TACLOBAN CITY — As climate impacts grow more frequent and severe across Eastern Visayas, Borongan City is ramping up its resilience strategy by deepening its partnership with the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) under the Climate Resilient Cities–Nature-based Urban Resilience Through Unifying and Responsive Engagement (CRC–Nurture) Project.
In a coordination meeting on December 9, members of the CRC–Nurture Technical Working Group (TWG) met with CRS specialists to identify priority sites for nature-based interventions that can help strengthen the city’s protection against floods, erosion, and other climate-related risks. The session was facilitated by CRC Urban Development Specialist Bing Janer and Forester Vina Glorioso-Bernardino, with Acting Mayor Emmanuel Tiu Sonco and key city department heads in attendance.

Acting Mayor Sonco emphasized the importance of harnessing natural systems in safeguarding communities, noting that Borongan’s upland villages must be equipped with better knowledge and tools to adapt to changing weather patterns. He said proactive planning is vital as the city faces increasingly unpredictable climate conditions.

A key initiative under discussion is the enhancement of the Hebacong Model Farm. The plan includes introducing high-value, fruit-bearing trees to complement existing apiculture and floriculture activities supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Managed by the Borongan Integrated Apiculture and Floriculture Farmers’ Association (BIAFFA), the farm is envisioned as a sustainable livelihood center, eco-tourism site, and a contributor to the city’s growing forest cover.

The partnership also offers opportunities to integrate nature-based design into urban infrastructure. With the support of CRC–Nurture, the City Engineering Office will explore improvements to Baybay Boulevard Park and the Lo-om River sidewalk—projects aimed at combining green landscapes with functional spaces to enhance urban climate resilience.
Agricultural resilience is likewise a priority. The City Agriculturist’s Office plans to collaborate with CRC–Nurture on strategies to shield high-value crops from extreme conditions, ensuring Borongan’s food security. The proposed establishment of a biological laboratory will further support natural pest control and adaptive farming technologies.

CRC–Nurture, funded by the United Kingdom’s Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) Program, focuses on co-creating inclusive and community-centered nature-based solutions. Borongan is among only three Philippine cities selected for the partnership, alongside Legazpi and Zamboanga.

The TWG is scheduled to reconvene early next year to craft detailed project proposals, solidifying Borongan City’s commitment to building a greener and more climate-resilient future.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ALLEN, Northern Samar — In a continuing effort to help former rebels rebuild their lives and fully return to the folds of society, the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) of Catbalogan, Samar issued safe conduct passes (SCPs) to 62 former combatants during a ceremony at the 43rd Infantry “We Search” Battalion headquarters in Barangay Magsaysay, Lope de Vega.

The event marked not just the release of important legal documents but also a symbolic moment of reassurance—affirming that those choosing peace will be given protection and support while completing their amnesty requirements.

The SCP, issued by the National Amnesty Commission, allows amnesty applicants who are not detained to move freely and safely as they process their papers, up to the point when their applications receive presidential approval.

Unless revoked, the SCP serves as a temporary shield and a gesture of trust, helping ease the transition of former rebels back into normal community life.

The ceremony was attended by key regional and local officials, including Brigadier General Carmelito Pangatungan of the 803rd Brigade, Police Colonel Sonnie Omengan, OPAPRU–Eastern Visayas representative Imelda Bonifacio, Lope de Vega Vice Mayor Hanabelle Eden Lim Bation, and 43rd Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Jason Que, all of whom expressed their full support for the program.

Before distributing the passes, the LAB Secretariat walked the beneficiaries through the guidelines to ensure they understood the privileges and responsibilities that come with the SCP. Encouraging messages followed—among them a testimonial from a former rebel who shared how support from government and local communities helped him choose peace.
Officials highlighted the value of the SCP in building confidence and fostering acceptance.
PCol. Omengan emphasized that the document serves “not just as protection, but as a symbol that communities welcome those who have chosen to change their path.”

Brig. Gen. Pangatungan echoed this sentiment, reiterating the collective commitment to peace under the slogan, “Unity for Peace Onwards to Development — UPOD KITA.”

With 62 SCPs now in the hands of former rebels, Northern Samar takes another hopeful step forward in its peacebuilding and reintegration efforts—one that brings the province closer to lasting stability and development.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)