TACLOBAN CITY — Ninety-four elderly residents of Borongan City received P10,000 each during the fourth payout of the national government’s cash gift program for octogenarians and nonagenarians held on October 15 at the multi-purpose gym in Barangay Campesao.
The beneficiaries included senior citizens aged 80, 85, 90, and 95 who celebrated their birthdays between March and June 2024, and between May and June 2025.
The cash distribution is part of the implementation of Republic Act No. 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act, which extends financial incentives to Filipinos reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95, in recognition of their longevity and contributions to society. The law amends Republic Act No. 10868, also known as the Centenarians Act of 2016, which initially granted cash gifts only to Filipinos who reached 100 years old.
According to Hilda Rodeles, focal person for senior citizens at the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), a total of 231 elderly beneficiaries in Borongan have already received their cash incentives since the start of the program’s rollout in March 2024.
She said the CSWDO accepts applications two to three months before an eligible senior citizen’s birthday to ensure the timely release of the benefits.
Also present during the activity were OIC-CSWD Officer Hazel Ribong, Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) head Virginia Buna, National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Regional Director Antonio Dolaota, Ian Pinangay, and several presidents of senior citizens’ associations from various barangays in the city.
FARMERS ASSISTANCE. The provincial government of Northern Samar has joined the Department of Agriculture’s Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Program which is expected to boost rice production and improve the livelihood of farmers in the province. Among those present were Governor Harris Ongchuan and former Congressman Paul Daza. (PHOTO COURTESY)
FARMERS ASSISTANCE. The provincial government of Northern Samar has joined the Department of Agriculture’s Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Program which is expected to boost rice production and improve the livelihood of farmers in the province. Among those present were Governor Harris Ongchuan and former Congressman Paul Daza. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial government of Northern Samar has formally joined the Department of Agriculture’s Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Program, a move expected to strengthen rice production and improve the livelihood of farmers in the province for the 2025–2031 implementation period.
The program’s launch, held at Sumuroy Hall in the provincial capitol, marked Northern Samar’s inclusion among the country’s 78 rice-producing provinces that will benefit from RCEF interventions aimed at improving yield, reducing production costs, and enhancing rice quality.
Governor Harris Ongchuan led the ceremony alongside Representatives Edwin Ongchuan and Nico Raul Daza, and Vice Governor Clarence Dato.
The event gathered local officials, national government representatives, and agricultural stakeholders in a united effort to make rice farming in the province more competitive, sustainable, and resilient.
“Sa ating pagsusumikap at pakikipag-ugnayan sa Department of Agriculture at iba’t ibang ahensya, kasali na ang ating probinsya sa mga programa sa ilalim ng RCEF mula ngayong taon hanggang 2031. Kung ating babalikan, noong nakaraang buwan ay nakatanggap na ng mga makabagong makinarya ang mga qualified farmers’ at irrigators’ associations,” Governor Ongchuan said.
Anchored on Ongchuan’s HCO Framework—which focuses on Human capacity-building, Climate resiliency, and Opportunities—the RCEF program seeks to empower farmers through access to modern farm machinery, high-quality seeds, credit assistance, and technical training.
Through the initiative, local farmers are expected to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, improve soil management, and utilize advanced post-harvest technologies to minimize losses and increase profitability. Continuous farmer education and technical support will also help them adapt to climate challenges and meet evolving agricultural standards.
The event was attended by DA Regional Field Office 8 OIC Regional Executive Director Rodel Macapañas, former congressman Paul Daza, Provincial Agriculturist Jose Luis Acompañado, TESDA Northern Samar Provincial Director Zosimo de Asis, and Rice Program Coordinator Engr. Ma. Cristina Ladeza.
Partner agencies such as Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines and Technical Education Skills Development Authority also participated, along with members of various farmers’ cooperatives and associations across the province.
RAMIL’S WRATH. Several parts of Samar Island were submerged in floodwaters following the onslaught of Typhoon ‘Ramil’ on Saturday, October 18. Among the hardest-hit areas was Barangay Caglanipao in Calbayog City, where residents waded through waist-deep water as continuous rains and strong winds battered the community. (Photo courtesy of Diana Pantino)
Triggers floods, landslides, and mass evacuations
RAMIL’S WRATH. Several parts of Samar Island were submerged in floodwaters following the onslaught of Typhoon ‘Ramil’ on Saturday, October 18. Among the hardest-hit areas was Barangay Caglanipao in Calbayog City, where residents waded through waist-deep water as continuous rains and strong winds battered the community. (Photo courtesy of Diana Pantino)
TACLOBAN CITY — Heavy rains and strong winds brought by Typhoon “Ramil” lashed across parts of Samar Island and nearby provinces over the weekend, triggering floods, landslides, and displacing thousands of residents.
