TACLOBAN CITY—Business leaders, advocates, and women entrepreneurs gathered for the WEERA Summit 2026, marking the formal launch of the Women Entrepreneurs for Economic and Regional Advancement (WEERA), a new initiative aimed at strengthening women-led enterprises and driving inclusive regional development.

The summit introduced WEERA as a platform designed to connect, support, and elevate women entrepreneurs across various industries, particularly in the regions, where access to resources and networks remains a challenge.

In her keynote address, Myren Garcia described the initiative as a “bold step forward” in advancing women’s economic participation, noting that it builds on the two-decade legacy of the Network for Enterprising Women (NEW), which also celebrated its 20th anniversary during the event.

WEERA seeks to expand opportunities for women in business by fostering collaboration, mentorship, and partnerships among stakeholders. Mitzi Sabando was also recognized for her instrumental role in bringing the initiative to fruition.

Anchored on the theme “When Women Rise, Regions Thrive,” the summit underscored the critical role of women entrepreneurs in stimulating local economies and creating sustainable growth. Organizers highlighted the importance of equipping women with access to capital, training, and wider markets to help them overcome common business challenges.

Held in line with the celebration of National Women’s Month, the event also served as a platform to promote women’s leadership and empowerment. Participants were encouraged to actively contribute to shaping WEERA into a long-term movement that champions inclusive growth and lasting regional impact.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Samar has emerged as a standout in regional tourism development, claiming top 2 excellence in performance and the LGU leadership in Tourism Investment Award among 24 participating local government units (LGUs).

The recognition highlights the province’s readiness to attract private investments through well-packaged, high-potential projects.

The key projects that put Samar on the investment map include the San Juanico Retirement Village & Wellness Estate – a serene destination combining leisure, healthcare, and lifestyle facilities; Literon Riverfront Farm & Wellness Resort – a nature-inspired tourism hub promoting eco-friendly wellness tourism and the Spark Samar Hotel & Business Hub – a modern facility designed to support business travelers and foster entrepreneurship.

These accomplishments reflect Governor Sharee Ann Tan’s strong commitment to Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), aiming to transform Samar into a sustainable, technologically advanced, and investment-ready province.

Through initiatives like Spark Samar, Tan is leveraging partnerships in tourism, infrastructure, and digital skill-building to accelerate economic growth and enhance the province’s competitiveness.

“The awards recognize our efforts to turn plans into partnerships, creating real opportunities for local communities while attracting investors,” Gov. Tan said.

Samar’s success demonstrates a clear roadmap for other LGUs seeking to modernize their tourism and investment strategies, positioning the province as a model for innovation-driven development in the region.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — In a vibrant celebration of culture and agriculture, the town of San Roque in Northern Samar held its annual Parayan Festival, showcasing the community’s rich traditions and paying tribute to its farming heritage. The festival culminated in the 2026 Dance Floor Competition, where Tribu Parag-uma wowed judges and spectators with a dynamic and well-coordinated performance, claiming the championship title.

Tribu Seawall of Mapanas finished in second place, while Tribu Bukidnon, also from Mapanas, took third. Consolation prizes were awarded to Tribu Busaynon of Lavezares and Tribu Bugasnon of San Roque.

Special awards recognized outstanding performances. Tribu Parag-uma dominated multiple categories, winning Best in Costume, Best in Carabao, and Best in Street Dance. Tribu Bukidnon earned the Best in Pahoy award.

The Parayan Festival, held every late March, marks San Roque’s founding anniversary and celebrates its agricultural roots. Known for its colorful street dances, the event depicts traditional rice farming practices and expresses gratitude for bountiful harvests, uniting the community in cultural pride.

Judging this year’s competition were Department of Tourism VIII Senior Tourism Operations Officer Norberto Lumbre; Laoang Municipal Councilor and Philippine Councilors League Northern Samar President Emil Ongchuan; Madrid, Surigao del Sur Mayor Juan Pabloe Lopez; and GMA-7 film and event director Mark Niño Pillula. Street dance judges included Shennie Mae Labanero, Carl Jamie Bordeos, and Ceasar Ian Serilo.

Local officials and organizers lauded all participating tribes for their creativity, energy, and dedication, emphasizing the festival’s role in preserving and celebrating the enduring cultural and agricultural heritage of San Roque.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – A total of 277 senior high school students secured immediate employment during back-to-back Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Caravan job fairs held in Baybay City and Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, last week, highlighting expanding opportunities for young jobseekers in Eastern Visayas.

Organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 8 in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the job fairs targeted graduating SHS students, Alternative Learning System learners, and out-of-school youth, aiming to provide on-the-spot hiring and career guidance.

In Baybay City, all 257 participating jobseekers—mostly SHS students—were hired on the spot, achieving a 100-percent placement rate. Meanwhile, in Hinunangan, 20 out of 160 applicants secured jobs during the fair.

DOLE Regional Director Dax Villaruel said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to bringing employment services closer to young Filipinos preparing to enter the workforce.

Among the newly hired was Ashley Dapiton, a Grade 12 tourism student from Baybay City Senior High School, who said the job fair allowed her to earn while saving for future education and gaining work experience.

The events also provided participants with career guidance and livelihood opportunities, aligning with the Bagong Pilipinas initiative to deliver inclusive government services, empower youth through employment, and develop their skills for long-term success.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)