MARIPIPI, Biliran – The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the region is thrilled to announce the inclusion of two new regional destinations for international cruise ship port calls: La Laguna Mangrove Eco Park in Lavezares, Northern Samar, and Higatangan Island in Naval, Biliran.

These additions enhance the region’s appeal to foreign visitors and further position Eastern Visayas as a key destination for international tourism, Karina Rosa Tiopes, DOT regional director said.

The Australian-based MV Coral Geographer cruise ship, carrying 40 guests, has been touring the region since October 31, visiting a series of picturesque destinations, including Biri Island, La Laguna Mangrove Eco Park, Higatangan Island, Cuatro Islas (Mahaba and Digyo), Maripipi Island, and Sambawan Island.

“We’re very excited and pleased with the positive feedback we’ve received from guests since they began their journey through the northern parts of the region, all the way to Higatangan,” Tiopes said.

Tiopes expressed pride in Eastern Visayas’ inclusion in the cruise itinerary, especially since many of the locations chosen by the Coral Geographer are rarely visited by tourists, giving these communities a unique opportunity to engage with visitors.

She highlighted that destinations like Higatangan Island, while popular locally for its annual summer festival, benefit greatly from international exposure, which can drive increased tourist arrivals and boost local tourism revenue.

“Now that we’re hosting cruise visitors, this marks a turning point that will open doors for more tourists to discover Higatangan,” Tiopes said, noting the significant economic benefits that tourism brings to local communities.

Tiopes also extended her gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for prioritizing tourism and to Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco for promoting inclusive tourism by highlighting emerging destinations like those in Eastern Visayas.

She thanked the Naval local government for their efforts in preparing Higatangan Island for the cruise ship’s arrival.

Naval Mayor Gretchen Espina shared her excitement, stating that the cruise ship’s visit would help elevate Higatangan and their town as top tourist destinations not only in the region but also across the Philippines.

“This is a huge step for us, not just for Region 8, but on a global scale. Our goal is for the world to see what the Philippines has to offer,” Mayor Espina said.

She added that the cruise guests experienced only a small sample of what Higatangan has to offer, with much more awaiting those who wish to explore its unique culture and attractions.

“There’s so much more we can showcase. It’s just a matter of creating the right experience to help them appreciate the true beauty and culture of the Philippines,” Mayor Espina concluded.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – A total of 297 registered rice farmers in Borongan City are set to receive rice seedlings directly at their doorsteps through the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Binhi e-Padala program, facilitated by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).

On October 25, 2024, the DA conducted cross matching with its records to verify the farmers’ information, ensuring that the rice seedlings will be delivered to the correct addresses. This process also confirmed the accuracy of the contact numbers provided by the farmers in the registry.

Unlike previous distributions where farmers had to travel to the city proper to collect their seedlings, the Binhi e-Padala program allows for direct delivery to their homes.
City Agricultural Technologist Gerardo Bula stated that the rice farmers are scheduled to receive their seedlings next week, as part of a pilot test of this delivery system in Borongan.

Through Binhi e-Padala, qualified farmers will receive an SMS notification containing their name, seedling allocation, pick-up point, and schedule. Each registered rice farmer is eligible to receive 20 kg of inbred rice seeds for every half-hectare of farmland.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) has pledged its support to the provincial government of Northern Samar in processing amnesty applications for former rebels in the province.

Lawyer Ma. Victoria Cardona, a consultant to the NAC’s Office of the Executive Director, made this commitment during her recent visit to Northern Samar, where she met with former rebels in Catarman and Mondragon.

Cardona stated that the NAC would collaborate with the provincial government to streamline the amnesty application process, emphasizing the importance of the program and assuring applicants of a smooth experience.

“We will return to discuss the process with you — how to apply, what requirements are needed. We will make the process as easy as we can because this program is crucial for achieving stability in our region. We will ensure that the process is thorough and that deserving individuals are granted amnesty,” she stated.

Cardona was accompanied by Imelda Bonifacio, program manager of Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPPRU) Eastern Visayas, and Col. Ericson Rosanna, deputy brigade commander of the 803rd Brigade, in her visits to the Darangpan Center in Catarman and Kauswagan Village in Barangay Cablangan, Mondragon.
The amnesty program is a significant initiative in the government’s efforts to promote long-term stability and support the reintegration of former rebels.

It provides a legal pathway for former members of political groups, including the CPP-NPA-NDF, to reintegrate into society without facing prosecution for past political offenses.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Health(DOH) in Eastern Visayas in coordination with the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC), has deployed on Oct.29, a specialized team of 18 healthcare professionals to the Bicol Region to support the local response following the devastation of Tropical Storm Kristine.

The team, led by Dr. Brian Marmita of the Eastern Visayas Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT), is composed of doctors, nurses, and allied health workers ready to assist in areas most affected by the storm.

Their primary destination is Naga City General Hospital, where they will join Health Emergency Response Teams (HERTs) already on the ground, working around the clock to address the urgent health needs of the impacted communities, the DOH-8 said in a statement.

Equipped with essential medical supplies and resources, the EVMC team aims to provide immediate care, manage injuries, prevent potential disease outbreaks, and deliver critical healthcare services to those in dire need.

For DOH-8 and EVMC, this deployment highlights a strong commitment to inter-regional solidarity and rapid emergency response, ensuring that critical healthcare resources reach communities most affected by crises.

Working alongside local HERTs, the EVMC team is reinforcing the resilience and responsiveness of the country’s healthcare system in times of emergency.

Also helping in the rescue operations were members of the 8th Infantry Division which dispatched 20 of its personnel and were deployed in Camarines Sur to distribute much-needed relief supplies to communities affected by recent calamities.

The soldiers brought with them 1,400 food packs, 1,400 boxes of drinking water, and 1,000 boxes of biscuits to barangays in Minalabac, a statement from the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar, said.

Altogether, the task force has provided 1,300 units of drinking water, 100 family water filtration units, and 3,481 non-food items to families displaced by the storm.

Brigadier General Perfecto Peñaredondo, the acting commander of the 8ID, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to relief efforts. “We stand with our communities in these challenging times, working hand in hand with local governments to deliver essential support,” he stated.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)