HERNANI BECKONS. Tourism stakeholders conduct an on-site assessment at Canhugas Nature Park in the municipality of Hernani on April 13, as part of a tourism product audit led by the Department of Tourism in Eastern Visayas, in partnership with the Association of Leyte Tour Operators and the Provincial Tourism Office. The activity, which also covered Guinduyanan Cove, aims to evaluate and develop emerging destinations in preparation for the summer season, highlighting Hernani’s potential as a growing hub for nature-based tourism.(MUNICIPAL TOURISM OFFICE-HERNANI LGU)
In Eastern Samar
HERNANI BECKONS. Tourism stakeholders conduct an on-site assessment at Canhugas Nature Park in the municipality of Hernani on April 13, as part of a tourism product audit led by the Department of Tourism in Eastern Visayas, in partnership with the Association of Leyte Tour Operators and the Provincial Tourism Office. The activity, which also covered Guinduyanan Cove, aims to evaluate and develop emerging destinations in preparation for the summer season, highlighting Hernani’s potential as a growing hub for nature-based tourism.(MUNICIPAL TOURISM OFFICE-HERNANI LGU)
HERNANI, Eastern Samar— The Department of Tourism in Eastern Visayas, in partnership with the Association of Leyte Tour Operators (ALTO) and the Provincial Tourism Office, conducted a tourism product audit in the municipality of Hernani on April 13 as part of efforts to boost local destinations ahead of the summer season.
The audit team assessed key attractions, including Canhugas Nature Park and Guinduyanan Cove, which are considered among the town’s emerging tourism sites.
The initiative aims to identify destinations that can be further developed, packaged, and promoted to attract more visitors, particularly during peak travel months.
Local officials led by Mayor Amado Candido welcomed the team, along with Vice Mayor Socorro De Lira-Ponferrada and Sangguniang Bayan Member Roderick Dequilla.
Tourism officials said Hernani’s inclusion in the audit underscores its potential as a growing destination in Eastern Samar, particularly for nature-based tourism.
The activity was supported by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police, and barangay officials to ensure the smooth conduct of the assessment.
Officials expressed optimism that the audit will help position Hernani as a competitive tourism destination in Eastern Visayas while strengthening coordination among local stakeholders.
ROAD SAFETY. Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales underscores the need for stronger road safety education during the inauguration of a new Land Transportation Office (LTO) district office in Dolores, Eastern Samar on April 7. The lawmaker urged motorists to practice discipline and comply with traffic laws to help reduce accidents.(PHOTO COURTESY)
As traffic injuries rise in EV
ROAD SAFETY. Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales underscores the need for stronger road safety education during the inauguration of a new Land Transportation Office (LTO) district office in Dolores, Eastern Samar on April 7. The lawmaker urged motorists to practice discipline and comply with traffic laws to help reduce accidents.(PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales is pushing for stronger road safety education across Eastern Visayas, warning that rising traffic-related injuries underscore the need to match infrastructure development with responsible driving behavior.
Based on the record of the Highway Patrol Group, there were 4,525 road accidents across the region last year while the Department of Health (DOH) regional office has also reported that a total of 939 road traffic injuries and two fatalities were recorded in the region from January to February 2026 alone.
Gonzales made the call during the inauguration of a new district office of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Dolores, Eastern Samar, on April 7, where he emphasized that improving access to government services must go hand in hand with strengthening public awareness on road safety.
“Development cannot be fully achieved if people remain uneducated about road safety,” Gonzales said, stressing that motorists must be equipped with proper knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving practices.
The newly opened LTO office is expected to ease the burden on residents who previously had to travel to Borongan City to process licenses and vehicle registrations.
However, the lawmaker said that while such infrastructure improvements are essential, they are not enough to ensure safer roads.
He also addressed concerns over stricter enforcement measures against unlicensed drivers and unregistered vehicles, assuring the public that those who comply with the law have nothing to fear.
“Drivers should not be alarmed. If your papers are complete, there is no reason to worry,” he said, adding that enforcement is aimed at promoting order and preventing accidents.
Gonzales underscored that a valid driver’s license signifies that a motorist has undergone proper training and understands traffic rules. He warned that even insured drivers could face complications in claiming benefits if they are found operating vehicles without valid licenses.
As the region continues to see improvements in road infrastructure and mobility, Gonzales urged motorists to take a more active role in ensuring safety.
“Development must go hand in hand with education. We cannot allow progress in infrastructure while neglecting people’s knowledge and responsibility,” he said.
He called on drivers across Eastern Samar and the rest of Eastern Visayas to remain disciplined and informed, stressing that shared responsibility is key to reducing road accidents and saving lives.
