TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Samar, through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO), and ‘Sirak Kabataan’, is working to strengthen its partnership with IBM to enhance the JobsNext Samar program.

JobsNext Samar is a key initiative aimed at equipping Samarnon youth with essential skills, training, and capacity development to prepare them for the evolving job market.
The program focuses on emerging industries, technology, and innovation to ensure young people are ready for modern workplaces.

“We are excited to work closely with IBM to bring cutting-edge skills and development opportunities to the youth of Samar. This collaboration is a significant step toward ensuring that our young people are prepared to lead in the workforce of tomorrow,” said Michael Cristobal, PESO manager.

IBM, a global leader in technology and innovation, has been a long-time partner of Samar provincial government through the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd). The expanded partnership will focus on enhancing educational and skills training programs, particularly in digital transformation and technology-related fields.

This collaboration underscores Samar’s commitment to investing in its youth, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to thrive in the competitive global economy.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – They were fighting for lands they can till for their livelihood, but they are getting instead, a home they can call their own, years after going against the government that has long welcomed them back into the folds of the law.

About 278 former rebels, communist supporters and sympathizers finally get their own housing units inside the 120-hectare “Peace and Prosperity Village” in Limite, Daja Daku village in San Isidro town in Leyte during a formal turnover ceremony led by the province of Leyte.

Many of the rebels, who are from various parts of the Leyte province, joined the armed groups due to poverty, lack of opportunities, and land disputes. Giving them homes creates a sense of belonging and security, reducing their motivation to return to the armed conflict.
Melody Paloma, a former rebel who joined the armed group at 13 years old, said it is important that she and her family will now be safe and secure in their own home, thankful that she made the decision to surrender and give her family a normal life.

National Housing Authority-8 Regional Manager Constancio Antiniero said that having a shelter is a right for every Filipino family and granting housing units to former rebels will ensure that their basic needs are well met.

“This is only a one-time opportunity so our call is for all to take care of every housing unit turned over,” Antiniero said.

Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Director Arnel Agabe said the government promised benefits like housing, financial assistance, and livelihood programs to the surrendering rebels through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“This is fulfilling that promise and the government’s answer to insurgency has directed a whole-of-nation approach towards a higher objective of achieving just and lasting peace,” Dir. Agabe said.

The Peace and Prosperity Village in San Isidro town is an all-developed subdivision-like community. The village will be equipped with water and power supply lines and drainage systems, among other amenities to provide decent living conditions. The returnees and their families will also enjoy open spaces for community facilities, parking space, parks and playgrounds which will all be developed soon.

(AHLETTE C. REYES, PIA-8)

The administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas has offered doable measures to improve the country’s disaster preparedness, as they recalled the lessons from the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan).

“One very important lesson that I learned noon ako iyong pinag-handle ni dating [Pangulong Noynoy Aquino] na maging presidential assistance for rehabilitation and recovery … [was] to involve the private sector, the multilateral like JAICA, USAID, UNDP, KOICA … ang ganda ng naging resulta,” recalled former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who was designated as presidential assistant for the Yolanda rehabilitation and recovery during the administration of President Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III.

“So isang lesson na mapa-national government man o mapa-local government, indispensable talaga ang participation ng private sector. Kung hindi siguro sa participation ng private sector, baka lalong natagalan iyong mga proyekto na nakabinbin,” he added.
Lacson noted that Yolanda lashed 171 cities and municipalities nationwide, but with the help of the private sector, including the “captains of the [business] industry” who are more than willing to help and spend, the rehabilitation and recovery efforts went well.

“Trip down memory lane ako. Parang napaka-nostalgic iyong aking pagbalik dito at nakita ko iyong mga familiar faces,” he said.

Many local government officials approached and thanked him, Lacson said, adding that it only showed that the result of their work was good despite limited resources.

“Kailangan ang pribadong sektor kasi kung government lang, sa bureaucracy lang, bureaucratic red tape lang … baka lalong marami pang namatay,” he said.

Lacson also said the electronic monitoring platform for accountability and transparency hub, which is geotag-based, should have been sustained for effective monitoring of projects for the rehabilitation and recovery of Yolanda-hit areas.

For his part, former Interior Secretary and Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos called for the establishment of permanent evacuation centers or zones, especially in areas usually hit by typhoons. He likewise asked for investment in technology such as early warning systems for strong cyclones and tsunami.

He nevertheless praised the existing Operation Listo program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, which includes protocols of local government units on the ground during approaching typhoons.

ACT-CIS Representative and former Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo remembered that he was still a reporter when Yolanda hit the country in November 2013.

He said that the national and local government really prepared at the time, but when the super typhoon hit, even the first responders became victims.

Yolanda has been dubbed as one of the most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded.
“I think the government learned its lesson,” Tulfo said. “Dapat ‘yung first responder hindi lang limited sa town na [maaapektuhan] kung hindi mas lawakan pa ang radius.”

“We should come from Cebu, we should come from Dumaguete para pwede silang magtulungan kung saka-sakaling na-cripple na ‘yung mga emergency personnel sa lugar na ‘yon.”

“And that’s also why nauso din ‘yung pre-positioning of relief goods,” he added.

Tulfo said that if he wins in the May midterm polls, he would insist that the Department of Social Welfare and Development pre-position relief goods in every town and city. He also said mayors should be given the authority to immediately distribute the relief goods rather than rely on the regional offices of the department.

Aside from Lacson, Abalos, and Tulfo, other Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates are Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Lito Lapid, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, , Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.
(GAY GASPAY, PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – Candidates of Miss Universe Philippines 2025 recently visited some of the most stunning tourist destinations in Northern Samar, showcasing the province’s natural beauty and rich culture.

The 69 candidates were divided into three groups, each exploring different attractions across Northern Samar’s first and second districts.

Their itinerary included Capul Island, Pink Beach in Sila Island, San Vicente; La Laguna Mangrove Ecopark in Lavezares; Biri Rock Formation in Biri; Palapag town; and Punisilan Blue Lagoon, Mapanas.

The visit left a lasting impression on the candidates, who were warmly welcomed by locals. Among them, Sultan Kudarat’s Chelsea Fernandez shared a personal connection to the province, calling the experience a homecoming.

“It really makes my heart happy to not only represent my birthplace but also to visit where my Mama grew up… and I’m so happy, too, that the other ladies experienced what Ibabao offers,” Fernandez said on her social media account. The beauty queen’s mother hails from Catarman, Northern Samar’s capital.

During their four-day stay, the candidates immersed themselves in the province’s scenic landscapes and vibrant culture. They enjoyed local music, dance (kuratsa), cuisine, and engaged with communities.

Local officials and tourism advocates see the visit as a boost for Northern Samar’s tourism industry, expecting increased interest from domestic and international travelers.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)