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ChEd-8 urges private colleges to ease burden on students

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EASTERN VISAYAS GEM. Visitors explore the stunning limestone formations inside Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge Park, one of Eastern Visayas’ premier eco-tourism destinations known for its dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. Located in the town of Basey, the park features a network of caves, natural stone bridges, and an underground river system, offering tourists a unique blend of adventure and geological wonder while highlighting the region’s rich natural heritage. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

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Reviews tuition hike requests

TACLOBAN CITY — The Commission on Higher Education (ChEd) in Eastern Visayas has received multiple applications from private higher education institutions seeking approval for tuition and other fee increases for the upcoming academic year, amid rising operational costs and inflation pressures.

ChEd Regional Director Maximo Aljibe said the applications are currently under evaluation, but appealed to school administrators to defer any planned increases to help ease the financial burden on students and their families.

“We have received several applications from higher education institutions for tuition fee increases. However, we are appealing to them, if possible, to defer it considering our current situation,” Aljibe said.

He stressed that while private schools are allowed to adjust tuition to sustain operations—including salaries of faculty and staff—any increase must comply with CHED guidelines and undergo proper consultation with students and other stakeholders.

Aljibe added that the agency will carefully assess each application based on required criteria, including transparency in consultations and justification of proposed adjustments.
He also cited the decision of a private university in Cebu City that reportedly deferred its planned tuition increase due to economic conditions, saying similar measures could be considered by institutions in Eastern Visayas given the impact of rising fuel and commodity prices on households.

Of the 90 higher education institutions in the region, 49 are privately operated, making tuition adjustments a significant concern for a large portion of students in the region.

ChEd-8 said it continues to balance the financial sustainability of private colleges with the need to keep higher education accessible and affordable, especially for students from low- and middle-income families.

JOEY A. GABIETA

Eastern Samar fisherfolk, boatmen struggle as fuel prices surge

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WOODEN PADDLES AMID FUEL CRISIS — Fishermen in the island village of Apiton in San Policarpo, Eastern Samar resort to using improvised wooden paddles for their fishing trips as soaring fuel prices make motorized travel increasingly unaffordable. With gasoline costs more than doubling in recent weeks, many are forced to rely on manual labor to sustain their livelihood despite the physical toll and rough sea conditions. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
WOODEN PADDLES AMID FUEL CRISIS — Fishermen in the island village of Apiton in San Policarpo, Eastern Samar resort to using improvised wooden paddles for their fishing trips as soaring fuel prices make motorized travel increasingly unaffordable. With gasoline costs more than doubling in recent weeks, many are forced to rely on manual labor to sustain their livelihood despite the physical toll and rough sea conditions. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Rising fuel prices are forcing fishermen and small boat operators in Eastern Samar to adopt drastic measures to sustain their livelihoods, prompting renewed calls for immediate price relief.

In the island village of Apiton in San Policarpo, some fishermen have abandoned motorized travel altogether, turning instead to handmade wooden paddles as gasoline prices climbed from around P65 to as high as P110 per liter.

Fisherman Dondon Bianes said a typical fishing trip consumes at least two liters of fuel, a cost now too steep for many in their community. To cope, they gather driftwood washed ashore and fashion these into paddles.

“It’s exhausting, especially when the waves are strong, but we have no choice,” Bianes said.

The same burden is felt inland in Jipapad, where operators of locally known “bote” — narrow, non-outrigger boats used for river transport — are grappling with diesel prices that have surged from P65 to P150 per liter.

Boat operator Erwin Pajares, who plies the route from Barangay Cagmanaba, said a round trip typically consumes about two liters of diesel. To offset costs, operators have raised fares from P50 to P70, though he admitted the increase remains insufficient.

Cagmanaba serves as a key riverside access point and jump-off area to Sanizi Falls, an emerging tourist destination in the province.

Aside from fuel costs, operators also face operational constraints due to low river water levels, which limit both passenger and cargo capacity. Boats that once carried up to 12 passengers now accommodate only five to 10 to avoid running aground.

“When fuel was still affordable, even a few passengers were enough to sustain operations,” Pajares said.

Despite mounting expenses, operators are reluctant to impose further fare hikes, noting that passengers are also struggling with rising costs of living.

