LATE NIGHT BLAZE.Displaced residents gather at a temporary evacuation site after a third-alarm fire razed homes in Barangay Naugan, Ormoc City, on June 14, 2026. (Photo courtesy:BFP-Ormoc)
LATE NIGHT BLAZE.Displaced residents gather at a temporary evacuation site after a third-alarm fire razed homes in Barangay Naugan, Ormoc City, on June 14, 2026. (Photo courtesy:BFP-Ormoc)
ORMOC CITY– Residents of a coastal community in Ormoc City were jolted awake late Sunday night as a massive fire tore through their neighborhood, reducing homes to ashes in a matter of hours.
A third-alarm fire struck Purok 3, Barangay Naugan at around 11:52 p.m. on June 14, 2026, rapidly spreading through the area and destroying 30 houses along with a classroom and laboratory structure, with damage estimated at P2 million.
Fire officials said the blaze was reported at 11:57 p.m., with initial responders arriving at 12:06 a.m. on June 15. Firefighters managed to control the fire by 1:12 a.m. before fully extinguishing it at 2:14 a.m.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) confirmed that 40 families or 154 individuals were affected. Evacuees are now staying at a temporary shelter set up at the barangay covered court, while additional tents have been installed by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
Relief assistance has been extended to the displaced families, including hygiene kits from the City Health Department (CHD) and food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Firefighting teams from Ormoc and nearby municipalities, supported by eight Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) fire trucks and one ambulance, responded to the emergency.
Authorities have ruled out no injuries or deaths, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
IMPROVED WATER ACCESS. Local officials and barangay residents witness the turnover of a P5-million Level II Potable Water Supply System in Barangay Imelda, Catarman, Northern Samar, providing safer and more accessible drinking water to over 1,000 households.(MIO, CATARMAN INFORMATION OFFICE)
IMPROVED WATER ACCESS. Local officials and barangay residents witness the turnover of a P5-million Level II Potable Water Supply System in Barangay Imelda, Catarman, Northern Samar, providing safer and more accessible drinking water to over 1,000 households.(MIO, CATARMAN INFORMATION OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY — Residents of Barangay Imelda, Catarman, Northern Samar now have improved access to safe drinking water following the turnover of a Level II Potable Water Supply System by the local government unit.
The project is expected to benefit about 1,040 households in the interior village, which for years depended mainly on wells as their primary source of water. It is also seen to improve sanitation and overall public health conditions in the community.
Funded through the Local Government Support Fund–Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP) under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), the project amounted to P5 million.
A total of 15 tap stands, each equipped with two faucets, were installed across strategic areas in the barangay to ensure easier access for residents, beginning June 13.
Barangay Captain Eduardo Fuesto Jr. expressed gratitude to the national and municipal governments for fulfilling a long-standing request of the community.
Catarman Mayor Dianne Rosales, meanwhile, urged residents to take responsibility in maintaining the facility to ensure its long-term use.
“The government listens to the people and strives to provide what they need. I value your shared commitment to taking care of this project. This is not only for the present generation but also for your children and grandchildren who will benefit from it in the years to come,” Rosales said.
The Barangay Water and Sanitation Association (BAWASA) will manage the operation and maintenance of the water system.
Officials also reminded beneficiaries to help safeguard the infrastructure, particularly the faucets and fittings, to ensure continued service delivery.
Aside from the water system, Barangay Imelda has also received solar-powered street lights under the NTF-ELCAC program.
Biliran Governor Rogelio Espina speaks during an interview where he called on the Supreme Court to resolve the ongoing Senate leadership dispute. Espina said a clear legal ruling would help restore political stability, strengthen investor confidence, and allow lawmakers to focus on addressing key economic and governance issues affecting Filipinos. (Photo Courtesy)
Affects PH’s economy, int’l image
Biliran Governor Rogelio Espina speaks during an interview where he called on the Supreme Court to resolve the ongoing Senate leadership dispute. Espina said a clear legal ruling would help restore political stability, strengthen investor confidence, and allow lawmakers to focus on addressing key economic and governance issues affecting Filipinos. (Photo Courtesy)
TACLOBAN CITY — Biliran Governor Rogelio Espina has called on the Supreme Court to immediately resolve the lingering leadership dispute in the Senate, warning that prolonged political uncertainty could undermine investor confidence, slow down governance, and divert attention from pressing economic issues affecting Filipinos.
Speaking on the reported deadlock over the Senate presidency involving Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Sherwin Gatchalian, Espina said the country’s highest court should provide a definitive legal ruling to determine who rightfully holds the chamber’s top post and put an end to the uncertainty surrounding Senate leadership.
