TACLOBAN CITY – Palo Mayor Remedios “Matin” Petilla has been elected president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Leyte Chapter during an election held on August 19 at the Capitol Multi-Purpose Hall.

Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla administered the oath of office, with LMP National Secretariat representative Cherry Joyce del Rosario and DILG Leyte Provincial Director Annabelle V. De Asis witnessing the ceremony.

Other key officers for the 2025–2028 term include Javier Mayor Michael Dragon Javier as vice president, Carigara Mayor Eduardo Ong Jr. as secretary, and Tanauan Mayor Ma. Gina Merilo as treasurer.

Also elected were Mayor Rolando Villacensio, auditor; and Jose Jingle Sudario of Dagami as public information officer.

The board also includes municipal mayors from all five legislative districts of Leyte.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

CATARMAN, N. Samar-The concreting of Cahicsan-Cagmanaba Road in Mondragon, Northern Samar is now in full swing, as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) continues implementation efforts.

With a total project allocation of P68.59 million, the project involves the construction of a 2.00 lane-kilometer concrete road (2 lanes, 0.23-meter thickness, 6.10-meter-wide carriageway), including the installation of a crushed aggregate surface course and slope protection structures and 1 line 910mm diameter reinforced concrete pipe culvert cross drainage.

According to District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio, “This project is not only about road connectivity but also about uplifting the lives of residents especially from these remote areas. It will also facilitate the movement of goods and delivery of services that would result to local economic growth.”

Funded under the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program, the project aims to connect the remote barangays of Cahicsan and Cagmanaba, which have long suffered from limited access to basic services and transportation.

In an interview, Brgy. Cahicsan Councilor Mary Jane C. Tenedero revealed the challenges faced by residents of Brgy. Cagmanaba.

“Ang pagdaan papunta Cagmanaba ay dito sa ilog o maglalakad sila. Kung halimbawa tag-araw, talagang maglalakad sila. Kung maulan naman, kasi may bangka (motorboat) galing Cagmanaba papunta dito pa rin sa Cahicsan. Halimbawa may mga insidente na nangyayari sa Cagmanaba, mahirap pa ang transportasyon. Ngayon po na magkakaroon na ng kalsada, malaki po itong tulong. Mapapabilis na ang pagbibiyahe papunta at pabalik, hindi na sila mahihirapan.”

“To reach Cagmanaba, people either walk or cross the river. During the dry season, they walk. When it rains, there’s a motorboat from Cagmanaba to Cahicsan. If there’s an emergency in Cagmanaba, transportation becomes difficult. Now that the road construction is ongoing, it will be a huge help. Travel will be faster and easier, and residents will no longer struggle.”

Once completed, the road will significantly improve the daily lives of residents by providing convenient and reliable access, reducing the need for long treks, and making travel faster, safer, and more comfortable. It will also facilitate the efficient transport of local agricultural products such as copra and other farm goods to market centers, boosting the local economy.

The PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn or PAMANA is the national government’s convergence program that extends development interventions to isolated, hard-to-reach and conflict-affected communities, ensuring that they are not left behind.

(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – Oceana Philippines has urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign the Panaon Island Protected Seascape (PIPS) bill into law, stressing that the measure is critical to securing food security, marine biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods for the people of Southern Leyte.

“For generations, the communities of Panaon Island have relied on the sea for food, income, and cultural identity. Protecting this marine ecosystem ensures that its resources will continue to sustain present and future generations,” said Von Hernandez, Oceana’s Vice President, in a statement.

Hernandez warned that dwindling fish stocks, overfishing, and the impacts of climate change have made conservation urgent.

“We are optimistic about the benefits that protecting Panaon Island will bring to its local communities. This law will open a new path towards sustainability through science-backed livelihood alternatives that reduce pressure on the ocean while creating new economic opportunities,” he added.

While awaiting the President’s signature, Oceana said it has been working closely with national and local governments to consult communities in Panaon. This process aims to finalize the PIPS Management Plan, which will serve as the blueprint for the island’s conservation and resource use.

According to Oceana, the plan reflects insights from fishers, local leaders, and stakeholders to ensure that conservation efforts align with community needs.

Local officials have echoed Oceana’s call, citing the need to curb illegal fishing and encroachment from outsiders.

“Our appeal to the Honorable President is to sign the bill as soon as possible so that our seas and resources are protected and enforcement is strengthened against illegal fishers,” said Mayor Ricarte Estrella of Pintuyan, one of the four municipalities in Panaon Island.
He revealed that last year, three fishers from outside the province were apprehended for illegal activities in their waters, highlighting the urgent need for legal protection.

Oceana noted that the proposed PIPS framework complements Southern Leyte’s shift to a Blue Economy, which prioritizes the sustainable use of marine resources while preserving biodiversity. This strategy is being advanced by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)–Southern Leyte in partnership with local governments, science institutions, and fisherfolk groups.

Among the alternative livelihoods being introduced are sea cucumber ranching, sandfish cultivation in Liloan and San Francisco, and squid processing in Pintuyan. These projects form part of the province’s broader SPEED-SL (Science and Technology Programs to Enhance Economic Development of Southern Leyte) agenda.

“Panaon Island is living proof that sustainable livelihoods and healthy marine ecosystems can go hand in hand. By equipping communities with science-based alternatives to their main livelihoods, we not only protect biodiversity but also empower people to thrive without harming the very ecosystems they depend on,” Hernandez said.

Once signed into law, the PIPS bill will establish a legal framework for long-term conservation; create sustainable use zones and community-based resource management; strengthen enforcement against illegal fishing; and institutionalize support for alternative livelihoods.

“This legislation is not just about conservation—it is about securing the future of Panaon Island and demonstrating how environmental protection can drive progress and resilience,” Oceana emphasized.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)