TACLOBAN CITY — With Christmas fast approaching, the provincial government of Northern Samar has named the top winners of the Karibhungan sa Pasko 2025 “Winter Wonderland” Christmas Display Competition, turning the Capitol grounds into a vibrant hub of lights, music, and holiday cheer.

The awarding ceremony, held 13 days before Christmas, was led by Governor Harris Ongchuan and Vice Governor Clarence Dato, marking one of the highlights of the province’s annual Christmas celebrations.

The Department of Health emerged as the first place winner after impressing judges with its creative interpretation of the theme, cohesive design, and strong visual impact.
The Department of Public Works and Highways–Second Engineering District secured second place, while the Northern Samar Electric Cooperative claimed third place for its engaging and brightly illuminated display.

Several agencies were also recognized with special awards for their unique concepts and creativity. The Waray Shrine Club received the Frosty Fantasy Award, the University of Eastern Philippines earned the Icon Identity Award, and the 803rd Infantry Brigade was honored with the Hollyville Harmony Award. The Northern Samar Police Provincial Office took home the Playful Genius Award, while the Department of the Interior and Local Government received the Visual Poetry Award.

Entries were evaluated based on creativity, adherence to the “Winter Wonderland” theme, effective use of lighting, interactive elements, and overall visual appeal.

The provincial government also acknowledged the participation of other agencies, including the Department of Education, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the 543rd Engineering Battalion, whose displays added to the festive atmosphere at the capitol grounds.

Implemented through the Provincial Tourism Office, Karibhungan sa Pasko remains a beloved Christmas tradition in Northern Samar, drawing thousands of Nortehanons and visitors each year to celebrate the season of hope and joy.

The Karibhungan sa Pasko 2025 Christmas Festival is open to the public nightly until January 6, 2026.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — To ensure transparency and quality in government-funded infrastructure, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Northern Samar conducted an on-site inspection of a solar streetlight project along the Samar-Pacific Coastal Road in Catubig town.

The inspection, carried out through the DILG’s Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) in coordination with the provincial government of Northern Samar, covered the fiscal year 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLGIF)-funded project titled “Construction/Installation of 28 solar streetlights along Samar-Pacific coastal road” in Barangay Tangbo, Catubig.

During the visit, the inspection team confirmed that all 28 solar streetlight units, including the required permanent project markers, had been fully installed in accordance with approved plans and specifications.

However, inspectors also recorded several observations requiring corrective action. Two of the installed streetlights were found to be non-functional at the time of inspection. The Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) committed to immediately assess the affected units and carry out the necessary repairs to ensure proper operation.

The team also issued additional recommendations to address other minor concerns noted during the inspection.

The activity was led by PDMU Team Leader Engr. Rodie Jay Doroja, with PEO II Rosalie Madrid and PEO II Josef Mikhail Aniban joining the inspection. Also present were Provincial Engineering Office personnel, including Project Engineer Oliver Magno, Resident Engineer Jyrwyn Dominice, Electrical Inspector Engr. Jayson Carias, and Project In-Charge Engr. Pio Martin Maofrino.

The SGLGIF is awarded to local government units that successfully pass the Seal of Good Local Governance assessment, recognizing excellence in public service delivery, transparency, and good governance.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Besting 15 other candidates

TACLOBAN CITY — A night of grace and local pride unfolded at the Leyte Convention Center as Kareyl May Cabahug of Javier was crowned Miss Universe Philippines Leyte 2025 on Wednesday, Dec. 10, topping a field of 16 candidates from towns and cities across the province.

Sheena Margarette Abayabay of Baybay City claimed first runner-up honors, while Alexandra Bianca Creer of Tanauan placed second runner-up. Denise Armamento of Tacloban City finished as third runner-up, with Rhealei Amarilla of Abuyog and Claire Mascariñas of La Paz also standing out among the contenders.

Cabahug’s win marked Leyte’s second Miss Universe Philippines Leyte crown and capped months of preparation centered on advocacy and community support. The pageant carried the theme ‘Kaanyag san Leyte’ (The Beauty of Leyte), celebrating the province’s culture and natural charm—an advocacy closely aligned with Cabahug’s focus on empowering the agricultural sector.

On Saturday, Dec. 14, Cabahug returned to a warm homecoming in Javier, where residents lined the streets for a celebratory motorcade in her honor. The parade coincided with the town’s official lighting of Christmas decorations, turning the event into a festive blend of holiday cheer and hometown pride.

She was joined by the Miss Universe Philippines Leyte team led by Rochelle Acuba Alfonso, the pageant’s accredited partner.

The homecoming served as both a personal milestone for Cabahug and a shared celebration for Javier, as the town welcomed the Christmas season while honoring one of its own on the provincial stage.

Cabahug is set to represent Leyte in the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 pageant, where she will vie for the national crown and the chance to succeed reigning Miss Universe Philippines Ahtisa Manalo.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Samar is set to become a key center for marine science in the region as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) began the establishment of the Guiuan Marine Scientific Research Station (MSRS) in Barangay Baras, Guiuan.

The project officially took off following a groundbreaking ceremony held on December 11, 2025, marking a significant step in strengthening marine research and conservation efforts in Eastern Visayas.

Once completed, the Guiuan MSRS will function as a dedicated facility for marine research, training, and scientific collaboration. It is envisioned as a hub for the study of marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems, generating vital scientific data to support the protection, conservation, and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources.

The research station will also serve as a venue for capacity-building activities, offering training opportunities for researchers, local government personnel, students, and coastal communities in the region.

Part of a nationwide initiative, the Guiuan MSRS will be built on a 1,796-square-meter site and will represent one of the country’s six marine biogeographic regions.

The facility is expected to support science-based policymaking, climate change resilience planning, and the sustainable development of fisheries and ecotourism, with direct benefits for local fisherfolk and nearby coastal communities.

Once operational, the station will strengthen collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, and local stakeholders, and will host inter-agency initiatives, field research, and community engagement activities focused on marine conservation and resource management.

DENR-8 Regional Executive Director Arturo Salazar said the Guiuan MSRS reflects a shared commitment to advancing marine science and environmental stewardship, underscoring the agency’s long-term push for research-driven decision-making to ensure the continued protection of the country’s coastal and marine ecosystems.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)