“The Supreme Court should come in and make a fair and unbiased decision,” Espina said in an interview, stressing that a clear resolution would help restore political stability and allow lawmakers to concentrate on legislation and national development priorities.
Espina said that while local government units (LGUs) have become more financially independent through their National Tax Allocation (NTA) shares and locally generated revenues, they still rely heavily on national government programs, policies, and appropriations that are shaped and approved by Congress.
According to the governor, senators play a critical role in reviewing government programs, crafting laws, and ensuring that public funds are allocated efficiently to sectors that directly benefit communities, including infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, and social services.
“It is very important that lawmakers focus on their responsibility of ensuring that national programs are effective and truly beneficial to the people,” he said.
The Biliran governor expressed concern that political infighting within the Senate could distract lawmakers from addressing urgent concerns such as rising fuel costs, inflationary pressures, food security, and other economic challenges confronting ordinary Filipinos.
He emphasized that strong coordination between national government agencies and local governments is essential in delivering public services and implementing development projects, particularly in the provinces.
“There is a big difference when the national government and local governments work together. The people benefit the most,” Espina said.
Beyond governance concerns, Espina warned that continued political instability could create negative perceptions among foreign investors who closely monitor the country’s political environment before making investment decisions.
He noted that investor confidence is a key factor in attracting capital, creating jobs, and generating revenues that support government programs and economic growth.
“If the country’s image is damaged, investors may hesitate to invest hundreds of millions of dollars here. That affects all of us,” he said. “Without investments, there are fewer jobs and less tax revenue for the government.”
Espina added that political leaders should work toward resolving disputes through legal and constitutional means to preserve public trust in institutions and ensure that government remains focused on addressing the needs of the people.
His remarks come as political observers continue to monitor developments in the Senate leadership issue, with concerns that a prolonged impasse could affect the chamber’s legislative agenda, oversight functions, and the timely passage of measures aimed at supporting economic recovery and national development.
However, Sen. Gatchalian is now widely recognized as the acting Senate president which include acknowledgement from Malacañang and the House of Representatives.
FREE MEAL. Students of Matuguinao National High School receive free meals under the EduKain program of the local government of Matuguinao, Samar. The initiative provides daily lunches to disadvantaged learners from remote barangays to help improve nutrition, school attendance, and academic performance.
(Photo Courtesy, Rene Castino)
In Samar
FREE MEAL. Students of Matuguinao National High School receive free meals under the EduKain program of the local government of Matuguinao, Samar. The initiative provides daily lunches to disadvantaged learners from remote barangays to help improve nutrition, school attendance, and academic performance. (Photo Courtesy, Rene Castino)
TACLOBAN CITY — One hundred students from Matuguinao, Samar are now receiving free daily lunches under a new feeding program launched by the local government to help improve nutrition and support learning among disadvantaged learners.
The EduKain program, funded by the local government, primarily benefits students from Matuguinao National High School coming from remote barangays who often travel long distances to attend classes.
Mayor Aran Boller said the local government has allocated about P500,000 for the initial implementation of the program.
According to the mayor, many students leave their homes early in the morning and arrive at school without having eaten breakfast.
“We implemented this program to ensure that students are properly nourished and able to absorb their lessons in school,” Boller said.
Under the initiative, 100 selected students receive free lunch every school day. The program complements the local government’s free breakfast project, which serves arroz caldo every Monday to more than 700 students of Matuguinao National High School.
To support the feeding program, food ingredients are sourced from local farmers. The school’s new principal is also planning to establish a Gulayan sa Paaralan this year to help sustain the initiative.
Meal preparation is handled by personnel from the Municipal Youth Development Office, parents who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and members of the school’s student government.
The program is also complemented by the local government’s Libreng Sakay initiative, which provides free transportation to students from distant villages and helps ensure regular school attendance.
Implemented in partnership with the Department of Education, EduKain seeks to improve students’ nutritional status, reduce absenteeism, enhance academic performance, and encourage volunteerism within the school community.
Boller said both EduKain and Libreng Sakay are designed to help young people stay in school despite financial difficulties, reduce the number of out-of-school youth, and increase the number of graduates in the municipality.
He added that the local government’s long-term goal is to help ensure that at least one child in every family completes schooling and secures stable employment, ultimately improving the quality of life of their households.
