TACLOBAN CITY — As Northern Samar strengthens its aspiration to become the first UNESCO Global Geopark site in Eastern Visayas, the University of the Philippines (UP) and the provincial government of Northern Samar (PGNS) have formalized a strategic partnership to support geological conservation and sustainable development efforts in the province.

The collaboration was sealed through a memorandum of understanding signed by Northern Samar Representative Edwin Ongchuan(2nd district) and Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan on behalf of the province, and UP officials led by Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II.

The agreement institutionalizes cooperation on research, education, heritage preservation, and community-centered development — key pillars required for a UNESCO Global Geopark designation.

Chancellor Vistan emphasized UP’s commitment to providing its scientific and academic expertise, especially through the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS), which has been working closely with the province since last year.

“This collaboration aligns with UP’s mission to advance research and public service, especially in areas that can drive community development and environmental stewardship,” he said.

Northern Samar hosts geological formations considered nationally and internationally significant — a competitive advantage the province is working to maximize not only for heritage conservation but also for scientific research, geotourism, and livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Rep. Ongchuan, who first laid the groundwork for the geopark bid during his term as governor, said the partnership solidifies their long-term vision.

“This partnership with the University of the Philippines allows us to harness academic expertise in geology and environmental science which will not only focus on research and education but also tourism and, most importantly, community development,” he said.

Governor Ongchuan expressed gratitude to UP for helping ensure that the province’s geopark efforts are anchored on science-based planning and capacity building. He underscored the importance of protecting natural heritage while ensuring that benefits reach local communities.

Under the MoU, UP and PGNS will collaborate on joint research and development activities; capacity-building programs; scientific knowledge dissemination; and conservation and community-engagement initiatives

The agreement does not impose financial obligations on either party but encourages resource sharing and cooperation to advance their aligned missions.

The partnership marks a milestone not only for Northern Samar’s UNESCO Global Geopark bid but also for future collaborations between academic institutions and local governments — demonstrating how science-based governance can drive cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog party-list reiterated its commitment to improving the country’s higher-education system after several priority reform bills gained approval at the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education on Tuesday, Nov. 18.

Among the endorsed measures were the Local Universities and Colleges Governance Act (HB 4686), the Guidelines for the Establishment and Operation of LUCs (HB 4800), the Universal Access to Learning Resources Act (HB 4930), the Higher Education Development and Innovation Act of 2025 (HB 4958), the TESDA Modernization Act (HB 4798), and HB 5019 allowing qualified dual citizens to teach or serve in public higher-education institutions.

Tingog said these proposals address long-standing concerns on governance, access to learning materials, faculty development, and the alignment of programs with industry and global standards.

“These bills were not only endorsed once, but twice, because the problems they address have not disappeared,” said House Committee chair and Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre, stressing the urgency of building a credible and competitive higher-education system.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Catarman N. Samar– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) recently completed another phase of the access road project leading to Pink Beach in Brgy. Sila, San Vicente, Northern Samar.

Funded under the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the said phase received a P15-million allocation for the concreting of a 220-meter two-lane road, with design thickness of 0.23 meters and design width of 6.10 meters with drainage and slope protection features.

“This project will significantly improve access to one of Island’s top tourist spots,” said District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio

Once the entire access road project is completed, travel time to the beach will be significantly reduced and will encourage more tourists to visit the place, allowing economic activities to spur in the island.

Pink Beach is known for its pink sand which is a mix of white sand and pulverized red corals. The beach is famous for its natural beauty, clear waters, and marine life.

The project is implemented under the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP).

(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — Local government units across Eastern Visayas have strengthened their commitment to adoption and alternative child care through a formal partnership with the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), sealed during a ceremonial memorandum of agreement signing held in Ormoc City on November 12, 2025.

The collaboration aims to reinforce the implementation of Republic Act 11642, the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act, by ensuring stronger coordination between national and local partners in delivering child welfare services and structured pathways for adoption and alternative care.

About 10 mayors from cities and municipalities in the region joined the activity, including representatives from Ormoc City; Maasin City; Macrohon; Padre Burgos; Limasawa; Liloan; Silago; Sta. Rita; Lavezares; and San Roque.

NACC Undersecretary and Executive Director Janella Marie Ejercito Estrada led the signing and witnessing of the agreements alongside participating LGUs.

A symbolic ringing of the “Bell of Joy” highlighted the event, celebrating the successful adoption journeys of two children—Zhian Earl B. Labastida, 12, from Maasin City, and Alexie Mae Laplana, 6, from Malitbog—whose families received their Certificate of Finality and Order of Adoption during the ceremony.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)