TACLOBAN CITY — The 2026 Pagdasig Awards once again highlighted excellence in Philippine journalism, recognizing outstanding journalists, broadcasters, news organizations, and digital platforms for their contribution to responsible and impactful media practice.

Now on its continued run since its establishment in 2021, the awards program—named after the Visayan word “pagdasig,” meaning “to inspire”—was initiated by communication students and educators from academic institutions in Eastern Visayas, particularly Leyte Normal University.

It has since grown into a platform that promotes journalistic integrity, public service, and truth-telling amid the rise of misinformation and digital disinformation.
Organizers said the annual event aims to encourage media practitioners to consistently produce meaningful and community-centered stories that inform, educate, and empower the public.

This year’s honorees included GMA Network, which was named Best TV Station, and 91.1 Love Radio, which received the Best Radio Station award in the regional category.
In the online category, the Leyte Samar Daily Express was recognized as Best Online News Site in the local and regional level, while its editor Joey Gabieta was awarded Best Online News Writer (Male category).

The Pagdasig Awards continues to position itself as a significant recognition body in Philippine media, celebrating excellence while inspiring the next generation of journalists.

(LANCE GABRIEL ENTERESO, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY — Close to 2,000 public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers across Eastern Visayas received financial assistance from the government as the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 8 (DSWD FO 8) conducted a simultaneous payout on May 8.

A total of 1,913 PUJ drivers were given P5,000 each under the cash assistance program aimed at helping transport workers cope with rising fuel prices, increasing daily operating costs, and other livelihood-related challenges in the transport sector.

The Tacloban City payout was led by DSWD Regional Director Grace Subong in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Office 8 (LTFRB RO 8), headed by Regional Director Gualberto Gualberto.

Officials from both agencies emphasized the importance of sustained government support for transport workers who continue to be affected by economic pressures.

Subong said the assistance reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that drivers and other transport stakeholders feel prioritized amid ongoing economic challenges.

Gualberto also expressed appreciation for the partnership with DSWD, assuring that programs supporting PUJ operators and drivers in the region will continue.

The simultaneous payout was conducted in nine DSWD Action Centers across Eastern Visayas, including Tacloban City, Ormoc City, Baybay City, Villaba in Leyte, Maasin City in Southern Leyte, and key locations in Samar and Northern Samar such as Calbayog City, Catbalogan City, Borongan City, and Catarman.

DSWD reported that a total of P9.565 million was distributed throughout the region, with payouts in Biliran and parts of Southern Leyte still ongoing.

The agency said the initiative underscores the government’s continued effort to provide timely and compassionate assistance to transport workers affected by economic hardships.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The city government of Borongan has partnered with Oxfam Pilipinas to strengthen the city’s clean energy initiatives and accelerate the development of a more sustainable and climate-responsive local energy plan.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda and representatives of Oxfam Pilipinas during a ceremony held at the Mayor’s Conference Room on Tuesday, May 12.

Under the agreement, Oxfam Pilipinas will provide technical and policy assistance to support Borongan City’s Just Energy Transition initiatives. The organization will also conduct capacity-building activities for local government departments involved in energy planning and implementation.

The collaboration aims to equip city officials and personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge in crafting an enhanced Local Energy Plan that promotes renewable and sustainable energy development.

As part of the initiative, Oxfam Pilipinas is also expected to help the city government prepare investment pitches to attract potential investors for Borongan’s energy transition projects.

Representing Oxfam Pilipinas during the signing ceremony was Ronan Renz Napoto, who presented the organization’s work in humanitarian response, climate resilience, and sustainable development programs.

Mayor Agda expressed gratitude for the partnership, stressing the importance of collaboration in advancing Borongan’s environmental and sustainability goals.

The city government continues to pursue renewable energy initiatives as part of its long-term environmental stewardship agenda. Among the potential projects being explored is the development of hydroelectric power systems utilizing Borongan’s river resources.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)