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3 EV mayors trapped in Israel

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CHALLENGES. Over one million students across Eastern Visayas returned to their respective schools on Monday, June 16, amid recurring challenges—including difficult access routes. In this photo, schoolchildren from Barangay Canbañez, La Paz, Leyte are seen crossing a makeshift wooden bridge over a river just to get to school. (Photo courtesy of Charmaine Bondos)
CHALLENGES. Over one million students across Eastern Visayas returned to their respective schools on Monday, June 16, amid recurring challenges—including difficult access routes. In this photo, schoolchildren from Barangay Canbañez, La Paz, Leyte are seen crossing a makeshift wooden bridge over a river just to get to school. (Photo courtesy of Charmaine Bondos)

Amid ongoing conflict with Iran

TACLOBAN CITY – Three mayors from the region are currently stranded in Israel amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, after they were caught in the conflict while attending an official study program on urban agriculture.

The local chief executives – Mayor Betty Cabal of Hindang, Leyte; Mayor Aron Balais of Barugo, Leyte; and Mayor Athene Mendros of Lawaan, Eastern Samar – have been staying in Shifayem, a coastal town known for its agricultural initiatives, since their arrival on June 8. They were originally scheduled to return to the Philippines on June 20.

The mayors are part of a delegation of local officials and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) personnel invited by the Israeli government to participate in the training.

According to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Regional Director Jose Nick Mendros, husband of Mayor Mendros, the delegation is under tight security at their venue.

“The mayor was invited by the Israeli government for a study group on urban agriculture. While they were there, the conflict between Iran and Israel escalated. Every time there is a warning, they have to stay inside a bunker,” Mendros said in an online interview on Sunday, June 15.

“Their activities are ongoing, but all airports in Israel remain closed,” he added.

Mendros also shared that the group may soon be transferred to Netanya City, located roughly 10 kilometers from Shifayem, where further safety measures are in place. Both the Israeli government and the Philippine Embassy are closely monitoring their status and providing support.

Despite ongoing security, anxiety remains high.

“We are not used to this kind of situation. I’m praying that the tension deescalates soon so Mayor can return home to the Philippines,” Mendros said.

In a brief online message, Mayor Balais also expressed concern and called for prayers:
“Thank you, and just pray for us,” he said.

The Iran-Israel conflict has intensified in recent weeks following a series of retaliatory airstrikes and diplomatic clashes, prompting international concern, flight disruptions, and elevated security alerts throughout the region.

JOEY A. GABIETA

Over 1 million students back to schools in EV; DepEd says opening was ‘generally peaceful’

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TACLOBAN CITY – More than one million students across Eastern Visayas returned to their classrooms on Monday, June 16, as the Department of Education (DepEd) reported a “generally smooth, orderly, and peaceful” opening of classes in the region.

To ensure the safety of students, the Philippine National Police deployed over 2,000 personnel across the region to assist with school security and traffic management.

DepEd Regional Information Officer Jasmin Calzita said that while some issues were encountered on the first day, they were quickly addressed through coordinated efforts.

“As expected, we encountered perennial concerns such as late enrollees and last-minute school preparations in some areas,” Calzita said in an interview. “However, these were promptly addressed at the school, division, and regional levels.”

She added that late enrollment will still be accepted, though there is no specific deadline yet.

“We will wait for guidance from the central office. As long as the system remains open, we will continue to accept late enrollees,” she said.

Last school year, Eastern Visayas recorded more than 1.17 million enrolled learners.
For the current school year, the DepEd central office has opened 837 new teaching positions for the region.

At present, the total number of teachers in the region is 55,427, covering all levels from Kindergarten to Senior High School.

Eastern Visayas has a total of 4,254 public schools.

(JOEY A. GABIETA

New academic building boosts science education in Samar; Gov. Tan leads turnover at EVRSHS

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Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan(4th from left) with the local officials, DepEd representatives, school administrators, and students during the turn over of EVRSHS new campus. (PHOTO COURTESY)
Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan(4th from left) with the local officials, DepEd representatives, school administrators, and students during the turn over of EVRSHS new campus. (PHOTO COURTESY)

TACLOBAN CITY – Aiming to strengthen science-focused education in Samar, Governor Sharee Ann Tan led the formal turnover of a newly constructed academic building to the Eastern Visayas Regional Science High School (EVRSHS) in Catbalogan City, underscoring the provincial government’s ongoing commitment to improving educational infrastructure.

The new facility, funded by the provincial government of Samar in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), is the latest in a series of support initiatives extended to the school. It follows the earlier provision of a new administration building, covered court, learning devices, and other essential learning resources.

The project was made possible through the endorsement and collaborative efforts of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and Rep. Michael Tan of the province’s 2nd district who worked closely with local stakeholders to bring the project to fruition.

