TACLOBAN CITY– Residents of Borongan City may soon enjoy significantly lower electricity bills as the city government pushes forward with its ambitious hydroelectric energy project in Barangay San Gabriel.
Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, speaking during the city’s 18th Charter Day Gala Night on June 20, reaffirmed his commitment to deliver on one of his major campaign promises—tapping renewable energy sources to power Borongan and bring down the cost of electricity.
Agda cited a Department of Energy (DOE) survey confirming that the inner river in Sitio San Gabriel can produce up to one megawatt of clean, renewable energy.
As an initial step, the city will tap the Calingatngan Dam, which can generate up to 480 kilowatt-hours, with future plans to develop San Mateo, which has a potential output of 7 to 9 megawatts.
“If households today pay around P14.00 per kilowatt-hour, the power from San Gabriel hydro could cut that down to as low as P7.00,” Agda said. “That’s a 50% savings—money that could go to food, school, or health expenses.”
To support the project, the city has already begun constructing an access road to the remote sitio where the hydro facility will be located.
Mayor Agda called on all stakeholders to support the initiative, saying the success of the renewable energy program hinges on collaboration between the local government, communities, and national agencies.
Aside from the hydro project, Agda also plans to strengthen the Calingatngan Dam not just for power generation, but also to expand access to potable water in the city proper and surrounding barangays. While the city has begun providing water to Barangay Bugas, Agda emphasized the need for a 24/7 water supply across all areas.
“We’ve made progress, but we want every household to have consistent, year-round access to clean water,” he said.
With both power and water infrastructure in the pipeline, the city government hopes to improve the quality of life for Boronganons while reducing utility costs and promoting sustainable development.
TACLOBAN CITY – The newly opened ANTA Superstore at Robinsons Place Tacloban is off to a strong start, drawing steady foot traffic and high sales since its launch, making it one of the brand’s most successful outlets in Southeast Asia.
ANTA Philippines General Manager JP Paglinawan said the Tacloban branch has exceeded expectations, crediting the strong local demand for quality, performance-driven sportswear and footwear at affordable prices.
“We saw the opportunity in Tacloban, and the response has been incredible. It shows there’s a strong appetite for quality gear here,” he said.
The store offers a wide selection of athletic and lifestyle apparel, including exclusive lines from NBA stars Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, and running gear available only in ANTA Superstores.
With the new school year approaching, ANTA also plans to partner with local schools to support young athletes through gear sponsorships and sports programs.
“We’re excited to work with Tacloban schools to help student-athletes compete and develop,” said ANTA PH Head of Marketing Mikko Abello.
Paglinawan added that the Tacloban store’s performance is now a model for future expansion across the Philippines.
The ANTA Superstore is located on Level 1, Robinsons Place Tacloban, and is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Some of the day-old chicks. (Photo: Christian Humphrey Lapeciros)
By Aaron A. Cotejar
Some of the day-old chicks. (Photo: Christian Humphrey Lapeciros)
Christian Humphrey Lapeciros, a young agriculture enthusiast from Paranas, Samar, witnessed the harsh realities of farm life — days under the scorching sun, unpredictable harvests, and the perception that farming was a dead-end profession.
“Mahirap talaga ang pagsasaka, tapos may stigma pa tayo na kapag hindi ka mag-aral ng mabuti, magiging magsasaka ka (Farming is really hard, and we still have a stigma that if you don’t study hard, you’ll become a farmer),” he recalled.
Christian also sells his upgraded native chickens at the Kadiwa ng Palo. (Photo: Christian Humphrey Lapeciros)
He added that his childhood friends and cousins were reluctant to enter the agricultural sector, with many leaving to work as construction workers, call center agents, or moving to Manila to look for the proverbial greener pasture. For them, farming was a sign of failure rather than success, often associated with poverty or a lack of educational achievement.
Lapeciros’ claims align with findings from a 2020 research by Florencia G. Palis, which revealed that Filipino rice farmers are aging and often discourage their children from following in their footsteps due to physical, psychological, and financial challenges.
Additionally, rice farming is labor- and capital-intensive, with low and uncertain incomes, making it a last resort for many. As a result, these parents hope their children will seek non-farm jobs in urban areas or abroad for better stability and to escape poverty.
“Nakikita talaga na isa itong katotohanan na kumakaunti na lang ang nagkaka-interes sa pagsasaka. Kung hindi ako ang papasok, sino? (It’s really clear that fewer people are interested in farming. If I’m not the one to get involved, who will?),” Lapeciros said.
Driven by this reality, Christian made a choice: he pursued a degree in Agribusiness at Visayas State University (VSU), graduating magna cum laude in 2024. He studied not to escape farming, but to redefine the farming narrative in Samar.
