TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has officially handed over seven farm-to-market roads (FMRs) worth P100 million to the municipality of Oras, Eastern Samar, aiming to improve agricultural productivity and ease transport for farmers in remote areas.

The 6.8-kilometer road network, funded through the Agrarian Reform Fund, links geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) from Barangays San Eduardo, Nadacpan, Saurong, Agsam, Iwayan, Minap-os, and Alang-Alang to Cadi-an. The project is expected to benefit more than 10,000 residents, including agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

Eastern Samar Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales and DAR Regional Director Robert Anthony Yu led the turnover ceremony, which was formally received by Oras Mayor Roy Ador alongside local farmers.

DAR Regional Director Yu highlighted that the agency’s mandate extends beyond land distribution to include infrastructure support, which helps boost agricultural output. He noted that the FMR projects were implemented through the initiative of House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan.

Mayor Ador expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, noting that the improved roads have already contributed to increased rice production and easier transport of agricultural goods.

Gonzales also announced that an additional P200 million has been allocated for more farm-to-market road projects to expand access to other parts of Oras, emphasizing the continued push for development across Eastern Samar in coordination with Congressman Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan of the 4Ps party-list.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Around 50 veterinarians, livestock technicians, and technical staff from municipal, provincial, and city veterinary offices across Eastern Visayas are participating in the Local Animal Disease Diagnosis and Emergency Response (LADDER) Training this week in Baybay City.

Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization in coordination with the Bureau of Animal Industry and the Department of Agriculture(DA-8), the training aims to enhance local capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to animal health threats.

Participants are undergoing lectures and hands-on workshops covering epidemiological strategies, risk analysis, animal health surveillance, field disease investigation, necropsy procedures, sample collection, and coordinated disease response.

During the opening sessions, Dr. Jezeel Josol of the Regulatory Division shared updates on monitoring and surveillance of serious animal diseases in the region, emphasizing the importance of early detection and rapid response to prevent outbreaks.

Organizers said the LADDER training will equip participants with practical skills and improve coordination among veterinary services, ultimately safeguarding animal health and supporting the region’s livestock industry.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Science and Technology–Samar Provincial Science and Technology Office (DOST-Samar PSTO) recently conducted a Project Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) for its “Samar Lagundi (Vitex negundo) Project,” aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and developing a lagundi-based industry in Samar.
The PME took place in Barangay Balante, Basey, Samar, where the DOST team assessed project implementation, progress, and impact on local farmers. The initiative seeks to empower farming communities while promoting the economic potential of lagundi, a medicinal plant widely used in herbal remedies.

Leading the monitoring team was Atty. Joseph Albert Lledo, Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST-Samar PSTO, along with Sheila Mae Pica, Science Research Specialist II, and Jessica Barredo, Project Technical Staff.

The team conducted site inspections, validation activities, and technical discussions with project stakeholders, including representatives from Samar State University led by Engr. Mirador Labrador, vice president for finance and administration, who also heads the project.
Key achievements noted during the evaluation included the establishment of a pilot lagundi farm, farmer training programs, and the initiation of partnerships with potential industry adopters. Areas identified for further improvement included farm expansion, completion of project facilities, better equipment management, and stronger market linkages to ensure long-term sustainability.

DOST-Samar PSTO emphasized its commitment to providing ongoing technical guidance and monitoring support, aiming to translate scientific and technological interventions into tangible livelihood opportunities for Samar’s farming communities.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The local government of Matag-ob, Leyte has officially rolled out its smoke-free, vape-free campaign, reinforcing a total ban on smoking and vaping in the municipality under Municipal Ordinance No. 257-225. The launch took place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Authored by Sangguniang Bayan Member Luz Boldero and unanimously approved by the council, the ordinance aims to safeguard public health and comply with national regulations on tobacco and vape products.

Under the law, violators face fines ranging from P1,000 to P2,500, with confiscation of tobacco and vape products. Repeat offenders may also face 15 days of imprisonment or additional fines. All public offices, establishments, and public transport must display “No Smoking” signs in visible areas, with failure to comply considered a violation. Businesses found breaching the ordinance may risk revocation of their permits.

The Municipal Health Office, together with the Municipal Anti-Smoking Task Force, the Matag-ob Municipal Police Station, and barangay officials, will lead enforcement. Citizens can report violations anonymously, and collected fines will fund health programs and anti-smoking initiatives.

Mayor Bernardino Tacoy urged residents to support the campaign, stressing that the municipality prioritizes public health over potential revenue from tobacco and vape sales.
“Because we care deeply about the future of our municipality, we have chosen to forgo potential income from the trade of cigarettes and vapes, prioritizing instead the health and well-being of our people,” Tacoy said.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)