On Saturday, October 18, widespread flooding was reported in Calbayog City and the nearby town of Daram in Samar province, while landslides and power interruptions affected several communities across the region.
In Daram, floodwaters inundated the villages of Binarawon and Kanipaan as the Jacopon River overflowed following hours of continuous rain. Several houses were affected, although the extent of the damage was still being assessed as of press time.
In Calbayog City, a landslide hit Barangay Cagmanipis Sur, while other low-lying areas such as Cagmanipis Norte, Bugtong, Malaga, and Roxas II experienced knee-deep flooding.
The Calbayog Water District also warned consumers of low water pressure or temporary supply interruptions as its water sources were affected by the floods.
In Eastern Samar, floodwaters reached the public market and municipal hall grounds of Guiuan town. Similar flooding incidents were reported in Barangay Pagbabangnan in San Julian and in parts of Borongan City.
In Northern Samar, a landslide occurred in Barangay Palanit, San Isidro, while two minors from Masbate were rescued off the coast of Barangay Dalupinit, San Antonio after their fishing boat drifted due to rough seas and strong winds. The boys, aged 11 and 14, had gone fishing on Saturday and were swept away before being spotted and rescued by local residents on Sunday.
Meanwhile, two fishermen earlier reported missing — Venetio Pombo of Brgy. Nena, San Julian, and Junjie Valera of Brgy. Del Remedio, Sulat — were rescued on Sunday off the waters of Brgy. Natividad, San Policarpo, Eastern Samar.
With the weather improving by Sunday morning, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) lifted its no-sailing policy across Eastern Visayas.
In Biliran province, the municipality of Naval sheltered 2,352 individuals from 661 families displaced by Ramil.
The evacuees were housed in various LGU- and barangay-managed evacuation centers, including schools and the Naval Gymnasium, which reached full capacity with 631 evacuees, and the Dapdap Evacuation Center, which sheltered 116 individuals.
Mayor Gretchen Espina assured that all evacuees received three meals daily and basic necessities such as infant milk, diapers, sanitary napkins, and coffee. The LGU also organized movie viewings and games for children to ease stress and uplift spirits amid the crisis.
“In moments like this, the true heart of Naval shines the brightest. Our compassion, unity, and resilience define who we are as a people. Together, we will overcome, rebuild, and emerge stronger than ever,” Mayor Espina said.
The provincial government of Biliran likewise provided refuge to 30 families or 111 individuals at the provincial evacuation center in Barangay Larrazabal, where evacuees received food packs, clean water, and sleeping kits.
Governor Gerard Roger Espina praised the swift coordination among the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), local volunteers, and barangay officials in responding to the storm’s impact.
“In every storm, we see the true heart of our people — united, resilient, and compassionate. Together, we face challenges and rise stronger as one Biliran,” the governor said.
After conditions stabilized, the LGU of Naval lifted its forced evacuation order on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO-Biliran), led by Sofronio D. Dacillo, conducted inspections of riverbanks, roads, and bridges to ensure that all major routes were safe for motorists and relief operations.
While weather conditions have improved, local disaster officials continue to urge residents to remain alert for possible flash floods and landslides, especially in mountain and coastal communities still saturated by days of heavy rainfall.
FLOOD CONTROL MESS. Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla could not help but mentioned the flood control controversy hounding the country during his speech at the 81st Leyte Gulf Landings anniversary on Monday, Oct.20,2025, likening it as a ‘new war’ that the Filipinos should fight back. (ROEL T.AMAZONA)
FLOOD CONTROL MESS. Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla could not help but mentioned the flood control controversy hounding the country during his speech at the 81st Leyte Gulf Landings anniversary on Monday, Oct.20,2025, likening it as a ‘new war’ that the Filipinos should fight back. (ROEL T.AMAZONA)
PALO, Leyte — Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla likened the ongoing flood control controversy to a “different kind of war” that has placed the country in an embarrassing position, as he delivered his message during the 81st Leyte Gulf Landings Commemoration on Monday, October 20.
“The Philippines is now fighting a different kind of war — one that has tarnished the government’s reputation and eroded the people’s trust,” Petilla said, referring to the alleged irregularities involving flood control projects across the country.
He said the controversy, which has implicated contractors, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) personnel, and even elected officials, has drawn not only national attention but also concern from the international community.
“Even members of the diplomatic corps have been asking — if there are those found involved, will they be punished? Will justice be served?” Petilla said.
Drawing a parallel between the present scandal and the wartime sacrifices of Filipino and Allied soldiers, Petilla warned against allowing such corruption to persist.
“Just like any war, this should not happen again. If they go unpunished, our forefathers who fought and died 81 years ago on this very land would rise from their graves and ask us, ‘Are you worth dying for?’” he said.
To ensure accountability, Petilla said the provincial government now requires contractors to submit daily time-lapse videos of their ongoing projects.
