TACLOBAN CITY — The Energy Development Corporation (EDC) underscored the vital role of community-based conservation in sustaining the country’s geothermal energy resources during the recently-held Philippine Forestry Education Network, Inc. (PFEN) 2nd International Conference and Assembly, held in partnership with Visayas State University.
EDC Assistant Vice President and Corporate Support Functions head Allan Barcena told forestry educators, policymakers, and practitioners that the health of Philippine forests and watersheds is directly tied to the sustainability of the nation’s geothermal energy sector, where the Philippines ranks among the world’s top producers.

Barcena showcased EDC’s BINHI environmental program, which prioritizes ecosystem-based restoration and the protection of threatened native tree species, moving beyond traditional tree-planting initiatives. Through partnerships with government agencies, local communities, schools, and conservation groups, BINHI aims to revive forest landscapes while promoting biodiversity and environmental education.

One highlighted initiative was the Tongonan Upland Roast project in Leyte, developed with the Tongonan Farmers Association, which promotes sustainable livelihoods that support local biodiversity.

Barcena also cited collaborations with schools and the Department of Education to raise environmental awareness, along with employee engagement programs that immerse participants in native forest ecosystems.

The conference presentation also introduced several digital tools under BINHI, including a flora database and a community-based tree-growing platform, designed to expand public access to conservation knowledge.

Barcena emphasized that advancing forest restoration requires a joint effort among the private sector, government, academe, and communities. He stressed that long-term success depends on initiatives that are both science-based and community-driven.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY — At least 23 fighting cocks valued at around P230,000 were stolen from a game farm in Barangay Baco, Leyte, Leyte in the early hours of January 4, authorities reported.

The theft occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. at the DA-O Game Farm, the report added.
According to the report filed by alias “Seph,” 48, a resident of Barangay Baco, he discovered the missing birds during a routine inspection of the farm at around 2:40 a.m.
The stolen poultry included 15 Pula (red), 2 Talisayon (grey), 4 Lakton, 1 Ugis (white), and 1 Kabilyada (gold), all approximately four years old.

The game farm is owned by alias “Ben,” a barangay official of Barangay Baco. Police said no suspects have been identified so far.

The Leyte Municipal Police Station is conducting a follow-up investigation to determine the perpetrators and recover the stolen fighting cocks.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) reported significant accomplishments in its law enforcement and security campaigns in Eastern Visayas in 2025, citing major gains against illegal drugs, insurgency, illegal fishing, gambling, logging, loose firearms, and wanted persons.

From January 1 to December 31, 2025, PRO-8, under the leadership of Regional Director PB/Gen.Jason Capoy, implemented intensified operations aimed at maintaining peace and order across the region.

In its anti-illegal drugs campaign, PRO-8 conducted 1,085 operations that led to the arrest of 1,310 suspects. Authorities seized a total of 23,194.96 grams of illegal drugs, including 15,768.79 grams of shabu, 773.76 grams of marijuana, and 6,652.41 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street value of P113.91 million.

Supporting the government’s anti-insurgency efforts, PRO-8 facilitated the surrender of 204 members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). During the same period, 60 firearms and 14 explosives were surrendered, while 34 CTG members were arrested.

The campaign against illegal gambling resulted in 709 operations, leading to the arrest of 1,891 individuals and the confiscation of P361,227 in gambling money.

PRO-8 also intensified enforcement against illegal fishing, conducting 1,990 operations that resulted in the arrest of 3,702 violators. Confiscated fish and fishing paraphernalia were valued at P173.06 million.

In the fight against illegal logging, the regional police carried out 436 operations, arresting 513 individuals and seizing logs and related equipment worth P6.6 million.

Efforts to curb the proliferation of loose firearms included 1,768 operations, which led to the surrender of 1,345 firearms and 14 explosives, the confiscation of 249 firearms and eight explosives, and the recovery of 20 firearms and three explosives.

Meanwhile, intensified operations against wanted persons resulted in 4,483 operations and the arrest of 4,513 individuals, including 566 most wanted persons and 3,947 other wanted persons.

PBGEN Capoy credited the accomplishments to the dedication of police personnel across Eastern Visayas. “These accomplishments reflect the office’s strong commitment to public safety, rule of law, and community partnership,” he said.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)