MOTIONG, Samar – The Department of Labor and Employment–Samar Field Office (DOLE-SFO) has provided P3.09 million in livelihood assistance to 103 beneficiaries in Motiong town as part of the pilot implementation of the Graduation Approach under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (GA-DILP).

The assistance, coursed through the Local Government Unit of Motiong as DOLE’s accredited partner, includes tools, jigs, and equipment to help beneficiaries start or expand small enterprises.

The recipients are engaged in various livelihood activities such as food businesses like eateries, bakeries, and street food vending, as well as sari-sari stores and service-based enterprises including beauty care, tailoring, and carpentry.

DOLE-SFO said the GA-DILP is designed as a holistic livelihood program that combines financial assistance with skills training, business management support, and access to social protection programs to strengthen beneficiaries’ economic stability.

DOLE-SFO Labor and Employment Officer and Head Engr. Aleksei Ceasar D. Abellar led the turnover and reminded beneficiaries that regular monitoring will be conducted by DOLE and the local government to ensure project sustainability.

Motiong Mayor Rene Anthony D. Cabael thanked DOLE for its continued support in improving the lives of residents, noting that more beneficiaries are expected to receive assistance in the next rollout, particularly for livestock-based projects.

Also present during the activity was PhilHealth representative Allean Vince Chua, who conducted an orientation on the YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program), focusing on healthcare services and preventive health awareness.

DOLE-SFO said the program aims to deliver long-term and meaningful improvements to the economic conditions of beneficiaries through sustainable livelihood interventions.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales has filed a bill seeking to upgrade the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) satellite office in Guiuan town into a full-fledged extension office to improve access to government maritime services.

Under House Bill No. 8698, the existing Marina satellite office in Guiuan would be converted into an extension office that will serve residents of Eastern Samar and nearby island communities.

The proposal seeks to strengthen MARINA’s presence in the province and expand its capacity to assist seafarers, boat operators, shipping stakeholders, and coastal communities that depend on maritime activities for livelihood and transportation.

Gonzales said the measure is intended to bring government services closer to the people.
“This measure is about making government services more accessible and responsive to the realities faced by our coastal communities,” he said.

He added that strengthening Marina’s presence in Eastern Samar would benefit maritime workers and support local economic growth.

Gonzales also noted that many residents are forced to travel long distances just to process maritime documents and comply with regulatory requirements.

“By upgrading the Guiuan Marina office, we can bring essential government services closer to our constituents while reducing travel costs, processing time, and inconvenience,” he said.

The proposed upgrade will enhance services such as vessel registration and documentation, maritime safety monitoring, issuance of Seafarer Record Books and Seafarer Identity Documents, and processing of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) credentials.

Gonzales emphasized the importance of the maritime sector in Eastern Samar, where many residents rely on fishing, inter-island transport, shipping, and seafaring for employment and income.

He added that a stronger MARINA presence in Guiuan would also help improve maritime safety and provide better support for local operators and workers.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

CATBALOGAN CITY – The local government of Catbalogan City has extended financial assistance to former Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDs) as part of its livelihood and reintegration efforts.

City Mayor Dexter Uy led the distribution of P10,000 financial aid to eight beneficiaries who are former Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) with cases related to Republic Act No. 9165. The recipients are currently undergoing recovery and reintegration programs aimed at helping them rebuild their lives.

The assistance is intended to support livelihood activities and encourage the beneficiaries to pursue lawful and sustainable sources of income.

Mayor Uy said the program reflects the city government’s commitment to providing second chances for individuals working toward recovery and transformation.

The initiative was implemented through the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council, which continues to promote rehabilitation services and community-based recovery programs for individuals affected by substance use.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY– The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Eastern Visayas (BFAR-8) has turned over P42.7 million worth of fishing assets to strengthen the livelihood of fisherfolk associations in Northern Samar.

The assistance includes 62-footer fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) handline fishing boats, along with mother boats, pakura, and fishing gear distributed to four fisherfolk groups: the Brgy. Talolora CFLC Fisherfolks Association in Palapag, Mapanas Pacific Town Fisherfolk Association, Lapinig Deep Sea Fishing Association, and the Brgy. Mualbual Bangkulis Fisherfolk Association in Laoang.

The turnover is part of BFAR’s Tuna Development Program and Capacitating Municipal Fisherfolk Program, aimed at improving productivity and expanding livelihood opportunities in coastal communities.

BFAR-8 officer-in-charge Regional Director Dominador Maputol reminded beneficiaries to properly maintain the equipment to ensure the sustainability of the project.

The initiative was implemented in coordination with the local government units of Palapag, Mapanas, Laoang, and Lapinig, as well as the Provincial Government of Northern Samar.
BFAR-8 said the project is expected to generate around 160 metric tons of fish annually, valued at about P32 million, helping strengthen food security and the province’s fisheries sector.

Northern Samar, located along the Eastern Seaboard of Eastern Visayas, is known for its rich tuna and other high-value fish resources.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson Rep. Jude Acidre of the Tingog party-list group has called on Catholic higher education institutions to take a more active role in shaping reforms and addressing emerging challenges in Philippine higher education.

Speaking at the CEAP Vision Forum 2026 held at Saint Louis University on Friday, May 22, Acidre emphasized the continuing importance of Catholic universities in addressing inequality in education, rapid technological change, declining public trust, and social fragmentation.

“The future of Philippine higher education needs the Catholic contribution,” he said, stressing the need to balance faith and reason, excellence and compassion, and innovation with conscience.

The forum, organized by the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, gathered education leaders nationwide under the theme “Barriers and Breakthroughs: Pushing Back Against the Limits.”

Acidre also reminded educators that higher education should remain centered on the human person amid the rise of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, warning against reducing universities to mere job-training institutions.

He urged Catholic schools to continue forming graduates who can rebuild communities, strengthen democracy, and promote ethical leadership.

He ended his message by describing education as “an act of hope” and called on universities to become “homes of wisdom and communities of service.”

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)