TACLOBAN CITY – Around 22 farmers from Barangay 101 New Kawayan are set to benefit from a solar-powered irrigation system that aims to boost vegetable production across 2.8 hectares of farmland.
The project, spearheaded by the City Agriculture Office with P1 million in funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), addresses persistent water scarcity issues that have long hampered agricultural productivity in the area. The barangay shouldered 30% of the total cost.
Now under construction and expected to be completed within one to two weeks, the system will enable farmers to draw water from a well using solar energy—eliminating reliance on costly electric-powered pumps.
“New Kawayan has struggled with water supply, making it hard for farmers to produce vegetables in large quantities,” said Agricultural Technologist Aileen Quimbo.
“This system ensures a steady water source to help improve yields and meet market demands, including Kadiwa Centers in Tacloban.”
DOST is also conducting training for members of the New Kawayan Farmers Association on how to operate and maintain the system. Monitoring will be conducted twice a week, with crop output and income used to assess the project’s impact.
To ensure long-term sustainability, 5% of the project’s budget has been set aside for maintenance, alongside additional contributions from the barangay and the farmers’ association. Farmers will also allocate part of their earnings for system upkeep.
Officials hope the project will serve as a model for similar solar-powered solutions in other farming communities. “This needs to succeed so it can be a long-term model for future farming communities,” Quimbo added.
TACLOBAN CITY – Former rebels now organized under the Eastern Visayas Peace Builders and Development Federation have denounced the visit of Makabayan Bloc candidates in the region, accusing them of attempting to gain votes and support for the upcoming May 12, 2025 elections.
Wearing black shirts as a sign of protest, the group held a rally and candle-lighting ceremony at RTR Plaza, Tacloban City’s designated freedom park.
“We’ve observed that because their urban operatives can no longer recruit people, the candidates themselves are now doing the recruitment, going as far as visiting schools,” said federation president Alma Gabin.
Gabin claimed that the Makabayan Bloc, composed of senatorial and party-list candidates, has visited several areas in Eastern Visayas during their three-day campaign swing, including some schools.
“This is very disturbing and alarming for us. Before, they had organizers doing the work, and we would see people supporting them. But now that support has waned, and they are targeting new and young voters directly,” she added.
As a former high-ranking member of the communist underground movement who was recruited during her student years, Gabin warned against allowing these groups to influence young minds and bring them into the armed struggle.
She urged the public to be vigilant and to withhold support from candidates affiliated with the Makabayan Bloc.
“Let us not vote for anyone from this bloc. We must protect our youth and our future from being misled,” Gabin emphasized.
Known locally as ‘Tais Dupol’, the Penitentes of Palo, Leyte, walk barefoot through the streets, carrying crosses, offering penance, or reenacting the suffering of Christ. Their presence is a powerful testament to the town’s enduring Catholic roots and a tradition that transforms public spaces into sacred ground.
(Photo Courtesy of Msgr. Gilbert Urbina/ Archdiocese of Palo)
Known locally as ‘Tais Dupol’, the Penitentes of Palo, Leyte, walk barefoot through the streets, carrying crosses, offering penance, or reenacting the suffering of Christ. Their presence is a powerful testament to the town’s enduring Catholic roots and a tradition that transforms public spaces into sacred ground. (Photo Courtesy of Msgr. Gilbert Urbina/ Archdiocese of Palo)
PALO, Leyte– Despite modernity and changing religious expressions, the “Penitentes” of Palo, Leyte remain a powerful image of Filipino folk Catholicism. Their hushed footsteps on a scorching pavement and silent walk along the aisle of the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral strikes a contrast to the noise of daily life, a slow, meaningful, and prayerful reminder of the roots of Holy Week.
The all-male confraternity of the “penitentes” will once again feature in this year’s Holy Week observance of Palo town, whose tradition of making repentance has been passed from father to son, godfather to godchild, uncle to nephews, and continues not out of obligation but out of an unwavering belief that through penitence, humility, and devotion, one can be made whole.
Reynaldo Pedrosa, 58 years old of Luntad, Palo, said he joined the “Penitentes” when he was about 20 years old. He has not missed the Holy Week ritual since the late ‘80s and now his son and nephews have also become members of the Penitentes.
For many, joining the ranks of the Penitentes is a deeply personal vow—made in gratitude for prayers answered, or in petition for healing, forgiveness, or deliverance.
To deter the faithful from flagellating during Holy Week, this custom was instituted under the Spanish occupation through Franciscan Fray Pantaleon de la Fuente in the late 1800s. The penance seekers are garbed in long robes and wear cone-shaped head pieces that cover their faces and are either pointed (“tais”) or blunt (“dupol”) which has earned the group the name “Tais-Dupol” of Palo.
The ‘tais’ and ‘dupol’ headpieces carry distinct meanings within the group. Married members don navy blue robes with pointed hoods, signifying their status while the unmarried members wear violet or deep purple robes with black, blunted hoods. Officers or senior members distinguish themselves by wearing all-white robes with pointed hoods.
With this garb, the men are stripped of their identity, pride, and ego. Their anonymity is part of the ritual – an act of penance by the willingness to walk in humility and atonement.
On Holy Wednesday, new members joining the Penitentes undergo a solemn investiture ceremony and are given their special robes at the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral.
When the Lenten season starts, members actively participate in the preparations and join the Station of the Cross done seven Fridays before Palm Sunday. Their commitment to church preparations continues until Easter Sunday.
The reenactment of the “Washing of the Feet” on Holy Thursday, the adoration of the Cross on Good Friday, and the Station of the Cross on Black Saturday are the highlights of the group’s services.