La Villa Francisco Mountain Resort in Barangay San Roque, Tacloban City, is set to undergo a major rehabilitation and expansion as part of efforts to reposition it as a key inland tourism destination in Eastern Visayas. Resort management said more than P50 million has already been invested in upgrades, with plans to add villa-type accommodations, new attractions, and regular events to attract more local and visiting tourists.(JOEY A. GABIETA)
La Villa Francisco Mountain Resort in Barangay San Roque, Tacloban City, is set to undergo a major rehabilitation and expansion as part of efforts to reposition it as a key inland tourism destination in Eastern Visayas. Resort management said more than P50 million has already been invested in upgrades, with plans to add villa-type accommodations, new attractions, and regular events to attract more local and visiting tourists.(JOEY A. GABIETA)
TACLOBAN CITY — A mountain resort in the upland village of this city is gearing up for a major rehabilitation and expansion, as its owners move to strengthen its position as a key inland destination despite ongoing challenges faced by the regional tourism industry.
The La Villa Francisco Mountain Resort, located in Barangay San Roque in the Diit district, is banking on redevelopment efforts to attract more visitors seeking alternative leisure spots away from crowded urban centers. Nestled on 9.5 hectares of a 25-hectare family-owned property and situated about seven kilometers from the city proper, the resort offers a cooler climate and a more secluded environment.
Its planned upgrade comes as tourism stakeholders in Eastern Visayas continue to grapple with the effects of rising fuel prices, which have curtailed travel and reduced tourist arrivals, according to earlier reports from the Department of Tourism (DOT).
Jimmy Clemente, the resort’s president and chief operating officer, said the rehabilitation is part of a long-term vision to enhance the property’s appeal while keeping it affordable for a broad market.
“This is part of our long-term goal. We will introduce improvements that will make the resort more attractive while keeping it accessible to a wide range of guests,” Clemente said.
He added that the family has already invested more than P50 million in the resort’s development, covering both past upgrades and ongoing improvements aimed at elevating the overall guest experience.
Opened in 2015 and named after the family patriarch, the resort was forced to temporarily shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. It resumed operations in 2023, marking a fresh start for the business as it seeks to regain its footing in a recovering tourism sector.
At present, the resort features 17 rooms catering to couples, families, and small groups, with accommodations ranging from standard units for two persons to larger rooms that can host up to 10 guests. Among its key attractions is an Olympic-size swimming pool with water slides.
To further expand its offerings, management is planning to develop additional villa-type accommodations, including units with private pools, targeting guests seeking more exclusive experiences.
New recreational facilities such as a kart zone and horseback riding attractions are also being considered.
Clemente said the resort is also working toward securing accreditation from the DOT, along with recognition from local business groups, as part of efforts to boost its credibility and widen its market reach.
In a bid to draw more visitors, the resort also plans to host regular events and entertainment activities, including shows featuring well-known disc jockeys and performers.
With these initiatives, La Villa Francisco Mountain Resort aims to reintroduce itself as an emerging inland tourism hub in Tacloban City—offering a mix of leisure, nature, and entertainment for travelers exploring Eastern Visayas.
FUEL ASSISTANCE.The municipal government of Arteche,Eastern Samar rolls out a fuel voucher program benefiting at least 114 tricycle drivers, providing P1,000 worth of fuel assistance through vouchers to help cushion the impact of rising oil prices, with plans to expand the initiative to other transport and fishing sectors. (ARTECHE LOVES YOU)
FUEL ASSISTANCE.The municipal government of Arteche,Eastern Samar rolls out a fuel voucher program benefiting at least 114 tricycle drivers, providing P1,000 worth of fuel assistance through vouchers to help cushion the impact of rising oil prices, with plans to expand the initiative to other transport and fishing sectors. (ARTECHE LOVES YOU)
TACLOBAN CITY — The municipal government of Arteche in Eastern Samar has launched a localized fuel subsidy program to cushion the impact of rising oil prices on tricycle drivers, marking one of several grassroots initiatives in Eastern Visayas aimed at supporting the transport sector.
The program, known as the Toda Gas Incentive Fund, targets at least 114 registered tricycle drivers in the town who have been affected by the continued surge in fuel costs, largely driven by global supply constraints and tensions in the Middle East.
Vice Mayor Roland Boie Evardone said each qualified beneficiary will receive P1,000 worth of assistance in the form of fuel vouchers. The aid will be distributed in increments of P 200 per voucher to ensure that it is used solely for fuel purchases.
Local officials said the voucher system was adopted to guarantee that the subsidy directly addresses the drivers’ operational needs, preventing misuse of funds.