“So, yan ang naging inspirasyon ko upang tahakin ang kursong BS Agribusiness, upang patunayan hindi lamang sa komunidad, kundi patunayan na rin sa sarili ko na may pera sa agrikultura at maraming oportunidad ang naghihintay sa ganitong larangan (So, that was my inspiration to pursue the BS Agribusiness course, to prove not only to the community but also to myself that there is money in agriculture and that many opportunities are waiting in this field),” he explained, highlighting that for him, education was not an escape from farming — it was the key to elevating it.
Through his recent initiative, Project FAITH (Food Always In The House), he has transformed his community and is shaping the future of agriculture. His hard work has secured him a place in the regional selection for the 2024 Young Farmer Challenge (YFC) program in the Department of Agriculture (DA) start-up production category.
Project FAITH began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a family initiative for food security and has evolved into a community empowerment effort. It focuses on upgraded native chicken farming, involving a crossbreeding of Parawakan Native Chicken and Black Australorp to produce resilient, fast-growing, and high-yield poultry.
“Nakitaan namin ng potential ang Project FAITH, pwede siya maging adbokasiya at ibahagi sa komunidad upang makatulong at makapagbigay ng hanap buhay para sa ibang pamilya sa Samar (We saw the potential of Project FAITH; it can be an advocacy and shared with the community to help and provide employment for other families in Samar),” he said.
Christian aims to incubate 150 eggs weekly, targeting an 80% hatching rate. The eggs hatch every 21 days and are then transferred to the brooder house for a month.
The farm now focuses on producing day-old and three-month-old upgraded native chickens, which are sold to backyard raisers and aspiring farmers, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The cycle repeats with new incubation. Prices are 100 pesos for day-old to week-old chicks and 300 pesos per kilo for three-month-old upgraded native chickens.
His farm project stands out for its mission to uplift marginalized individuals, including former rebels, drug users, parolees, violence survivors, and out-of-school youth.
Through training and resource support, Christian helps them not only receive aid but also become part of a sustainable agriculture ecosystem.
“Binibigyan naming sila ng oportunidad na maging produktibong miyembro ng komunidad, makapag-hanapbuhay sa pagpaparami nang upgraded native chicken (We’re giving them the opportunity to become productive members of the community, earning a living by breeding upgraded native chickens),” he said.
He reported that the project benefited about 500 individuals from Jiabong, Paranas, San Jose de Buan, Tagapul-an, Calbiga, Catbalogan City, and Matuguinao, Samar.
“Ang Project FAITH ay napaka gandang proyekto lalong-lalo sa katulad kung may hilig sa pagmamanok. Natulungan ako nitong palaguin ang aking manokan, at kung paanong pamamaraan ang dapat kong gawin sa aking manokan. Nakatulong rin ito sa aming komunidad para mahikayat ang mga kabataan na pumasok din sa ganitong larangan, at mailayo ang kanilang interes sa mga masasamang gawain o bisyo (PROJECT FAITH is a very good project, especially for those interested in chicken farming. It helped me grow my chicken farm and taught me how I should manage it. It also helped our community encourage young people to enter this field and keep their interest away from bad activities or vices),” said Ronel G. Llano, a beneficiary of the project from Jiabong, Samar.
Lapeciros’ early challenges in chicken breeding, marked by high mortality rates, were addressed with guidance from his former VSU professors and DA technical staff, leading to improved methods and a stronger business model.
“Remember that farming is not just about cultivating crops. Don’t be afraid to take risks and challenges. Every seed you plant, every crop you harvest, and every decision you make has the potential to create positive change,” said Francisco C. Rosaroso, chief of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of the Department of Agriculture RFO8, during the Enterprise Development Training.
With funds earned from the provincial (80,000 pesos) and regional (150,000 pesos) levels of the YFC program, Christian has expanded his farm’s infrastructure by building breeder houses, incubators, brooder houses, and a 400-meter free-range grazing area. He also plans to build a feed and concoction formulation room and a water system, and purchase an electric generator, adding more production to the farm.
“Sa budget na nakuha ko sa Young Farmers Challenge, mas napaganda ang produksyon at mas madali na naming na mo-monitor ang aming manokan (With the budget I got from the Young Farmers Challenge, production has improved, and it is now easier for us to monitor our chicken farm),” he expressed.
Christian’s next big dream is the Project FAITH Farm-to-Table Kitchenette, a social enterprise that will serve dishes made from locally raised native chickens by his beneficiaries. He acknowledged the support of the DA, VSU, and the Samar Police Provincial Office, who trusted in him as a visionary youth farmer and contributed to his achievements.
A visionary youth farmer like Christian Lapeciros is changing the narrative around farming by combining academic excellence, grassroots empathy, and entrepreneurial vision. With Project FAITH, he proves agriculture can be dignified and profitable, raising hope and empowering a new generation of farmers. (AAC, PIA Samar)
TACLOBAN CITY – To help address persistent water supply challenges across Northern Samar, Mindanao-based Hanabana Water Supply Corporation has conducted site inspections and coordination meetings in eight municipalities as part of a potential partnership for localized water development initiatives.
