TACLOBAN CITY — The regional office of the Department of Tourism(DOT) showcased Eastern Visayas as an emerging cruise destination during the Seatrade Cruise Global 2026, held from April 14 to 16 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in the United States.

The participation formed part of the region’s strategy to attract more international cruise operators and strengthen its position in the global cruise tourism market, which continues to recover and expand following recent disruptions in global travel.

Seatrade Cruise Global, recognized as one of the world’s leading cruise industry events, gathered more than 12,500 participants and 650 exhibitors from over 125 countries, including cruise executives, port authorities, shipbuilders, and tourism stakeholders.

A key highlight of DOT-8’s participation was a high-level luncheon with cruise line executives from major Asian destinations, including Hong Kong, South Korea, China’s Xiamen and Shanghai, and the Philippines, where discussions focused on the region’s post-pandemic recovery and growing cruise demand.

For Eastern Visayas, the delegation held strategic meetings with international partners to explore future cruise opportunities, including potential cruise excursions by 2029 that could include ports of call in the region.

DOT-8 said the engagements opened doors for possible inclusion of Eastern Visayas in future cruise itineraries, while also strengthening its network within the global cruise industry and gaining insights for tourism development planning.

The Philippines is increasingly gaining attention from cruise operators as interest in Asian destinations rebounds.

In Eastern Visayas, existing and emerging cruise stops include Biri, Capul, Lavezares, Maripipi, Higatangan Island, Kalanggaman Island, Cuatro Islas, and Limasawa, with Paranas recently added to the list.

Tourism officials said continued participation in international events like Seatrade is crucial in positioning the region as a competitive and sustainable cruise destination in the coming years.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Transport workers in the municipality of San Sebastian, Samar received a livelihood boost from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) following the distribution of 24 tricycle sidecar units aimed at improving their income and safety on the road.

The assistance, amounting to P912,000, was turned over to members of the San Sebastian Habal-Habal Drivers Association during a ceremony at the municipal covered court held on April 8. The initiative is expected to help drivers transition to more stable and secure transport operations.

DOLE-Samar Field Office Chief Labor and Employment Officer Aleksei Ceasar Abellar said the program forms part of the agency’s continuing support for workers in the informal sector, particularly those relying on daily transport services for livelihood.

Each sidecar unit, worth P38,000, is expected to increase the earning capacity of beneficiaries by allowing them to carry more passengers and small cargo, a significant upgrade for drivers who previously relied on motorcycles alone for “habal-habal” operations.

To ensure safety, Senior Labor and Employment Officer Demmie Jose Uyvico conducted an orientation on occupational safety and health, focusing on proper vehicle maintenance and compliance with traffic regulations.

The project was implemented in partnership with the local government led by Mayor Ferdinand Gaviola, with support from the Public Employment Service Office headed by Virgilio Jabonete.

Local officials said the initiative will not only enhance the livelihood of transport workers but also improve mobility and transport services within the municipality.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — In a move to expand access to education beyond classrooms, the city government of Ormoc has launched a traveling library aimed at bringing books and learning resources directly to barangays, particularly underserved communities.

The initiative, officially unveiled on April 14 at the Ormoc City Grand Staircase, is part of the local government’s broader push to strengthen literacy and encourage a culture of reading among residents, especially children.

Led by Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez, the mobile library is designed as a roving hub where residents can access books and engage in reading activities without needing to travel far. The program seeks to address gaps in access to educational materials by reaching communities at the grassroots level.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, who attended the launch, underscored the importance of cultivating a love for reading among the youth.

“I think this is a wonderful first step. The real challenge is getting our kids to love reading, to love learning. If we do that, that is half the battle won,” Angara said.

Mayor Gomez emphasized that the initiative is rooted in the city’s goal of making books more accessible and encouraging residents to develop a deeper appreciation for reading.
“We really need to bring the books to our people and we need them to actually want to touch the book, read the book,” she said, describing the project as a milestone for the city.
The mobile library will make scheduled visits across barangays in Ormoc, providing residents with access to reading materials and learning opportunities outside traditional school settings.

The launch was attended by members of the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod, local officials, and representatives from the Department of Education, including regional and division offices, as well as students and community members.

City officials said the program reflects their commitment to promoting literacy and ensuring that education reaches even the most remote communities.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and reintegration of Filipino seafarers and displaced overseas workers, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) took part in the National Reintegration Network Regional Fair held on Wednesday at Leyte National High School.

The event, themed “Bayanihan Para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa,” served as a vital support hub for displaced and repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), particularly those affected by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

It brought together various government agencies in a unified “one-stop-shop” approach, offering reintegration assistance, employment opportunities both local and overseas, and onsite consultations.

His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. graced the activity highlighting the administration’s strong commitment to the protection and reintegration of OFWs.

He was joined by key officials from various agencies, including Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Secretary Sonny Angara of the Department of Education (DepEd), CHED Commissioner Shirley Agrupis, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, and NMP Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario.

As the training and research arm of the DMW, NMP has extended a special assistance package aimed at supporting affected OFWs n their transition back to the maritime workforce and in gaining global employability.

To ease the financial burden on returning workers, NMP is offering full scholarship support through zero tuition fees for selected maritime training programs, complemented by free accommodation for the entire duration of training.

According to NMP Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario, the initiative is designed to ensure that OFWs, whether sea-based or land-based, are equipped with the necessary competencies to renew their certifications and strengthen their global competitiveness without incurring training costs.

The package includes access to essential and refresher maritime courses such as Basic Training (BT), Training Course for Instructors (IMO Model Course 6.09), Mental Health Awareness for Seafarers (MHAS), Updating Course for BT, and Refresher Courses on BT, Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (SCRB), and Fast Rescue Boat (FRB).

Interested OFWs may submit their applications via email to nmp.middleeastresponse@gmail.com, indicating their full name, contact details (including email address and mobile number), and preferred training course.(PR)