TACLOBAN CITY – Borongan City is positioning itself to become the next major dive destination in Eastern Samar—and possibly in the entire Eastern Visayas region—as the Department of Tourism (DOT) steps up efforts to develop the city’s rich and largely untapped underwater resources.

On November 18, 2025, the DOT regional office, together with experts from the DOT–dive committee and applied technical diving and marine solutions, conducted an extensive site assessment around Ando and Divinubo, two off-shore islands known for their scenic coastlines and robust marine ecosystems.

Working in coordination with the Borongan City Tourism Office, the assessment team examined coral cover, marine biodiversity, and environmental conditions to evaluate the city’s readiness for world-class recreational diving.

The inspection forms part of the DOT’s wider strategy to identify and develop market-ready dive sites in Eastern Visayas and to craft a long-term plan anchored on responsible, safe, and sustainable dive tourism.

While the technical report has yet to be finalized, initial findings point to high potential. The dive exploration team noted that Borongan’s underwater seascapes appear to be among the most vibrant and well-preserved in the region—fueling optimism that the city could soon join the Philippines’ growing list of premier dive hubs.

The latest assessment was made possible through collaboration among DOT-8, the City Tourism Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Divinubo Community Resource Management Association (DCRMA), and the barangay councils of Ando and Divinubo.

Borongan first tagged Ando and Divinubo as potential dive sites in 2023 following exploratory surveys conducted by the City Information Office, CDRRMO, Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), Agriculture Office, Tourism Office, and the Philippine Coast Guard.

The city government sees dive tourism as a strategic addition to its tourism portfolio—especially as a year-round attraction that complements Borongan’s established reputation as a surfing destination during peak surf months. Officials believe that diving offers significant opportunities for sustainable development, livelihood generation, and community-based tourism.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson and Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre highlighted the moral role of law and faith in advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda during the 7th International Forum on Law and Religion at the University of the Philippines Bonifacio Global City on Nov. 21, 2025.

Speaking before legal scholars, religious leaders, and peace practitioners from Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Pacific, Acidre explored how religious principles and constitutional law can strengthen democratic participation and support women’s leadership in peace and security. He outlined a “three-fold framework” of conscience, complementarity, and community, emphasizing that faith-based engagement complements democratic institutions and promotes the common good.

Acidre cited the Philippine doctrine of benevolent neutrality, noting how legal frameworks allow religious communities to contribute to public life without undermining pluralism. He stressed that faith plays a vital role in sustaining community support during crises, mediating local conflicts, and empowering women in peacebuilding efforts.

During the forum, Acidre also announced the creation of the Southeast Asia Consortium on Law and Religion Studies (SEACRS), aimed at fostering regional research, policy dialogues, and interfaith collaboration.

He concluded by underscoring that meaningful engagement between law, faith, and public policy strengthens democracy: “When faith finds its rightful place in public life, it unites, liberates, and gives voice—turning belief into service and conviction into compassion.”

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — A new transport network vehicle service (TNVS) provider has entered Eastern Visayas with the formal launch of UTOL (Unified Transport Operations League) on November 21, offering another mobility option for commuters in the region.

The launch was attended by company officials led by Corporate Secretary Atty. Orlando Ocampo, and UTOL Region VIII representative Christian Bañez.

Bañez expressed gratitude to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for approving the franchise and said the company hopes to help address common commuting difficulties such as long waiting times and unreliable transport availability.

He said UTOL’s services are anchored on accessibility, reliability, and safety, including real-time tracking, fare transparency, and driver and vehicle screening.

Ocampo highlighted that UTOL is Filipino-owned and that even its mobile app system was developed locally. The service first operated in Metro Manila and has since expanded to Iloilo, Bohol, Cebu, and now Region VIII.

With its rollout in Eastern Visayas, commuters are expected to gain an additional transport option as the government continues its nationwide push for public transport modernization.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)