TACLOBAN CITY — A multi-sectoral mural painting activity was launched on March 29 in Barangay 43-B along Congressman Mate Avenue, bringing together government forces, youth groups, and civil society organizations to promote unity and peace ahead of the Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration on April 9.

Dubbed “Pintahang Pagkakaisa,” the initiative was spearheaded by the Joint Task Group Tacloban in partnership with youth organization Amare Et Caritas, carrying the theme “Lupa ng Araw, Bayang Di Pasisiil.”

Participants from various sectors took part in the activity, including the 8th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, Tactical Operations Group 8, Naval Reserve Center Eastern Visayas, Tacloban City Police Office, Philippine Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas, and the Tacloban City Government through its City Tourism Office. Youth and civic groups such as the Sangguniang Kabataan Tacloban, Eagles Club Eastern Visayas, and PITAD also joined.
Organizers said the mural project goes beyond artistic expression, serving as a platform for community engagement where residents—particularly the youth—can convey their aspirations for peace, patriotism, and progress through visual art.

Jon Ivan Torreros, president of Amare Et Caritas, said the initiative draws inspiration from the country’s rich tradition of artistic expression, emphasizing that art remains a powerful tool in shaping national identity.

Colonel Rico Amaro, assistant division commander for operations of the 8th Infantry Division, underscored the importance of collaboration among sectors, describing the activity as a manifestation of shared commitment to community development and peace-building.

The mural painting activity forms part of a series of events leading to the observance of Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, which honors the bravery and sacrifice of Filipino heroes during World War II.

Residents welcomed the initiative, noting that it reflects growing cooperation among stakeholders and strengthens community participation in peace and development efforts. Organizers said similar activities are expected to be conducted in other areas as part of sustained peace-building initiatives.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

In Samar

TACLOBAN CITY — Fisherfolk in Barangay Astorga, Daram in Samar have undergone training on long line mussel production, equipping them with sustainable aquaculture techniques aimed at improving coastal livelihoods.

The training was conducted under the ISLA-LEtS CARE Program through its Project AGHAM, introducing participants to efficient mussel farming methods, particularly the installation of the long line system using coconut husk as a spat collector.

Andrew Gamba, who led the session, discussed the history of mussel farming, various installation methods, and the proper setup and maintenance of long line systems. He emphasized the use of coconut husk as a natural and cost-effective material, making the technology more accessible to small-scale fisherfolk.

Participants also took part in hands-on training, applying what they learned through the actual installation of the long line system. The activity aimed to provide practical skills to boost productivity while promoting environmentally responsible aquaculture practices.
Technical assistance was extended by Raul Bulan of the Municipal Agriculture Office of the local government unit of Daram.

Follow-up activities were conducted on March 2 to complete the installation of the mussel farming structures and ensure their operational readiness.

Organizers said the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen coastal communities by introducing science-based and sustainable aquaculture technologies to local fisherfolk.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

In Samar

TACLOBAN CITY — The municipal government of Paranas, Samar is considering a proposed ordinance that would require graduating students to plant trees as part of efforts to strengthen environmental protection and promote civic responsibility among the youth.
Under the measure, all graduating senior high school and college students in the municipality would be required to plant at least two trees before they can receive their diplomas, aligning education milestones with local climate action and reforestation initiatives.

If approved, the ordinance would institutionalize youth participation in environmental conservation while supporting ongoing programs on forest restoration and watershed protection, particularly in areas such as the Ulot Watershed Model Forest.

Consultations were conducted with stakeholders, including representatives from various schools such as Samar State University–Paranas Campus, as well as officials from the Local Youth Development Office, Local Youth Development Council, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan.

During deliberations, schools presented data on their projected number of graduates to estimate the volume of trees that could be planted annually. Several recommendations were raised, including implementing tree-planting activities through schools, aligning schedules with environmental programs like youth camps and scouting activities, and providing flexibility for college students undertaking off-site internships.

Participants also emphasized the importance of proper site selection, particularly within designated planting areas, as well as the need for protective measures such as fencing and regular monitoring to ensure higher survival rates of planted trees.

The committee found the proposal both feasible and beneficial, noting its potential to instill environmental stewardship among young people while contributing to the municipality’s long-term ecological sustainability goals. The ordinance has been recommended for approval, subject to the inclusion of agreed implementation guidelines.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial government of Eastern Samar has received four upgraded Brahman cattle from the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to enhance local breeding programs and strengthen the province’s livestock sector.

The turnover ceremony was held at the Provincial Breeding Station in Can-avid, where Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone formally accepted the livestock alongside Dr. Melanie Osita, representing the Provincial Veterinary Office.

Evardone welcomed the assistance, noting that the additional breeding stock would help improve cattle production in the province and support livelihood opportunities for local farmers.

The governor said the province aims to multiply the cattle population and eventually distribute offspring to farmers and other stakeholders in the livestock sector to expand income-generating opportunities.

The donation forms part of the DA’s continuing program to strengthen the livestock industry and improve the genetic quality of cattle.

Officials said the Brahman breed, known for its resilience in hot and humid climates, is expected to serve as a primary breeding source in the province.

Evardone also committed to further upgrading the breeding station’s facilities to ensure efficient operations and maximize the benefits of the program.

In addition to the Brahman cattle, the provincial government is also expecting to receive several heads of water buffalo next year as part of ongoing efforts to develop the livestock sector.

Representatives from DA Region 8 and the Provincial Veterinary Office were present during the turnover ceremony.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)