TACLOBAN CITY — Student writers and performers from state universities and colleges across Eastern Visayas gathered here on Wednesday, March 11, for the Regional Culture and Arts Festival (RCAF) Literary Arts Competition 2026 hosted by Leyte Normal University(LNU) and Eastern Visayas State University(EVSU).

The competition opened with a program at the LNU HRDC Alba Hall, highlighting the region’s cultural heritage under the theme “Pagpasidungog Sa Aton Panublion, Kultura, Kag Mga Bahandi” (Honoring Our Cultural Heritage and Treasures).

During the opening ceremony, EVSU president Dennis de Paz emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural identity and encouraging literary excellence among students in the region.

The program also featured performances by the LNU Performing Arts groups, showcasing traditional and contemporary artistic expressions reflective of Eastern Visayas’ heritage.
Following the opening rites, representatives from participating state universities and colleges (SUCs) met with coaches and contest officials before the simultaneous start of the literary arts competitions.

EVSU cultural director Jerry Mores said the festival serves as a platform for young artists and writers to showcase their talents while preserving the region’s culture and traditions.
“This festival is not only about preserving our culture and heritage but also about providing a platform for our student performers,” Mores said, adding that the goal is for the region’s cultural achievements to gain recognition not only nationally but also internationally.
Participants came from several SUCs in Region 8, including Biliran Province State University, Eastern Samar State University, Northwest Samar State University, Palompon Institute of Technology, Samar State University, and Visayas State University, along with the host institutions LNU and EVSU.

The literary arts competition featured events in both English and Filipino categories.
English events included Essay Writing, Storytelling, Extemporaneous Speech, Declamation, Dramatic Monologue, Oral Interpretation of Poetry, and Persuasive Oratory.

Meanwhile, the Filipino category featured Pagsulat ng Sanaysay, Pagkukwento, Dagliang Talumpati, Deklamasyon, Dramatic Monologue, Oral Interpretation of Poetry, and Oratoryo.
At the end of the competition, Northwest Samar State University emerged as overall champion, followed by Leyte Normal University in second place and Samar State University in third.
Winning participants will represent Eastern Visayas in the National Culture and Arts Festival scheduled on April 8–11, 2026 at West Visayas State University.

(GRAYDELLE JANZY S. CAHAYAG,LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY — Police authorities have taken into custody a suspect linked to the killing of a 27-year-old saleslady whose body was found in an abandoned beach resort in San Juan earlier this week.

In a statement, the Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office confirmed that the suspect is now under the custody of the municipal police station of San Juan town and will face charges of rape with homicide.

Police said the victim, identified only by the alias “Norie,” was reportedly acquainted with the suspect.

Investigators found that the victim sustained a fatal head injury after being struck with a hard object. However, authorities said no seminal fluid was detected in the victim’s body during the initial examination.

The victim was first reported missing by her sister on Monday, March 9. Later that afternoon, she was discovered lifeless inside an abandoned beach resort in the same town.
Authorities assured the public that proper legal procedures are being followed to ensure justice for the victim.

Police also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and to respect the privacy of the victim’s family.

(MARIELLE F. HERNALI,LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Eastern Visayas reminded public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers to strictly follow the approved fare rates, stressing that no new fare increase has been authorized in the region.

In a public notice posted on March 12, the LTFRB Regional Office VIII issued the clarification following reports from commuters about alleged overcharging by some drivers.
Under the current fare matrix, the minimum fare for public utility jeepneys remains at P13 for traditional units and P15 for modern jeepneys. For UV Express vans, fares remain at P2.40 per kilometer for traditional units and P2.50 per kilometer for modern units.
The agency also reminded drivers to grant the 20 percent discount for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

Commuters who encounter fare violations are encouraged to report them to LTFRB by providing the vehicle’s plate number, route, and the amount charged through email at r8@ltfrb.gov.ph or via the agency’s official Facebook page.

(RITCHEL O. BARONA, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) gathered barangay responders for the 4th Barangay Fire Olympics and Fire Brigade Skills Challenge 2026 held at RTR Plaza, this city, to strengthen community preparedness and fire safety awareness.

A total of 12 barangays participated in the competition, which featured challenges such as the Fire Hose Down, Community Buster Challenge, and Blazing Competition.

SF02 Charito Ercilla, public information officer of the Tacloban City Fire Station, said the activity aims to enhance the capability of barangay responders who often serve as the first line of defense during fire incidents and other emergencies, especially in areas far from fire stations.

The BFP said the annual event also seeks to promote fire prevention awareness and encourage communities to be better prepared in responding to emergencies before firefighters arrive.

City Fire Marshal FCINSP Darren P. Baclea-An thanked the participating barangays and the public for supporting the initiative aimed at strengthening grassroots emergency response in the city.

(TROY B. ABARRATIGUE, LNU STUDENT INTERN)