TACLOBAN CITY — Efforts to strengthen tourism services and digital connectivity in one of Eastern Visayas’ premier ecotourism destinations received a major boost after the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office VIII (DOST-8) turned over a STARLINK satellite internet unit to the Sohoton Services Cooperative in Basey, Samar.

The initiative is expected to improve communication, enhance visitor services, and support the digital promotion of the Sohoton Cave and river tourism complex, a popular destination known for its unique geological formations and natural attractions.

The STARLINK unit was formally handed over on May 28 through the Samar Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) under DOST’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program, which aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of communities through science, technology, and innovation-driven interventions.

The Sohoton Services Cooperative manages tourism activities within the Sohoton River area, including guided cave tours and river cruises that attract thousands of visitors annually.

Prior to the installation of the satellite internet system, the tourism site had limited connectivity and relied primarily on peso WiFi services and WiFi phones, posing challenges to communication, online transactions, and tourism promotion.

With the new technology, local tourism stakeholders expect improved internet access that will facilitate real-time communication, online bookings, digital marketing, and better coordination of tourism operations.

Leading the turnover ceremony were Engr. Joseph Albert Lledo, Engr. Philip John Condes, and Jincent Mercado of the DOST Samar PSTO. Representing the local government was Municipal Tourism and Development Officer Evangeline Ritaga, who attended on behalf of Basey Mayor Luz Chu-Ponferrada.

Officers and members of the Sohoton Services Cooperative, the direct beneficiaries of the project, also participated in the event.

Beyond improving connectivity, DOST announced an additional environmental initiative for the tourism site through the planned installation of a Modular Ecology-friendly Domestic Wastewater (MEDOWW) Treatment Facility under the CEST Program.

The wastewater treatment facility is designed to support sustainable tourism development by improving wastewater management and helping protect the ecological integrity of the Sohoton River area.

DOST officials said the interventions reflect the agency’s continuing commitment to empowering local communities through appropriate technologies that promote economic growth, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development.

By combining digital connectivity and environmental protection measures, the agency hopes to help position Sohoton as a more competitive and sustainable ecotourism destination while creating greater opportunities for local residents who depend on tourism for their livelihood.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY– Authorities have launched an investigation into the death of an active-duty member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) whose body was found floating in a creek alongside his motorcycle in Barangay Diaz on Thursday morning, May 28.

The victim, identified only as alias “Sgt. Sonny,” 39, married, and a resident of Barangay Sto. Niño, was discovered at around 8:30 a.m. in a creek beside an unfinished section of road along the national highway.

According to the Gandara Municipal Police Station, a concerned resident identified as alias “Rendo” alerted authorities through a cellphone call after finding the body.

Police said the witness had been checking caution lines and warning signs installed near the unfinished road when he noticed that some of the barriers appeared disturbed. Upon inspecting the nearby creek, he discovered a lifeless body floating face down in the water.
Responding officers immediately proceeded to the scene to verify the report and conduct an initial investigation.

With the assistance of personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the victim’s body was retrieved from the creek.

Investigators observed a deep laceration on the victim’s forehead. A motorcycle believed to have been driven by the victim was also found submerged in the creek.

Authorities likewise recovered the victim’s belt bag containing personal belongings, jewelry, and his issued firearm.

The victim was initially identified through an identification card recovered at the scene and was later positively identified by his brother-in-law.

Police are currently reviewing available CCTV footage and gathering additional evidence to determine whether the incident was the result of an accident or if foul play may have been involved.

The investigation remains ongoing.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY — The municipality of Daram in Samar is taking a major step toward becoming a premier dive tourism destination after a two-day underwater assessment revealed promising marine landscapes and biodiversity that could attract both local and international diving enthusiasts.

The assessment, conducted by the Daram Municipal Tourism Office in partnership with professional divers and marine tourism advocates, identified several sites with significant potential for dive tourism development, reinforcing the municipality’s efforts to diversify its tourism industry and promote sustainable economic growth.

Among the areas evaluated were Losa Cove in Sitio Dangcalanan and the Kandiwata and Midaybiday Rock Islets in Barangay Mabini. The sites were assessed based on underwater topography, marine biodiversity, accessibility, and their suitability for recreational diving activities.

To support the initiative, the tourism office invited dive experts led by Jerome Napala and members of the Piranha Free Divers. The team was welcomed by Mayor Lucia Latorre-Astorga and Municipal Tourism Officer Nathan Abinguna during the Sogod Bay Underwater Experience in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte, an event organized by the Department of Tourism.

According to the tourism office, the visiting experts provided technical evaluations and recommendations that will help guide future tourism planning and site development efforts.
One of the highlights of the assessment was Losa Cove, where divers documented striking underwater ridge formations and diverse marine habitats. The team also praised the underwater environment surrounding Kandiwata Rock Islet.

“Kandiwata above water is already beautiful, but beneath the surface, it becomes even more breathtaking,” a member of the assessment team said.

The initiative forms part of “Project DIVE Daram,” a tourism development program aimed at positioning the municipality as a recognized diving destination in Samar while promoting the protection and conservation of its marine ecosystems.

Mayor Astorga emphasized that developing marine tourism could generate new livelihood opportunities for local communities while encouraging the preservation of Daram’s natural resources.

Tourism officials likewise stressed the importance of involving local residents in conservation efforts and responsible tourism practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.

With the successful completion of the assessment, the municipal government is expected to move forward with detailed planning, site development, tourism promotion, and stakeholder consultations as part of its strategy to establish Daram as an emerging dive tourism hub in Eastern Visayas.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)