TACLOBAN CITY – Farmers in Catarman, Northern Samar are set to benefit from three new solar-powered irrigation systems aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable farming in the municipality.

The projects, implemented by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), include one solar pump system in Barangay Hinatad and two in Barangay Galutan. Each facility is designed to provide cost-efficient, environmentally friendly irrigation support to local farmers.

During a coordination visit, Catarman Mayor Dianne Rosales and Municipal Engineer Carlito Danque received updates from NIA officials on the progress of the installations.

Each system has a 10-horsepower capacity, complete with a pump house, perimeter fence, and a 150-meter water distribution pipeline, and is funded at P15 million per project.

Once operational, the facilities will be handed over to the respective barangays and managed by local irrigators’ associations, ensuring community-based oversight.

Mayor Rosales expressed gratitude to NIA, noting that the solar-powered systems will reduce operational costs and provide a reliable water source, ultimately improving farm productivity in Catarman.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — With the Lenten season approaching and an expected surge in domestic tourism, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Office VIII has issued a safety advisory calling for heightened precautions at beaches, resorts, and other water-based attractions across the region.

In an advisory, Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes urged local government units (LGUs) and tourism stakeholders to strengthen safety measures to protect visitors engaging in swimming, boating, and other aquatic activities during Holy Week.

The advisory emphasizes the need for regular inspections and monitoring of tourism establishments to ensure compliance with safety standards, including clear warning signages, designated swimming zones, and established emergency response protocols. Tourism operators are also encouraged to deploy trained personnel skilled in lifesaving, basic first aid, water search and rescue (WASAR), and marine search and rescue (MOSAR) in high-risk or high-traffic areas.

The DOT-8 also called for close coordination between LGUs and response agencies, such as the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection, to ensure swift action during emergencies. Public information campaigns reminding tourists of swimming safety practices, monitoring weather conditions, and disseminating emergency hotlines were highlighted as key components of the advisory.

Additionally, LGUs are directed to establish incident monitoring and reporting systems to enable real-time tracking and immediate coordination with relevant authorities.

“These measures are vital to safeguard both tourists and local communities during the peak travel period of Holy Week,” the advisory stated, noting the region’s coastal and aquatic destinations attract thousands of visitors seeking leisure and recreation.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY—Twenty aspiring nurses from Northern Samar have taken a significant step toward their medical careers after receiving scholarship certificates from the provincial government under its Nursing Scholarship Program (NSP) on March 26, 2026.

The scholars, representing various municipalities in the province, were recognized during a simple ceremony held at the Sumuroy Hall of the Provincial Capitol.

Certificates were awarded by Governor Harris Ongchuan, alongside Vice Governor Clarence Dato, provincial officials, and members of the Nursing Scholarship Program Board.
The NSP is a provincial initiative that grants full scholarship support to indigent yet deserving nursing students, in line with efforts to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals.

According to Governor Ongchuan, scholars are expected to render service in public hospitals upon completing their studies as part of their commitment to the program.
Vice Governor Dato, meanwhile, urged the scholars to stay focused and complete their academic requirements.

Each scholar will receive comprehensive support covering tuition and other school fees, learning materials, stipend, uniform, and book allowance totaling more than P70,000 per semester.

With the inclusion of the second batch, the province now supports a total of 51 nursing scholars—31 from the first batch and 20 from the second.

The provincial government continues to roll out programs aimed at strengthening its healthcare workforce and enhancing public health services.

(TROY B. ABARRATIGUE, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY — Authorities flagged two drivers after they yielded positive results in a surprise drug screening conducted at the Abucay Bus Terminal, as part of intensified safety measures ahead of the Holy Week travel rush.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Eastern Visayas confirmed that one of the drivers operates a bus, while the other is a motorcycle-for-hire (MCH) driver.

LTO-8 Regional Director Ledwino Macariola said the random drug testing was carried out in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to help ensure the safety of passengers during the peak travel season.

Macariola clarified that the two drivers will still undergo confirmatory testing to validate the initial screening results and determine possible drug use.

The LTO said monitoring and enforcement efforts in transport terminals will continue to be strengthened to prevent drug-related incidents and uphold road safety, especially during periods of increased passenger traffic.

(KEIZHA KRYSTEIL BAYOT, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

ORMOC CITY– An elderly woman listed as a high-value target on the Philippine National Police (PNP) drug watchlist was arrested in a buy-bust operation on the early hours of March 26 in Barangay San Jose, Ormoc City, authorities reported.

The suspect, identified as “Pacita,” 57, married, and a resident of the same barangay, was apprehended by the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) and the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of Police Station 3 at around 2:07 a.m.

Recovered from her possession were approximately 30 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) value of P204,000. Items seized included several sachets of the white crystalline substance and a P500 bill used as buy-bust money.

Capt. Arwin Perez, chief of the PDEG Leyte Special Operation Unit, said Pacita had a prior arrest for the same offense in 2005. Her husband is currently serving a sentence at the National Penitentiary for a similar drug case.

The suspect is now facing charges under RA 9165, the Comprehensive Law Against Illegal Drugs of 2002, filed at the Ormoc City Prosecutor’s Office, and is temporarily detained at Police Station 2’s locked-up cell in Barangay Cagbuhangin.

Authorities did not release a statement from the suspect, who is considered a high-profile drug personality in the region.

(ROBERT DEJON)