CATARMAN, Northern Samar– Northern Samar is taking bold steps to combat the growing challenges of climate crises, pushing for nature-based solutions to build resilient communities during the two-day Environmental Summit 2025 participated by municipal environment and natural resources officers, municipal disaster risk reduction management officers, Sangguniang Kabataan officials, civil society organizations, and provincial environment and natural resources office(PENRO).

The summit, held on Dec.15, and spearheaded by the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), centered on crafting Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) such as reforestation, mangrove rehabilitation, and sustainable watershed management as key approaches to protect communities from floods, storms, and soil erosion while promoting biodiversity. Discussions also emphasized the importance of disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and integrated environmental management, highlighting how NbS can complement broader strategies to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of every Nortehanon.

Key officials were present during the event: Sangguniang Panlalawigan Chairperson on Committee on Environment Arturo T. Dubongco Jr., PDRRMO Officer Rei Josiah A. Echano, CSO Development Alliance of Northern Samar Executive Director Maybelle Camps, UEP College of Science Dean Dr. Anelita M. Obrar, PENRO’s representative Rogelio M. Caparal, Provincial SK Federation President Gerardo Gerard A. Miranda and League of Northern Samar Environment and Natural Resources Officers President Jesus Acebuche.

(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)

TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said government medical assistance programs have become a critical safety net for patients burdened by high hospital costs, citing what he described as the inadequate and declining coverage of PhilHealth, especially for serious and life-threatening illnesses.

Acidre dismissed allegations that medical assistance is being used for political patronage, stressing that the aid has become necessary due to widening gaps in PhilHealth coverage as medical expenses increase.

“The aid has become necessary because PhilHealth coverage gets smaller the higher the hospital bill becomes,” Acidre said.

The lawmaker explained that while PhilHealth covers about 70 to 74 percent of hospital bills below P50,000, the coverage sharply declines for higher-cost treatments. For hospital expenses ranging from P100,000 to P300,000, PhilHealth pays only about 10 percent, while bills between P300,000 and P500,000 receive around five percent coverage. For expenses exceeding P500,000, PhilHealth shoulders only about three percent, he added.

Patients undergoing cancer treatment, prolonged intensive care, dialysis, and major surgeries are among those most affected, Acidre said, noting that these are often the cases where financial support is most urgently needed.

“The more serious the illness becomes, the thinner the protection actually gets,” he said.
Acidre also pointed out that more patients are now turning to government hospitals such as the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC), where the number of confined patients has doubled over the past four years due to the rising cost of treatment in private hospitals.
He questioned where patients could seek help if not from the government, given the limited assistance provided by PhilHealth for high-cost medical cases.

Responding to concerns about politicization, Acidre said the Department of Health (DOH) has issued an administrative order governing the implementation of the medical assistance program, emphasizing that no political endorsement is required to avail of the aid.
He added that the funds are released directly to hospitals and do not pass through politicians, underscoring safeguards meant to ensure transparency and prevent political influence.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

MARIPIPI, Biliran — The third port call of an international cruise ship to this island town has reinforced the local government’s confidence that it is now ready to welcome more visitors and scale up its tourism industry.

Mayor Joseph Caingcoy said the Tuesday (Dec.16) visit of the Coral Geographer, an Australian expedition cruise ship, reflects growing international interest in Maripipi as an emerging destination in Eastern Visayas.

“For 2026 onward, we are looking not only at foreign tourists but also at offering tour packages for local travelers to further level up our tourism activities,” Caingcoy said.
Maripipi is one of the eight municipalities of Biliran province and the only one located off the mainland. The island is known for its natural attractions, including pristine beaches, forested landscapes, and rich cultural traditions. It is also home to Sambawan Island, one of Biliran’s fast-emerging tourism sites.

Local officials said increased tourist arrivals are expected to generate livelihood opportunities for residents and attract investors, contributing to the town’s economic growth.

“More tourists mean additional sources of income for our people. Some can earn as tour guides or through other livelihood activities,” Caingcoy said. He added that the municipal government is strengthening its partnership with barangays to ensure communities are prepared to host visitors and showcase local attractions and culture.

On Tuesday, 76 passengers from the Coral Geographer were welcomed by residents as they toured the island and immersed themselves in local traditions and daily life.

The visitors began their tour at Candol Beach, where they observed and participated in nito weaving, a traditional craft practiced by residents of Barangay Agutay and passed down through generations.

They were also treated to local delicacies such as biko (sweet rice cake), kabkab (a crispy snack made from grated cassava), banana chips, and nilupak. Some guests even joined in the preparation process, including pounding bananas using a mortar and pestle.

The group later visited Barangay Cansibang, the town’s pottery center, where they learned how clay collected from the island’s mountains is transformed into traditional earthenware.
For lunch, the visitors sampled local dishes including paksiw nga isda (fish stewed in vinegar), humba (braised pork), adobong baboy (pork adobo), puto nga bilanghoy (cassava cake), and lechon (roasted pig).

The tour concluded with a visit to Sambawan Island, an emerging tourism destination known for its clear waters, white sand beaches, rock formations, and rich marine life. The island features hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and a marine sanctuary ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Local officials said the successful visit underscores Maripipi’s potential as a sustainable island destination and strengthens efforts to position the town on both the domestic and international tourism map.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)