Fisherfolk and transport operators are now appealing for government intervention, including financial assistance and immediate fuel price reductions, to ease their situation and prevent further disruption to local livelihoods and mobility.

Recent weeks have seen continued increases in fuel prices nationwide. However, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier announced that a significant rollback is expected within the week.
Affected sectors are urging oil companies to implement the rollback in full and without delay.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Eastern Visayas pushes cruise tourism expansion at Global Industry Summit

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CRUISE TOURISM PROMOTION — Officials from the Department of Tourism Region VIII engage with international cruise industry stakeholders during Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami, United States, as part of efforts to position Eastern Visayas as an emerging cruise destination and explore future inclusion in global cruise itineraries. (DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM-EASTERN VISAYAS)
CRUISE TOURISM PROMOTION — Officials from the Department of Tourism Region VIII engage with international cruise industry stakeholders during Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami, United States, as part of efforts to position Eastern Visayas as an emerging cruise destination and explore future inclusion in global cruise itineraries.
(DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM-EASTERN VISAYAS)

TACLOBAN CITY — The regional office of the Department of Tourism(DOT) showcased Eastern Visayas as an emerging cruise destination during the Seatrade Cruise Global 2026, held from April 14 to 16 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in the United States.

The participation formed part of the region’s strategy to attract more international cruise operators and strengthen its position in the global cruise tourism market, which continues to recover and expand following recent disruptions in global travel.

Seatrade Cruise Global, recognized as one of the world’s leading cruise industry events, gathered more than 12,500 participants and 650 exhibitors from over 125 countries, including cruise executives, port authorities, shipbuilders, and tourism stakeholders.

A key highlight of DOT-8’s participation was a high-level luncheon with cruise line executives from major Asian destinations, including Hong Kong, South Korea, China’s Xiamen and Shanghai, and the Philippines, where discussions focused on the region’s post-pandemic recovery and growing cruise demand.

For Eastern Visayas, the delegation held strategic meetings with international partners to explore future cruise opportunities, including potential cruise excursions by 2029 that could include ports of call in the region.

DOT-8 said the engagements opened doors for possible inclusion of Eastern Visayas in future cruise itineraries, while also strengthening its network within the global cruise industry and gaining insights for tourism development planning.

The Philippines is increasingly gaining attention from cruise operators as interest in Asian destinations rebounds.

In Eastern Visayas, existing and emerging cruise stops include Biri, Capul, Lavezares, Maripipi, Higatangan Island, Kalanggaman Island, Cuatro Islas, and Limasawa, with Paranas recently added to the list.

Tourism officials said continued participation in international events like Seatrade is crucial in positioning the region as a competitive and sustainable cruise destination in the coming years.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

PRO-8 reports 757 arrests, nearly P18 million worth of seized contraband in March operations

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TACLOBAN CITY — A total of 757 individuals were arrested and nearly P17.9 million worth of illegal drugs, firearms, contraband, and other prohibited items were confiscated during a month-long series of intensified police operations across Eastern Visayas in March 2026.

The Police Regional Office(PRO)- 8 said the sustained law enforcement drive covered anti-drug, anti-insurgency, anti-smuggling, environmental protection, and anti-gambling operations across the region.

PRO-8 Director Brigadier General Jason Capoy said the results reflect the police force’s continued commitment to maintaining peace and order and warning lawless elements operating in the region.

In the anti-illegal drugs campaign alone, police conducted 103 operations that led to the arrest of 137 individuals and the seizure of 540.63 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated value of P3.65 million.

Authorities also reported gains in the anti-insurgency drive, where 30 communist rebels voluntarily surrendered, along with the recovery and turnover of 23 firearms and explosives.

On other illegal activities, PRO-8 conducted 17 anti-cigarette smuggling operations, resulting in two arrests and the seizure of smuggled tobacco products valued at P75,690.
In anti-petroleum smuggling operations, five individuals were arrested and about 1,920 liters of fuel products worth P203,276 were confiscated or surrendered.

The police also intensified its crackdown on illegal fishing, conducting 203 operations that led to 363 arrests and the seizure of fishing equipment and fish catch valued at over P13.5 million.

