted.
The crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) feeds on live coral tissue and is considered among the most destructive threats to coral reef ecosystems when its population surges.
Authorities warned that unchecked outbreaks can quickly strip reefs of living coral, leading to reduced marine biodiversity and declining fish populations—an impact that could hurt coastal communities reliant on fishing and tourism.
Marine experts underscored the importance of proactive removal efforts, particularly in biodiversity-rich areas such as Southern Leyte, which is known for its dive sites and marine resources.
The PCG said the intervention was necessary to prevent a potential outbreak and preserve the ecological balance in the area. It also reiterated its commitment to environmental protection and urged coastal communities and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and take part in conservation initiatives to safeguard the province’s marine ecosystems.
ARTS CELEBRATION. Artists from Tacloban City showcase their artworks and talents during the opening of the National Arts Month celebration on Thursday, Feb. 26. City Councilor Dandee Grafil (in photo), chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on culture and the arts, spearheaded this year’s festival themed “Himurasak,” a local term that signifies abundance. (PHOTO COURTESY)
ARTS CELEBRATION. Artists from Tacloban City showcase their artworks and talents during the opening of the National Arts Month celebration on Thursday, Feb. 26. City Councilor Dandee Grafil (in photo), chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on culture and the arts, spearheaded this year’s festival themed “Himurasak,” a local term that signifies abundance. (PHOTO COURTESY)
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With the backing of Pres. Marcos
TACLOBAN CITY-Eastern Samar Gov. Ralph Vincent Evardone has called for stronger collaboration between the national government and local government units (LGUs), highlighting the role of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) in ensuring national programs reach communities more effectively.
In a statement on February 23, Evardone praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s efforts to engage LGUs, describing local governments as the “frontliners of public service.”
He noted that while many programs are designed at the national level, their implementation ultimately depends on provincial, city, and municipal governments.
“Even when programs are national in scope, once they are coursed through the LGU, it is the LGU—not the national government—that carries the responsibility of implementation on the ground,” Evardone said.
The governor specifically cited the LGSF, which provides additional funding to help LGUs address urgent development needs and implement priority projects. He said this support allows local leaders to tailor national initiatives to the real conditions and priorities of their communities.
“With the President’s support through the Local Government Support Fund, I hope the impact will be more directly felt by our people,” he said, stressing that effective governance “ultimately happens locally.”
Under the Philippines’ devolved governance system, LGUs handle key services such as health care, social welfare, infrastructure, disaster response, and agricultural support.
Evardone emphasized that local leaders are best positioned to determine which projects are most urgent—whether road repairs, health facilities, livelihood programs, or disaster resilience measures—especially in typhoon-prone Eastern Samar.
He also expressed optimism that the strengthened partnership would pave the way for more joint programs between LGUs and the Office of the President, while reaffirming his support for the administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda.
“Now that we are being strengthened through additional funding to help address local challenges, I hope this marks the beginning of even more partnership programs,” Evardone said.
INCREASE ALLOWANCE. Northern Samar’s barangay more than 2,800 health workers share a light moment with Rep. Edwin Ongchuan as the provincial government raises their annual allowance to P8,400, boosting support for grassroots primary healthcare services across the province.
(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
INCREASE ALLOWANCE. Northern Samar’s barangay more than 2,800 health workers share a light moment with Rep. Edwin Ongchuan as the provincial government raises their annual allowance to P8,400, boosting support for grassroots primary healthcare services across the province. (THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
TACLOBAN CITY– In a bid to strengthen primary healthcare services at the grassroots level, the provincial government of Northern Samar has approved an increase in the annual incentives of its 2,849 accredited barangay health workers (BHWs).
Under Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ordinance No. 4, the province amended its earlier incentive measure to raise the annual allowance of accredited BHWs to P8,400, equivalent to P700 per month.
This is an increase from the previous P500 monthly incentive granted under Ordinance No. 6.The adjustment will take effect once the ordinance becomes effective and will not be applied retroactively.
Governor Harris Ongchuan said the measure underscores the provincial government’s commitment to enhancing community-based health services and improving access to basic healthcare, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Northern Samar’s 2,849 BHWs are deployed in barangays across the province, serving as the first point of contact for health concerns in their communities. They assist in disease prevention and surveillance, conduct health education campaigns, monitor patients, support immunization drives, and provide basic emergency care.
Provincial officials said the enhanced incentive is both a recognition of the BHWs’ dedication and a practical step toward improving primary healthcare delivery. By increasing support for frontline community health workers, the provincial government hopes to further motivate them and strengthen the overall healthcare system for Nortehanons.
