PALO, Leyte– The recent declaration of “Stable Internal Peace and Security” (SIPS) status in seven towns of Leyte’s first congressional district is expected to open new opportunities for development, investment, and stronger local governance, officials said.

The Philippine Army formally recognized the municipalities of Palo, Alangalang, Babatngon, Tanauan, Tolosa, Sta. Fe, and San Miguel as areas free from the influence and threats of communist terrorist groups, marking a significant milestone in local peace and security efforts.

Palo Mayor Remedios “Matin” Petilla, who also heads the League of Municipalities of the Philippines–Leyte chapter, said the declaration will allow LGUs to focus more on governance, infrastructure, and economic growth, with peace as a solid foundation.

“Peace and internal security are vital for development. With this declaration, our municipalities are now better positioned to pursue projects that benefit our people and attract investors,” she said.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the local government units and the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division on June 20, formalizing their shared commitment to sustaining peace and preventing the resurgence of insurgency.

The SIPS status is a product of collaborative efforts among LGUs, the military, and local communities.

It recognizes the absence of NPA activity and influence in the area; the establishment of law and order mechanisms; and the readiness of local governments to take the lead in maintaining security and promoting development.

Officials noted that beyond symbolizing victory against insurgency, the declaration sends a strong message to potential investors and development partners: that the region is now safer and more conducive for growth.

The Philippine Army said similar declarations are being planned in other areas, including Tacloban City, which shares the same congressional district.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in the region participated in the 127th Araw ng Kalayaan celebration by providing national ID registration and civil registration services during the Kalayaan Day Jobs Fair organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-8).

Held on June 12, 2025, at Robinsons North Tacloban in Abucay, the event carried the theme “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan” and gathered job seekers from across the region.
A featured one-stop shop for government services was set up at the venue, offering assistance in processing pre-employment requirements and documents.

Among the services rendered by PSA-8 were National ID (PhilSys) registration; application for civil registry documents issued on security paper (SECPA); and presentation of the National ID Authentication Services, which was promoted by registration officer and NID regional focal person to both government and private sector entities as a free and secure verification tool.

In addition to the job fair, PSA-8 also took part in DOLE RO8’s Information and Service Caravan under Project Angel Tree, a program aimed at supporting child laborers and their families.

The agency joined other participating government offices in signing a Pledge of Commitment in support of the Philippine Program against Child Labor.

The PSA affirmed its continued commitment to bringing its services closer to the public and supporting multi-agency initiatives that uphold inclusive development and social protection.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Only from PH

TACLOBAN CITY – A groundbreaking culinary book series from the province of Samar has brought the Philippines into the global gastronomic spotlight after winning top honors at the prestigious Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2025 held in Portugal.

The five-volume “Secret Kitchens of Samar” series, a comprehensive tribute to the province’s rich food heritage, clinched two major international awards—Best Book Series in the World and Best Regional Book in the World—at the awards ceremony held during the Cascais World Food Summit at the Estoril Convention Center in Lisbon from June 18 to 20.
Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan and book author Clang Garcia were present in Portugal to personally receive the awards, marking a proud moment for Eastern Visayas and the country.

“This victory is not just for Samar, but for every local cook, weaver, farmer, and family whose stories and flavors are woven into these pages,” said Governor Tan. “This is a tribute to our roots and our shared passion to preserve and promote Samar’s culinary soul.”

Authored by Clang Garcia, a tourism advocate and World Food Travel Association ambassador, the “Secret Kitchens of Samar” was a project spearheaded by the provincial government of Samar, with funding support from the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines and technical assistance from the regional office of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Garcia said receiving the international recognition was both humbling and emotional. “It was a moving moment to receive a special award recognizing the depth of my contribution to Philippine gastronomy tourism—something I never received in my own country,” she said.

Out of over 200 participating countries and regions, the “Secret Kitchens of Samar” was the only winner from the Philippines, making the recognition even more historic.

Gourmand Awards founder Edouard Cointreau, who made the announcement at the Estoril Congress Centre, praised Garcia’s work as a “masterpiece” that not only preserves Samar’s unique gastronomy but also celebrates its communities.

“Congratulations to Ms. Clang García for her ongoing and passionate contribution to food tourism in the Philippines, highlighted by the launch of Secret Kitchens of Samar,” Cointreau ointreau said. “Your work honors the rich culinary heritage of the province and celebrates the heart and soul of its people through stories, recipes, and cultural traditions.”

The Secret Kitchens of Samar series serves as a cultural and gastronomic chronicle, documenting traditional recipes, cooking methods, and the everyday lives of people across Samar’s diverse towns. More than just a cookbook, it is a celebration of identity and resilience through food—placing the province and the Philippines on the global culinary map.

The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, founded in 1995 at the Frankfurt Book Fair, is the world’s only international competition dedicated to food and drink publications.

It is open to works published in all languages and regularly attracts entries from around the world. Each year, it hosts a global symposium in a city of gastronomic significance, drawing top figures from the culinary, diplomatic, and publishing worlds.

With its recent international acclaim, Samar’s culinary legacy is now poised to reach more global kitchens, palates, and hearts.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)