Meanwhile, 38 anti-illegal logging operations resulted in the arrest of 26 individuals and the recovery of thousands of board feet of illegally cut lumber valued at P319,178.36.

On illegal firearms, PRO-8 reported 181 operations that led to the confiscation, surrender, or recovery of 202 firearms and explosive devices, while anti-gambling operations resulted in 224 arrests and the seizure of P41,394 in bet money.

Capoy said the series of operations underscores the region’s intensified law enforcement efforts to suppress criminal activity and safeguard communities across Eastern Visayas.

(RONALD O. REYES)

DOLE provides sidecar units to boost livelihood of Samar transport workers

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LIVELIHOOD BOOST FOR DRIVERS — Beneficiaries from the San Sebastian Habal-Habal Drivers Association receive newly distributed tricycle sidecar units from the Department of Labor and Employment during a turnover ceremony in San Sebastian. The assistance aims to improve income opportunities and promote safer transport operations among local drivers. (DOLE-EASTERN VISAYAS)
LIVELIHOOD BOOST FOR DRIVERS — Beneficiaries from the San Sebastian Habal-Habal Drivers Association receive newly distributed tricycle sidecar units from the Department of Labor and Employment during a turnover ceremony in San Sebastian. The assistance aims to improve income opportunities and promote safer transport operations among local drivers.
(DOLE-EASTERN VISAYAS)

TACLOBAN CITY — Transport workers in the municipality of San Sebastian, Samar received a livelihood boost from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) following the distribution of 24 tricycle sidecar units aimed at improving their income and safety on the road.

The assistance, amounting to P912,000, was turned over to members of the San Sebastian Habal-Habal Drivers Association during a ceremony at the municipal covered court held on April 8. The initiative is expected to help drivers transition to more stable and secure transport operations.

DOLE-Samar Field Office Chief Labor and Employment Officer Aleksei Ceasar Abellar said the program forms part of the agency’s continuing support for workers in the informal sector, particularly those relying on daily transport services for livelihood.

Each sidecar unit, worth P38,000, is expected to increase the earning capacity of beneficiaries by allowing them to carry more passengers and small cargo, a significant upgrade for drivers who previously relied on motorcycles alone for “habal-habal” operations.

To ensure safety, Senior Labor and Employment Officer Demmie Jose Uyvico conducted an orientation on occupational safety and health, focusing on proper vehicle maintenance and compliance with traffic regulations.

The project was implemented in partnership with the local government led by Mayor Ferdinand Gaviola, with support from the Public Employment Service Office headed by Virgilio Jabonete.

Local officials said the initiative will not only enhance the livelihood of transport workers but also improve mobility and transport services within the municipality.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Catarman expands elderly care services with day center success, mobile outreach rollout

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TACLOBAN CITY — The municipal government of Catarman in Northern Samar is scaling up its programs for senior citizens following the positive outcomes of its pioneering elderly care facility and the upcoming launch of mobile health services aimed at reaching more vulnerable residents.

At the center of the initiative is the Pagkalinga Center for Senior Citizens in Barangay Polangi, described as the first of its kind in the Philippines. The facility, which began operations in May 2025, is managed by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and the Municipal Health Office and caters to elderly individuals showing early signs of dementia.

Through structured activities such as cognitive exercises, health monitoring, therapy sessions, and social interaction, the center has reported notable improvements among its clients. Based on Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) assessments, 14 seniors previously identified with mild symptoms were found to have returned to normal cognitive status after seven months of regular intervention.

Program coordinators said the results surpassed initial expectations, as the project was originally designed only to slow the progression of dementia rather than reverse symptoms.

Building on this success, the local government is preparing to roll out Mobile Care Services to extend support to more senior citizens, including bedridden individuals, persons with disabilities, and elderly residents living alone. The program has initially identified 45 beneficiaries from eight barangays.

Under the scheme, trained care workers will conduct home visits twice a week to provide basic health services, companionship, and respite support for family caregivers.
Mayor Dianne Rosales expressed appreciation for the caregivers and emphasized the importance of compassionate service delivery as the municipality continues to strengthen its social welfare programs for the elderly.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

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