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)

Christmas is a cherished tradition in the Philippines that embodies joy, hope, and togetherness. It’s a time when families reunite, communities come alive with parol and carols, and even the simplest gatherings become moments of magic.

Staying true to the spirit of spreading happiness all year round, Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP)—the bottling partner and official distributor of Coca-Cola products in the country—brings to life its highly anticipated annual Christmas light-up across its sites.

This year, over 30 CCEAP sites in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao shines bright with the theme “Bituin ng Pag-asa: Guiding Light for a Brighter Future.” Each lighted site serves as a beacon of festive cheer and Filipino spirit, celebrating the enduring hope that binds communities and uplifts spirits.

This long-standing tradition honors the total beverage company’s nearly 9,000-strong workforce, whose dedication ensures that Coca-Cola products reach homes and its customers—keeping communities refreshed every single day.

The annual Christmas light-up has turned Coca-Cola’s sites into local attractions nationwide, drawing visitors and hosting shared moments among friends and families. Among the sites are Naga, Santa Rosa, Calasiao, Iloilo, Misamis Oriental, and Davao. In Santa Rosa, the light-up complements its iconic landmark of giant Coca-Cola cans, making it a must-see destination during the holidays.

Each light-up installation was conceptualized by CCEAP associates, and uses ornaments handcrafted using recycled and upcycled materials. These displays reflect what makes a Filipino Christmas truly special: making celebrations meaningful by finding joy in the simple act of coming together. Adding to the festive spirit, the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck continues its journey across the country, spreading the magic of Christmas wherever it goes.

In celebrating Christmas, CCEAP also honors the passion and perseverance that carried communities through challenging times, including the numerous natural disasters that the country has faced this year. CCEAP stands alongside the communities it serves in times of need by mobilizing relief efforts, ensuring the safety of its people, and delivering safe drinking water and essential supplies to those affected.

“In every challenge Filipinos faced this year, there was always a reason to hold on to hope, and we are deeply grateful for the dedication and support of our people and the communities we serve,” said Gareth McGeown, President and CEO of CCEAP. “As we continue the Coca-Cola tradition of lighting up our sites, we aim to spark joy and serve as a beacon of hope not just for the holidays, but as we look ahead to a brighter, more promising tomorrow. Because even in the most difficult times, hope shines brightest when people come together,” added McGeown.

Having been woven into the fabric of Filipino culture for over 113 years, CCEAP has been an integral part of Filipino festivities—from beloved beverages enjoyed during everyday occasions to delivering refreshment, sparking shared moments, and bringing an extra light to life during the holidays.

CCEAP is locally rooted and deeply connected to the communities it serves, with products proudly made by Filipinos, for Filipinos. With a vast footprint spanning 18 manufacturing sites, and nearly 70 distribution and sales offices, CCEAP remains committed to uplifting communities nationwide all year round. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — More than 6,000 senior citizens in Calbayog City received their localized social pension this week as the city government rolled out a multi-venue payout aimed at providing sustained financial support to elderly residents.

Led by Mayor Raymund Uy, the distribution benefited 6,100 senior citizens from 50 barangays and was conducted across five payout venues to ensure accessibility and orderly processing. Each beneficiary received P3,000, representing six months of accumulated assistance under the city’s local social pension program, equivalent to P500 per month.
The beneficiaries came from barangays including Tarabucan, Capacuhan, Talahiban, San Rufino, Hibabngan, Cag-anahaw, Hugon Rosales, Obo-ob, Lapaan, De Victoria, San Isidro, Trinidad, Palanas Cara, Cagsalaosao, Basud, Lonoy, Cahumpan, Anislag, Gadgaran, Limarayon, Kili-kili, Acidello, Bontay, Navarro, Pagbalican, Cacaransan, San Policarpo, Aguit-itan, West Awang, Nijaga, Hamorawon, Carmen, East Awang, Matobato, Payahan, Balud, Obrero, Capoocan, Central, Dagum, Bagacay, Naga, Rizal II, Cogon, Cagbanayacao, Cagboborac, Rawis, and Carayman.

The payout was supervised by the City Treasurer’s Office, with oversight from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) through its Senior Citizen Welfare Program Unit.

The Calbayog City Social Pension Program is a flagship social welfare initiative of the Uy administration and continues to expand its reach across barangays to ensure consistent and meaningful support for the city’s elderly population.

Qualified beneficiaries are bona fide senior citizens who are not covered by the national social pension program and do not receive pensions from other government institutions such as the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), or the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO).

City officials said the payout reflects the local government’s commitment to upholding the welfare and dignity of senior citizens through coordinated planning and an efficient distribution process, allowing beneficiaries to receive their assistance with ease and comfort.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)