TACLOBAN CITY — After years of security efforts and inter-agency collaboration, the municipality of Calbiga in Samar has been officially placed under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), signaling the absence of active armed threats and a strengthened environment for development.

The declaration, made on April 23, was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding among local officials, security forces, and partner agencies, marking a milestone in the town’s transition toward sustained peace and stability.

Mayor Red Nacario described the development as a crucial step in advancing long-term progress in the municipality, emphasizing that peace is a foundation for inclusive growth.
“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict—it is the presence of trust and shared purpose. Peace is the foundation of progress, resilience, and inclusive development,” Nacario said during the ceremony.

The SIPSC status indicates that Calbiga has met key security benchmarks, including the neutralization of insurgency-related threats, improved governance, and stronger cooperation between authorities and communities. The town, like many parts of Samar, had previously faced challenges related to insurgency, making the declaration a significant achievement.

Local officials attributed the milestone to the combined efforts of the local government unit, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, national government agencies, and active participation from barangay officials and residents.

In a message from Major Gen. Peter Bergunio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, read by Assistant Division Commander Col. Rico Amaro, the military lauded Calbiga’s progress toward becoming an insurgency-free municipality.

“Ang tagumpay na ito ay hindi lamang tagumpay ng mga Calbiganon kundi ng buong probinsya ng Samar, bunga ng kolektibong sakripisyo at pagkakaisa ng bawat sektor ng gobyerno na naniniwala na ang kapayapaang tinatamasa natin ngayon ay hindi lamang isang pangarap kundi isang katotohanan,” the message read.

Authorities said the SIPSC declaration is expected to boost investor confidence, accelerate development initiatives, and improve the delivery of basic services in the town.

The local government, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to sustain peacebuilding efforts and maintain close coordination with stakeholders to ensure that stability translates into lasting and inclusive development.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — In a move to improve emergency response and disaster preparedness along a critical inter-provincial route, the city government of Calbayog City and the municipality of Lope de Vega, Northern Samar have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) formalizing closer cooperation in disaster risk reduction and management.

The agreement was sealed during a ceremony held on April 20 at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall in Lope de Vega, led by Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy and Lope de Vega Mayor Bobby Sulidario.

At the core of the partnership is the joint management of emergencies along the Calbayog–Catarman Road, a vital transport corridor linking Samar and Northern Samar that has been prone to vehicular accidents and other emergencies.

Under the MOA, the two local government units (LGUs) agreed to establish coordinated mechanisms for rapid response, including cross-border deployment of rescue and medical teams. The agreement also covers joint trainings and simulation exercises, as well as the sharing of facilities, communication systems, and technical expertise.

Both LGUs committed to maintaining open and synchronized communication lines during emergencies to ensure faster coordination and response.

Funding for the initiative will be sourced from each LGU’s disaster risk reduction and management funds, with cost-sharing arrangements in place for large-scale incidents.

Mayor Uy emphasized that the agreement reflects the need for collaboration in addressing risks that affect neighboring communities. He added that the partnership could later expand to include cooperation in livelihood development and agricultural trade.

Local officials said the pact is expected to significantly improve response time, strengthen coordination, and enhance overall disaster preparedness in both Samar and Northern Samar—areas frequently exposed to natural hazards and road-related incidents.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial government of Samar took center stage in promoting its rich food traditions and cultural identity during the “Food Wednesdates” series of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Held at the Likhaang Filipino, the event featured Samar’s cultural heritage through performances inspired by the Manaragat Festival, highlighting the province’s deep connection to the sea.

A key highlight was a live cooking demonstration of local delicacies tamalos and bola catalana, showcasing traditional preparation methods and efforts to preserve indigenous culinary practices.

Provincial Tourism Officer Marvin Piczon also presented the Samar brand, emphasizing culture-driven development through storytelling and local products, while cultural advocate Clang Garcia shared insights on “Secret Kitchens of Samar,” a globally recognized culinary book series documenting the province’s diverse food traditions.

NCCA Chair Eric Zerrudo commended Samar for translating cultural mapping into programs that support heritage conservation and development.

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) likewise expressed support in promoting Samar’s culinary products to wider markets.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to position Samar as a hub for cultural and culinary tourism while preserving its traditional heritage.

ROEL T. AMAZONA

TACLOBAN CITY — The Eastern Visayas Food Fest will move to a new host province next year after two consecutive years of staging in Tacloban City, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced.

DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the 2026 edition of the festival will be hosted by the provincial government of Samar and the city government of Catbalogan City, giving more communities across the region the chance to experience and showcase their local cuisine.

Tiopes made the announcement during the successful street food festival held along Magsaysay Boulevard in Tacloban, noting that the rotation aims to promote wider appreciation of Eastern Visayas’ diverse culinary offerings.

She said bringing the event to Samar will allow residents to experience street foods from different provinces while also introducing regional delicacies to new audiences beyond Tacloban.

“All over the region we have different street food and to introduce them to Eastern Visayas is something that we wanted to do,” Tiopes said.

The festival features ready-to-eat dishes and snacks from across the region, including baduyang pasayan and ube of Catbalogan City; puto bugas, bibingka, and kutsinta of Calbayog; piyaya and milky donut of Tacloban; tuba-based ice cream from Palo; moron and empanada from Leyte; and various local products from Northern Samar towns.

Farm products such as vegetables, poultry, and rice were also showcased by farmers’ groups from Tacloban and Palo with support from the Department of Agriculture.

The Eastern Visayas Food Fest is part of the Filipino Food Month celebration under Proclamation No. 469, led by the DOT, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Department of Agriculture, aimed at promoting and preserving Filipino culinary heritage.

Tiopes also floated the possibility of organizing localized versions of the festival in the future, encouraging private stakeholders to sustain similar food tourism events in the region.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)