While the initial rollout covers tricycle drivers, the local government is also exploring the expansion of the program to other sectors, including habal-habal drivers, motorboat operators, and registered fishing boat owners. Profiling of potential beneficiaries is currently underway to determine the scope of the possible expansion.
The initiative comes as local governments across the region seek to mitigate the economic impact of fluctuating fuel prices on vulnerable sectors.
OEVA AWARDS. Department of Tourism Regional Office VIII (DOT-8) Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes and Tingog Partylist Representative Alexis Yu lead the launching of the Outstanding Eastern Visayan Awards (OEVA), a new initiative honoring exemplary individuals in the region. The event highlights the importance of recognizing contributions in public service, education, entrepreneurship, and other fields that promote Eastern Visayas development. Also in photo is Ahlette Reyes of the Philippine Information Agency-8 (PIA-8) who served as moderator during the program.(DOT-EASTERN VISAYAS)
OEVA AWARDS. Department of Tourism Regional Office VIII (DOT-8) Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes and Tingog Partylist Representative Alexis Yu lead the launching of the Outstanding Eastern Visayan Awards (OEVA), a new initiative honoring exemplary individuals in the region. The event highlights the importance of recognizing contributions in public service, education, entrepreneurship, and other fields that promote Eastern Visayas development. Also in photo is Ahlette Reyes of the Philippine Information Agency-8 (PIA-8) who served as moderator during the program.(DOT-EASTERN VISAYAS)
TACLOBAN CITY — In a bid to highlight the achievements of Eastern Visayans and strengthen regional pride, the Department of Tourism Regional Office VIII (DOT-8), in partnership with Tingog Partylist, has launched a new recognition program that will honor outstanding individuals contributing to the region’s development.
The initiative, dubbed the Outstanding Eastern Visayan Awards (OEVA), seeks to recognize residents who have shown exemplary performance in leadership, public service, and other fields that have significantly impacted communities across Eastern Visayas.
DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the awards are not only about recognition but also about telling the stories of individuals whose work reflects the region’s identity and progress.
“When we talk about awards in Eastern Visayas, we realize—there are many, and they matter. But beyond the programs and performance indicators, there are people. These are stories worth telling again and again—stories that can inspire a young student, a budding entrepreneur, or a dreamer to believe that excellence is possible here at home,” Tiopes said.
She emphasized that the OEVA aligns with DOT’s broader tourism vision of promoting people-centered destinations, where culture, identity, and human stories are placed at the forefront.
“Tourism is not just about places—it is about people, stories, and identity. When visitors come to Eastern Visayas, what they remember most are the people—their strength, creativity, and excellence,” she added.
Tiopes also clarified that the awards will not be based on popularity, stressing that nominees will undergo a formal screening process and will be evaluated by a panel of judges from various sectors.
The OEVA will recognize individuals in several categories, including public service, entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, science, environmental sustainability, arts and culture, youth leadership, journalism and communication, as well as faith and philanthropy. The selection body may also confer special distinctions such as the Outstanding Legacy of Excellence and the Regional Distinction Award.
Tingog Partylist representative Alexis Yu said the program aims to highlight individuals whose contributions embody leadership, integrity, and service to the public.
Nominations for the OEVA opened on April 10 and will run until May 15. The awarding ceremony is set for June 27.
Interested nominators may submit entries through the official OEVA social media page or at the DOT-8 regional office.
TACLOBAN CITY — The municipal government of Arteche in Eastern Samar has launched a localized fuel subsidy program to cushion the impact of rising oil prices on tricycle drivers, marking one of several grassroots initiatives in Eastern Visayas aimed at supporting the transport sector.
The program, known as the Toda Gas Incentive Fund, targets at least 114 registered tricycle drivers in the town who have been affected by the continued surge in fuel costs, largely driven by global supply constraints and tensions in the Middle East.
Vice Mayor Roland Boie Evardone said each qualified beneficiary will receive P1,000 worth of assistance in the form of fuel vouchers. The aid will be distributed in increments of P 200 per voucher to ensure that it is used solely for fuel purchases.
Local officials said the voucher system was adopted to guarantee that the subsidy directly addresses the drivers’ operational needs, preventing misuse of funds.
While the initial rollout covers tricycle drivers, the local government is also exploring the expansion of the program to other sectors, including habal-habal drivers, motorboat operators, and registered fishing boat owners. Profiling of potential beneficiaries is currently underway to determine the scope of the possible expansion.
The initiative comes as local governments across the region seek to mitigate the economic impact of fluctuating fuel prices on vulnerable sectors.