The company’s assessment covered three clusters: Laoang, Catubig, and Palapag in the Pacific Area; Catarman, Bobon, and Mondragon in the Central Area; and Allen and Victoria in the Balicuatro Area.
Among the areas visited, Laoang was found to be the most in need, with its local water district declared non-functional. The local government unit has since taken over water services but currently supplies only around 400 households. To address the shortfall, officials are considering sourcing water from neighboring towns such as Palapag or Las Navas.
In the Central Area, Catarman’s water district is currently undergoing improvements to its filtration and distribution systems following persistent service issues.
Meanwhile, the towns of Bobon and Mondragon—though not facing immediate shortages—expressed strong interest in collaboration due to rising demand, population growth, and concerns over dwindling water sources.
In the Balicuatro Area, the municipalities of Allen and Victoria also welcomed the possibility of partnering with Hanabana, citing the region’s expected surge in commercial and business development.
Hanabana is scheduled to return in August to present formal, site-specific proposals based on further feasibility studies and technical assessments. To support the development of these proposals, the company has requested the submission of GPS coordinates, photographs, and videos of potential water sources from the involved LGUs.
The Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office has pledged its support for the initiative, underscoring the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in advancing local development, public health, and economic resilience.
NSSDEO, Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, Northern Samar – The Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSSDEO), in collaboration with the District Engineers League of the Philippines, Inc. (DELP) has successfully conducted an outreach program dubbed, “Gamit Pang-Eskwela, Handog Ay Saya”, for Kinder to Grade 6 pupils from two different elementary schools in Laoang, Northern Samar.
This annual nationwide project of DELP is now on its 8th year, in line with the Brigada Eskwela 2025 program. By this, the two elementary schools were benefited through a distribution of educational supplies and a feeding program, led by DPWH NSSDEO District Engineer, Atty. Arthur Eric L. Sabong and OIC, Assistant District Engineer Francisco Y. Tañala, with the assistance of Rank-and-File Employees Association (RAFEA), NSSDEO Key Officials, and other staff and employees.
A total of 140 students from Burabud Elementary School and 375 learners from Oleras Elementary School received school bags, notebooks, paper, ballpen, coloring books, and crayons.
The event had several attendees, including teaching and non-teaching staffs of the schools and parents, that created excitement and jovial memories to the children during the giving of educational supplies.
According to DE Sabong, this DELP’s program is part of the support to the Department of Education (DepEd) program “Oplan Balik-Eskwela”, and in conjunction with the 127th Anniversary of the DPWH.
“Kunta ine nga mga school supplies makabulig sa iyo nga mga kabataan, sa iyo pag eskuwela, pati man liwat sa mga parents and guardian sine po nga mga estudyante, pati man liwat sa eskwelahan. Salamat nga dako sa ngatanan.” DE Sabong, said.
Head Teacher II of Burabud Elementary School, Ma’am Carmela De Paz, extended her enormous gratitude, saying, “Thank you sa iyo pagpa-abay san iyo Anniversary sa Burabud Elementary School. Darako gud an amon pagpasalamat, kaupod sa akon mga kamaestrahan. Darako gud ako pagpasalamat”.
In a separate setting, even though Principal-in-Charge of Laoang V District, Dr. Janette B. Cerbito is not around, she still sent her appreciation, and a teacher read her message, saying, “Karuyag ipadangat ni Ma’am Janette an kanya lus’ay nga pasasalamat sa DPWH sa pagpili sa Oleras Elementary School bilang maging recipient sine nga kanra ginhihimo nga Oplan Balik-Eskwela 2025, nga sayo kit nga naka receive san mga school supplies nga tikang sa kanra Departamento. Dako nga salamat.”
The flagship program of the District Engineers League of the Philippines (DELP) not only empowers learners but also contributes positively to fostering educational development and supporting communities, and to make a difference in the lives of the youth.
ORMOC CITY– A newly identified drug personality classified as a street-level individual (SLI) was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of the Carigara Municipal Police Station on Tuesday, June 17, at around 4:18 p.m. in Barangay Barugohay Norte, Carigara, Leyte.
Carigara Chief of Police Major Reymund Quinagutan identified the suspect as alias “Leslie,” married, unemployed, and a resident of Barangay Sawang.
During the operation, one sachet containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu was sold to a police poseur-buyer for P500. Following the suspect’s arrest, a body search—conducted in the presence of witnesses as required by law—led to the discovery of seven more sachets of suspected shabu hidden inside a coin purse.
Police estimated the total weight of the seized suspected shabu at 0.79 grams, with an approximate street value of P5,372.00.
The suspect was properly informed of the charges and his constitutional rights in a language he understood, police added.
Criminal charges for violations of Sections 5 (sale) and 11 (possession) of Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, have already been filed with the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