SEEKING SUPPORT. NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario addresses stakeholders during a public consultation in Palo, Leyte on June 9 regarding a proposal to make the National Maritime Polytechnic an attached agency of the Department of Migrant Workers. Participants from government, academe, and the maritime sector expressed support for the move, which seeks to strengthen the institution’s capacity and operations.(NMP)
SEEKING SUPPORT. NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario addresses stakeholders during a public consultation in Palo, Leyte on June 9 regarding a proposal to make the National Maritime Polytechnic an attached agency of the Department of Migrant Workers. Participants from government, academe, and the maritime sector expressed support for the move, which seeks to strengthen the institution’s capacity and operations.(NMP)
TACLOBAN CITY — The bid to reconstitute the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), which is based this city, as an attached agency of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) received backing from maritime stakeholders, government agencies, and educators during a public consultation in Palo, Leyte on Tuesday, June 9.
The consultation, hosted by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) regional office, was attended by representatives from the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), academic institutions, media organizations, and maritime professionals.
NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario said the move aims to strengthen NMP’s institutional capacity, improve operational efficiency, and enhance its ability to respond to the evolving needs of Filipino seafarers and the maritime industry.
He stressed that the support from their stakeholders is crucial in shaping the future of the country’s premier maritime training institution.
At present, NMP is subsumed under the DMW following the creation of the department through Republic Act No. 11641, or the Department of Migrant Workers Act of 2021.
Del Rosario explained that, unlike attached agencies, NMP currently does not have its own budget allocation.
“NMP has a national scope mandate and is pursuing a modernization and expansion program that will extend its services to Luzon and Mindanao,” Del Rosario said in an online interview.
“We need to strengthen our institutional capacity and operational efficiency, and this can only be achieved by becoming an attached agency,” he added.
Del Rosario cited OWWA as an example of an attached agency under the DMW that operates with greater administrative and financial flexibility.
The Visayas consultation is the first of four public consultations scheduled nationwide, with succeeding sessions set in Davao, Cavite, and the National Capital Region. Inputs gathered from the consultations will be used in refining the proposed executive order before its final submission.
Established through Presidential Decree No. 1360 in 1978, the NMP is the country’s premier government maritime training and research institution.
Based in Barangay Cabalawan, Tacloban City, it provides specialized training for Filipino seafarers and conducts research and policy studies aimed at strengthening the country’s maritime workforce and shipping industry.
AID TO QUAKE VICTIMS. Members of Tingog party-list distribute food and bottled water to residents, patients, healthcare workers, and emergency responders in General Santos City on June 8 following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake. The organization deployed local teams on the same day to provide immediate relief assistance to communities affected by the disaster.(Photo Courtesy)
AID TO QUAKE VICTIMS. Members of Tingog party-list distribute food and bottled water to residents, patients, healthcare workers, and emergency responders in General Santos City on June 8 following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake. The organization deployed local teams on the same day to provide immediate relief assistance to communities affected by the disaster.(Photo Courtesy)
TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog party-list immediately deployed relief teams to General Santos City on June 8, delivering food and water assistance to residents, hospital patients, and emergency responders affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao.
The assistance was delivered within hours after the powerful quake damaged commercial establishments, school buildings, and other structures in the city, which was among the areas most affected by the tremor.
As rescue operations, clearing activities, and damage assessments continued, Tigong Center Tacurong and Tingog Center General Santos mobilized personnel to provide immediate support to communities grappling with the disaster’s aftermath.
A total of 300 relief packs containing ready-to-eat food and bottled water were distributed during the initial response, helping address the urgent needs of affected residents during the critical first hours following the earthquake.
The relief operation covered Sarangani Bay Specialists Medical Center and R.O. Diagan Cooperative Hospital, where assistance was provided to patients, healthcare workers, and other individuals affected by the disaster.
TINGOG teams also distributed ready-to-eat meals to personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and officials of Barangay Dadiangas East who remained on duty while emergency response efforts were underway.
The party-list organization said the immediate deployment underscores its commitment to ensuring that assistance reaches affected communities and frontline responders as quickly as possible during emergencies.
“Ang mahalaga ngayon ay mabilis, maayos, at tuloy-tuloy ang pagtugon. Kasama ang ating local partners at responders, patuloy ang TINGOG sa pakikinig at pagsisilbi sa mga kababayan nating naapektuhan ng lindol,” TINGOG said in a statement.
TINGOG said relief operations would continue in hospitals and affected communities as local teams prepare additional relief packs and coordinate with partners on the ground to support ongoing recovery efforts.
The organization added that providing timely assistance to disaster-hit communities remains a priority, particularly during the critical period immediately following a major calamity.
