TACLOBAN CITY — Farmers and fisherfolk in Northern Samar received over P300 million in agricultural support and insurance coverage during the visit of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to Mapanas on Thursday, June 11, the Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office said.

The assistance package, anchored largely on crop and fisheries insurance worth nearly P293 million, aims to strengthen the resilience of farming and fishing communities in the province while improving productivity in coastal and agricultural areas.

According to DA-8, the interventions benefited thousands of residents from Mapanas and nearby municipalities, in line with the national government’s food security and rural development agenda.

During the visit, the Department of Agriculture also rolled out the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program in Mapanas, benefiting 1,000 individuals from vulnerable sectors. More than 2,000 farmers and fisherfolk likewise received cash assistance under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP).

Laurel said the government is committed to further strengthening livelihood opportunities in the province, particularly in coastal communities dependent on fisheries.

“I am confident that these projects will help improve your lives,” he said.

He also announced plans to establish a solar-powered ice plant with a 10,000-kilogram capacity in Mapanas to help preserve fish catch and reduce post-harvest losses.

The DA chief added that light fishing boats will also be distributed before the end of the year, while a modular solar-powered cold storage facility is being prepared for fish, meat, and vegetable storage.

Following his address, Laurel led the ceremonial turnover of various interventions to local government units and farmers’ organizations.

Among the assistance distributed were P4.7 million worth of farm inputs, equipment, and facilities under different DA banner programs aimed at increasing productivity and farmers’ income.

The largest share of the package came from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), which provided P293 million in agricultural insurance coverage to protect farmers and fisherfolk from losses caused by typhoons, floods, and other climate-related risks common in Northern Samar.

To support the abaca industry, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) turned over P1.2 million worth of abaca stripping machines to help modernize fiber processing and improve product quality.

Other DA-attached agencies, including the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), also extended assistance to local government units and beneficiaries.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) also provided civil registration services to farmers and fisherfolk during the event

(ROEL T. AMAZONA/JOEY A. GABIETA)

ORMOC CITY– Residents of a coastal community in Ormoc City were jolted awake late Sunday night as a massive fire tore through their neighborhood, reducing homes to ashes in a matter of hours.

A third-alarm fire struck Purok 3, Barangay Naugan at around 11:52 p.m. on June 14, 2026, rapidly spreading through the area and destroying 30 houses along with a classroom and laboratory structure, with damage estimated at P2 million.

Fire officials said the blaze was reported at 11:57 p.m., with initial responders arriving at 12:06 a.m. on June 15. Firefighters managed to control the fire by 1:12 a.m. before fully extinguishing it at 2:14 a.m.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) confirmed that 40 families or 154 individuals were affected. Evacuees are now staying at a temporary shelter set up at the barangay covered court, while additional tents have been installed by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

Relief assistance has been extended to the displaced families, including hygiene kits from the City Health Department (CHD) and food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Firefighting teams from Ormoc and nearby municipalities, supported by eight Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) fire trucks and one ambulance, responded to the emergency.
Authorities have ruled out no injuries or deaths, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Residents of Barangay Imelda, Catarman, Northern Samar now have improved access to safe drinking water following the turnover of a Level II Potable Water Supply System by the local government unit.

The project is expected to benefit about 1,040 households in the interior village, which for years depended mainly on wells as their primary source of water. It is also seen to improve sanitation and overall public health conditions in the community.

Funded through the Local Government Support Fund–Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP) under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), the project amounted to P5 million.

A total of 15 tap stands, each equipped with two faucets, were installed across strategic areas in the barangay to ensure easier access for residents, beginning June 13.

Barangay Captain Eduardo Fuesto Jr. expressed gratitude to the national and municipal governments for fulfilling a long-standing request of the community.

Catarman Mayor Dianne Rosales, meanwhile, urged residents to take responsibility in maintaining the facility to ensure its long-term use.

“The government listens to the people and strives to provide what they need. I value your shared commitment to taking care of this project. This is not only for the present generation but also for your children and grandchildren who will benefit from it in the years to come,” Rosales said.

The Barangay Water and Sanitation Association (BAWASA) will manage the operation and maintenance of the water system.

Officials also reminded beneficiaries to help safeguard the infrastructure, particularly the faucets and fittings, to ensure continued service delivery.

Aside from the water system, Barangay Imelda has also received solar-powered street lights under the NTF-ELCAC program.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)