TACLOBAN CITY – Aiming to strengthen science-focused education in Samar, Governor Sharee Ann Tan led the formal turnover of a newly constructed academic building to the Eastern Visayas Regional Science High School (EVRSHS) in Catbalogan City, underscoring the provincial government’s ongoing commitment to improving educational infrastructure.

The new facility, funded by the provincial government of Samar in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), is the latest in a series of support initiatives extended to the school. It follows the earlier provision of a new administration building, covered court, learning devices, and other essential learning resources.

The project was made possible through the endorsement and collaborative efforts of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and Rep. Michael Tan of the province’s 2nd district who worked closely with local stakeholders to bring the project to fruition.

Governor Tan, in her message, emphasized the role of science education in shaping the province’s future leaders and innovators.

“We are proud to sustain our support to EVRSHS and the Catbalogan City Division of DepEd. Quality education begins with creating spaces that inspire and empower,” she said.
The turnover ceremony was attended by local government officials, Department of Education representatives, school administrators, and students—marking another milestone in the province’s push to build a more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready education system.

The provincial government of Samar reaffirmed its commitment to education as a cornerstone of development and vowed to continue forging partnerships that uplift both learners and educators throughout the province.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Residents of Barangays Pongso and Hiagsam in Barugo, Leyte, now enjoy a smoother and safer travel experience following the completion of a vital concrete road project by the Department of Public Works and Highways–Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (DPWH-L2DEO).

The road improvement initiative involved the construction of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP), covering a total of 1,806.6 square meters at 5 meters wide in Site 1, and 114 square meters at 1 meter wide in Site 2, which serves as an extension on both ends.

The project was aimed at easing transportation between the two barangays, especially for farmers and students who rely heavily on the road for daily access.

“This road will ease transportation challenges for the residents of Pongso and Hiagsam, especially farmers and students who rely on it daily,” said District Engineer Leo Edward L. Oppura. “With this development, access to schools, health centers, and local markets will be faster and more convenient.”

Barangay Pongso chairman Noel Avorque underscored the project’s impact, recalling the difficulty residents used to face.

“Before this project, our students and residents had a hard time, especially here in Barangay Pongso. The road used to be muddy and difficult to pass, especially when it rained,” Avorque, speaking in the dialect, said.

“Now, the road is no longer muddy or slippery, and travel has become smooth and easier. We are sincerely thankful to the DPWH for this project. On behalf of all my barangay councilors, we express our deepest gratitude,” Avorque added.

The road construction began on March 3, 2025, and was completed on May 21, 2025. It was funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) with a total budget of P4.87 million7, and implemented by YFL Builders.

The project is part of the national government’s continuing efforts to improve rural infrastructure and boost local development across underserved communities.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – For the first time in history, Samar province welcomed an international cruise ship excursion as 130 foreign tourists arrived aboard the Heritage Adventurer, marking a milestone in the province’s entry into the global cruise tourism map.

The guests—hailing from Australia, New Zealand, France, and other countries—are part of an expedition cruise organized by Heritage Expeditions Ltd., which has recently included Eastern Visayas among its cruise destinations.

Their visit featured a guided trek and birdwatching tour along the Paranas Eco-Trail, located within the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) headquarters, followed by a stop at a privately owned two-hectare arboretum, where several rare and endemic tree species have been cultivated.

Guests were also treated to a taste of authentic Samar cuisine, prepared by local heritage cooks from the Secret Kitchen of Samar, and are expected to visit the Kandiwata Rock Formation in the island town of Daram.

“We consider this one for the books as it marks the first ever expedition cruise shore excursion in the province of Samar,” said Department of Tourism Region 8 Director Karina Rosa Tiopes.

Tiopes noted that the cruise company itself chose Samar as part of its itinerary, highlighting the growing appeal of the island’s natural and cultural offerings.

“This cruise visit opened the door to Samar’s being part of the expedition cruise product portfolio of Eastern Visayas,” she added.

With the support of the provincial government, DOT-8 is now working to develop more shore excursion packages to enhance the province’s appeal to future international cruise operators.

Samar’s inclusion follows the footsteps of other Eastern Visayas destinations such as Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, and Northern Samar, which have already welcomed cruise ships in recent years.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – In celebration of its 60th founding anniversary, Northern Samar crowned a new provincial beauty queen as Jhyry-Ross Yboa, representing San Isidro, clinched the coveted title of ‘Mutya san Ibabao’ 2025 during the pageant’s grand coronation night on June 13 at the provincial capitol gymnasium.

Yboa, a seasoned pageant contender, stood out among 16 other candidates from various municipalities. In addition to the main crown, she also took home several special awards, including Best in Swimsuit, Best in Talent, and 1st Runner-Up in Best in Tourism Video.
Crowned as 1st Runner-Up was Marianne Josel Valladores, Mutya san Silvino Lobos, who also earned the Best in Filipiniana Attire and Miss Eloquence awards.

Zandrea Alexxa Gudgad, representing Las Navas, was named 2nd Runner-Up and won Best in Evening Gown, Best in Production Number, and Best in Tourism Video.

Rounding out the court were 3rd runner-Up: Ella Denise Pornias (Mutya san Bobon), who also won Miss Photogenic; and 4th runner-Up: Richel Calipay (Mutya san San Vicente), who received the Best in Underwater Challenge award.

The prestigious judging panel included Miss Universe Philippines 2025 titleholder Ahtisa Manalo, 1st runner-up Winwyn Marquez, and MUPh national director Ariela Arida.

The Mutya san Ibabao pageant remains one of the most anticipated highlights of Northern Samar’s founding anniversary festivities, celebrating not only beauty and grace but also the talent and cultural pride of young Northern Samar women.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)