TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Education (DepEd) has cited journalists from the Leyte Samar Daily Express (LSDE) for their role in supporting education initiatives through responsible and consistent reporting, as the agency honored partners who have helped advance basic education in Eastern Visayas.

The recognition was given during a ceremony on Thursday at Madison Park Hotel held on Nov.27 where DepEd Regional Director Ronelo Al Firmo said that education flourishes through shared responsibility across sectors.

Among the 60 awardees were 13 journalists—including Joey A. Gabieta of LSDE and the Philippine Daily Inquirer; and writers Lizbeth Ann A. Abella and Roel T. Amazona—along with private lending institutions, non-government organizations, local officials, national government agencies, a private school-building donor, and international partners.

DepEd Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and External Partnerships Cilette Liboro Co emphasized that collaboration opens opportunities for learners, citing successful projects with UNESCO and KOICA that benefited girls and out-of-school female students in Leyte.

The ceremony, themed “Kabalikat sa Pag-aaral: Uniting Hearts, Transforming Education,” highlighted the value of appreciation and sustained partnerships to ensure that no learner is left behind.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) was recognized by the Philippine Army for its outstanding contributions to joint peace and security efforts in Eastern Visayas during a ceremony at the 93rd Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Brgy. Aguiting, Kananga, Leyte, on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

In the morning program, 19 PRO 8 personnel, represented by PCol. Michel Palermo, PMajor Reymund Quinagutan, and PCpt. Harvey Braden Sobebe, received the Military Merit Medal from B/Gen.Pompeyo Jason Almagro, brigade commander of the 802nd Brigade.

The awards recognized their participation in a September 29, 2025, joint military-police operation in Brgy. Cogon, Carigara, Leyte, which resulted in the seizure of an M16 rifle, ammunition, a hand grenade, blasting caps, propaganda materials, and other supplies.
In the afternoon, Palermo accepted the “Sundang ng Banglitan” Award on behalf of PRO 8 during the Blessing and Unveiling of 93IB Facilities & Stakeholders Recognition. The award symbolizes resilience, integrity, and the steadfast partnership between the 93rd Infantry Battalion and the police, honoring PRO 8’s critical role in supporting the battalion’s missions.

“This award reflects not only our past achievements but also the strong operational synergy between PRO 8 and the Philippine Army,” Palermo said. “Our partnership ensures that law enforcement and community protection go hand in hand. Together, we continue to dismantle threats to peace and order and strengthen the safety of the communities we serve.”

The event was also attended by BGEN Arsenio D.C. Sadural, PA, Assistant Division Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, along with other military officials and stakeholders, reaffirming the enduring collaboration between PRO 8 and the Army in advancing regional security.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), led by Regional Director PB/Gen. Jason Capoy, continued its community outreach efforts through the fifth installment of its flagship program “J’Capz Care: To Serve and Share,” extending assistance to pupils and families in Palo, Leyte on November 28, 2025.

Spearheaded by the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division (RCADD) under PCol. Jennifer Sumpo, and supported by the PRO 8 Press Corps, the initiative provided school supplies and snacks to 107 pupils of Kauswagan Elementary School in Sitio Kauswagan, Barangay Barayong.

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustained community support, the team also visited a family in Barangay Canhidoc previously assisted by the program. The household includes three siblings with physical disabilities—two of whom are deaf, mute, blind, and unable to walk, while the third has vision in only one eye. PRO 8 delivered groceries, toiletries, and diapers to help address the family’s immediate needs and ease their daily struggles.
“This outreach is not only about providing material support but also about showing care, compassion, and encouragement to the communities we serve. Through ‘J’Capz Care,’ we hope to uplift lives, inspire hope, and strengthen the bond between the police and the people,” Capoy said.

Past “J’Capz Care” activities have benefited communities in Palo, Alangalang, Dagami, and Villaba in Leyte, as well as in Cebu City, where PRO 8 distributed food packs to 500 residents affected by a 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

Through sustained outreach efforts like these, PRO 8 underscores that policing goes beyond law enforcement—highlighting a commitment to community service, protection of vulnerable sectors, and the strengthening of trust and resilience across Eastern Visayas.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)