He added that artificial intelligence (AI) will soon be used to monitor whether projects are implemented according to approved specifications.
“We’re using time-lapse monitoring to check every detail — down to the last inch. This will help us prevent substandard or ghost projects and ensure that public funds are properly used,” the governor emphasized.
The 81st Leyte Gulf Landings Commemoration, themed “Freedom’s Price: Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future,” marked the historic return of Allied Forces led by General Douglas MacArthur to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation during World War II.
This year’s event was attended by Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown, Japan Embassy Charge d’Affaires Minister Ono Sho, and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, who served as guest speaker.
Six of the 12 remaining living World War II veterans also graced the ceremony.
In his message, Minister Sho paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the war, highlighting how the Philippines and Japan have since built strong ties of friendship and development cooperation — including projects such as the San Juanico Bridge and the planned second bridge linking Leyte and Samar.
Ambassador Innes-Brown reaffirmed Australia’s enduring alliance with the Philippines, noting that their partnership extends beyond wartime camaraderie to modern challenges, including the humanitarian response and recovery efforts following Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ that pummeled Leyte and the region on November 8, 2013.
OVERWHELMED. The Northern Samar Provincial Hospital in Catarman temporarily stopped accepting new patients on Saturday, October 18, after reporting that it has exceeded its maximum bed capacity.
(Northern Samar Provincial Hospital Facebook page)
OVERWHELMED. The Northern Samar Provincial Hospital in Catarman temporarily stopped accepting new patients on Saturday, October 18, after reporting that it has exceeded its maximum bed capacity. (Northern Samar Provincial Hospital Facebook page)
TACLOBAN CITY — The Northern Samar Provincial Hospital (NSPH) in Catarman, the province’s main referral health facility, is now operating more than double its licensed capacity, prompting hospital officials to temporarily suspend new patient admissions due to severe overcrowding.
In a public advisory issued Saturday (October 18), NSPH Chief of Hospital Dr. Joseph Estanislao said all hospital beds are currently occupied, leaving no room for new admissions.
He appealed to partner hospitals and local health facilities to refer only patients requiring specialized or higher-level care and to stabilize those needing transfer before dispatch.
“We also would like to request the health facilities to stabilize patients before dispatch,” Estanislao said. “Cooperation from other facilities and the public will help ensure that critical and emergency cases receive immediate attention.”
The 150-bed provincial hospital is currently attending to more than 360 patients, many of whom are occupying makeshift beds in hallways and other temporary spaces, according to provincial officials.
Provincial Information Officer Arlyn Cui said the hospital’s overcrowding is largely caused by patients bypassing district hospitals and rural health units (RHUs) and going directly to the provincial hospital—even for minor illnesses.
“NSPH is a referral hospital, but most of the time, patients go directly there regardless of the seriousness of their ailments. They are still being accommodated, which causes the hospital to exceed its capacity,” Cui said in an online interview.
Northern Samar’s provincial government operates eight district hospitals, each with 50 to 100 beds, and several RHU-accredited primary care facilities capable of handling basic treatments, childbirth, and non-critical cases.
Health officials are urging residents to seek care first from these local facilities to reduce congestion at the provincial hospital and ensure that those in need of advanced care can be properly attended to.
The situation in Northern Samar mirrors a wider trend in Eastern Visayas, where other government hospitals—including the Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City and the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in Tacloban City—have likewise reported operating beyond their maximum capacity amid rising patient admissions in recent months.
Officials said the surge in hospital utilization underscores the need to strengthen the province’s district hospitals and RHUs to improve access to primary care and prevent the overcrowding of referral hospitals like NSPH.
TACLOBAN CITY — The Office of Civil Defense in Eastern Visayas (OCD-8) has extended aid to earthquake-affected communities in Davao Oriental, sending thousands of bottled water to help families struggling with limited access to clean drinking supplies.
Led by Regional Director Lord Byron Torrecarion, OCD-8—working closely with the Tactical Operations Group 8 (TOG-8) Tacloban and the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8)—dispatched 15,785 bottles of drinking water aboard a C-130 aircraft from Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City to Mati City, Davao Oriental.
The relief mission aimed to deliver much-needed potable water to evacuees and affected residents as part of efforts to address urgent humanitarian needs following the recent series of strong earthquakes in the province.
Despite heavy rains brought by Typhoon ‘Ramil’, the operation was completed smoothly—a testament to the strong coordination and bayanihan spirit among responding agencies.
OCD-8 said the assistance symbolizes the region’s solidarity with fellow Filipinos in Mindanao, recalling how Davao communities extended help to Eastern Visayas in the aftermath of past disasters.
Before this latest mission, the regional office also sent drinking water to earthquake-affected areas in Cebu province, underscoring its commitment to providing aid wherever needed.