Governor Tan, in her message, emphasized the role of science education in shaping the province’s future leaders and innovators.

“We are proud to sustain our support to EVRSHS and the Catbalogan City Division of DepEd. Quality education begins with creating spaces that inspire and empower,” she said.
The turnover ceremony was attended by local government officials, Department of Education representatives, school administrators, and students—marking another milestone in the province’s push to build a more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready education system.

The provincial government of Samar reaffirmed its commitment to education as a cornerstone of development and vowed to continue forging partnerships that uplift both learners and educators throughout the province.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

RPOC-EV pushes solutions to San Juanico transport woes, reinforces peace and security measures

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TACLOBAN CITY – The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) in Eastern Visayas is stepping up efforts to ease transport disruptions caused by restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge, recognizing the issue’s impact on commuters, truckers, and the flow of essential goods across the region.

During its 2nd quarter meeting held this week, the RPOC, chaired by Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, expressed appreciation for the RIACC Task Force San Juanico, led by Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 8 Director Lord Byron Torrecarion, for addressing logistical challenges stemming from the ongoing bridge policies.

As a proactive response, the OCD announced the upcoming launch of the RIACC8 Libreng Sakay program, which will offer free transport assistance for cargo trucks carrying essential items.

The initiative aims to minimize delays in the delivery of basic goods, curb inflation, and stabilize regional market prices.

Beyond transport concerns, the RPOC also tackled key regional issues, including the prevailing peace and order situation, the fight against illegal drugs, and updates on the government’s counter-insurgency campaign.

The council emphasized the need for sustained inter-agency cooperation to ensure safety, stability, and development in Eastern Visayas.

Mayor Romualdez and council members reaffirmed their commitment to unified governance and responsive public service, noting that strategic coordination is crucial in both crisis mitigation and peacebuilding efforts.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

DPWH completes P4.8-Million road project linking two remote villages in Barugo, Leyte

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TACLOBAN CITY – Residents of Barangays Pongso and Hiagsam in Barugo, Leyte, now enjoy a smoother and safer travel experience following the completion of a vital concrete road project by the Department of Public Works and Highways–Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (DPWH-L2DEO).

The road improvement initiative involved the construction of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP), covering a total of 1,806.6 square meters at 5 meters wide in Site 1, and 114 square meters at 1 meter wide in Site 2, which serves as an extension on both ends.

The project was aimed at easing transportation between the two barangays, especially for farmers and students who rely heavily on the road for daily access.

“This road will ease transportation challenges for the residents of Pongso and Hiagsam, especially farmers and students who rely on it daily,” said District Engineer Leo Edward L. Oppura. “With this development, access to schools, health centers, and local markets will be faster and more convenient.”

Barangay Pongso chairman Noel Avorque underscored the project’s impact, recalling the difficulty residents used to face.

“Before this project, our students and residents had a hard time, especially here in Barangay Pongso. The road used to be muddy and difficult to pass, especially when it rained,” Avorque, speaking in the dialect, said.

“Now, the road is no longer muddy or slippery, and travel has become smooth and easier. We are sincerely thankful to the DPWH for this project. On behalf of all my barangay councilors, we express our deepest gratitude,” Avorque added.

The road construction began on March 3, 2025, and was completed on May 21, 2025. It was funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) with a total budget of P4.87 million7, and implemented by YFL Builders.

The project is part of the national government’s continuing efforts to improve rural infrastructure and boost local development across underserved communities.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Eastern Visayas to host 1st ever national tourism expo, spotlighting hidden travel gems

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TACLOBAN CITY – For the first time, Eastern Visayas will serve as host of the Central Philippine Tourism Expo (CPTEx), a national tourism event set from June 20 to 22, aimed at unveiling the region’s lesser-known destinations and boosting its tourism footprint.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the expo will gather regional tourism offices from Central Philippines, including Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and the newly created Negros Island Region.

“This is the third installment of CPTEx, a DOT-initiated event, and the first national tourism fair to be held in Eastern Visayas,” Tiopes announced during a press conference on June 13.
Unlike commercial travel fairs that favor well-known attractions, CPTEx will highlight emerging tourism sites, such as Biliran’s mountaineering trails and Leyte’s centuries-old churches.

“We have many beautiful places that are not yet known because they lack exposure. This expo will give them the platform to be discovered,” she added.

The event, which will be held at the Robinson’s shopping mall this city, is expected to draw around 200 delegates and hundreds of visitors, including tour operators, local businesses, and domestic travelers.

While San Juanico Bridge—one of the region’s main landmarks—remains under restricted access due to structural issues, Tiopes assured that light vehicles can still cross and that tourism activity will not be significantly affected.

In 2024, Eastern Visayas welcomed over 1.6 million tourists. Organizers hope this year’s expo will further unlock the region’s vast tourism potential.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

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