The local government of Palo will also highlight the Penitentes this year in the GUGMA Art Exhibition, where miniature figures of the confraternity will be featured, inspiring tradition among the younger populace through art.
For Palo—a town known for its deep Catholic roots and being the ecclesiastical seat of Eastern Visayas—the Holy Week is not just observed, it is embodied. The Penitentes represent the people’s way of physically entering the story of the Passion, of feeling the weight of the cross not just in thought, but on their shoulders.
PNP ADVISORY GROUP. The PRO-8 Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development has a new set of officers. Reelected as chairman was Dr. Ronald Madera with DOT-8 Director Karina Rosa Tiopes as the vice chairman. LSDE publisher Dalmacio “Massey’ Grafil was elected as committee chair on selection and membership. The election and oath-taking was held on April 5, 2025, at Layao Resort in Marabut, Samar.
PNP ADVISORY GROUP. The PRO-8 Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development has a new set of officers. Reelected as chairman was Dr. Ronald Madera with DOT-8 Director Karina Rosa Tiopes as the vice chairman. LSDE publisher Dalmacio “Massey’ Grafil was elected as committee chair on selection and membership. The election and oath-taking was held on April 5, 2025, at Layao Resort in Marabut, Samar.
TACLOBAN CITY — The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development has officially announced its new set of officers and members for the next two years during an election and oath-taking ceremony held on April 5, 2025, at Layao Resort in Marabut, Samar.
The event was officiated by PCol. Matthe Aseo, CRS/C, RPSMU 8, and highlighted the group’s continuing commitment to the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) PATROL Plan 2030 — a long-term reform program aimed at improving police performance and public trust.
Reappointed as chairman for a second term is Dr. Ronald Madera, while Department of Tourism Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes assumes the role of vice-chair.
The Advisory Group also welcomed new members from key regional government agencies: Atty. Robert Yu, Regional Director, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); Engr. Maya Collantes Junia, Assistant Regional Director, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); Atty. Risty Sibay, National Police Commission (Napolcom); and Keena Mate, private sector representative.
Continuing members include Rachel Cuevas (Department of Education), Ma. Daisy Amor Belizar (DyAS), Lady Ann Yao, Atty. Ryan Mancera, Engr. Dindo Obediencia, and a representative from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
The Advisory Group plays a vital role in helping guide and monitor police transformation initiatives within Eastern Visayas, including strengthening personnel skills, improving public service, and encouraging transparency and community participation.
Aside from Nadera and Tiopes, also elected as officers were Ma. Daisy Amor L. Belizar, secretary; Rachel Cuevas, treasurer; and Lady Ann Yao, auditor.
Named as committee chairpersons were Dalmacio Grafil, selection and membership; Engr. Ma. Margarita Junia, ways and means; Engr. Dindo Obediencia, public information & advocacy; Atty. Risty Sibay, best practices and good deeds; Atty.Robert Anthony Yu, policies and programs; and Keena Mate, capability building.
The event also served as a platform to discuss upcoming initiatives aligned with the PNP’s transformation roadmap and reaffirm the group’s support for sustainable and community-focused policing reforms across the region.
PALM SUNDAY. Palm fronds, symbolic of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, are sold outside the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño in Tacloban City on Sunday, April 13. A vital part of Holy Week observance, these fronds are blessed and carried by churchgoers to mark the beginning of the Lenten journey.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
PALM SUNDAY. Palm fronds, symbolic of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, are sold outside the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño in Tacloban City on Sunday, April 13. A vital part of Holy Week observance, these fronds are blessed and carried by churchgoers to mark the beginning of the Lenten journey. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
Espinosa fears of ‘whitewash’
TACLOBAN CITY – The Police Regional Office (PRO)-8 has assured the public of a transparent and impartial investigation into the recent shooting of Albuera mayoral candidate Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa.
This assurance comes following Espinosa’s statements during a press conference on Friday, April 11, shortly after he was discharged from the hospital.
Espinosa expressed concerns over how authorities are handling the investigation, particularly regarding police officers identified as persons of interest.
Espinosa,47, questioned why the police personnel, who were apprehended during a hot pursuit operation shortly after the April 10 shooting, were not taken to the Albuera police station. Instead, they were brought to Ormoc City and subsequently transferred to the PRO-8 regional headquarters.
“To my knowledge, the incident happened within Albuera’s jurisdiction. So I expected that the police officers would be brought to the Albuera police station. That’s why I can’t help but worry there might be a whitewash in this case,” Espinosa said.
In response, PRO-8 released a statement on Saturday affirming its commitment to due process and accountability.
“We assure the public that PRO-8 does not, and will never, condone abuse of authority,” the statement read. “Personnel found to have violated their oath of service or the law will be held accountable through swift and appropriate action, in accordance with established administrative and criminal procedures.”
The regional police office also said it is closely coordinating with oversight agencies to ensure a fair and fact-based investigation.
For his part, Leyte Police Provincial Director Col. Dionisio Apas Jr. said the seven officers, one of whom is a former city police director of Ormoc, are now in their custody and have been subjected to questioning.
“Rest assured there will be no whitewash, and no one will be treated as a sacred cow,” Apas said in a media interview on Saturday. “We’ve received clear instructions from higher-ups to ensure the case we file is solid and well-prepared.”
When asked who he referred to as “higher-ups,” Apas named PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil and Police Regional Director B/Gen. Jay Cumigad.
Apas emphasized that the investigation would be thorough to ensure any charges filed would be airtight. “We will conduct an impartial investigation,” he added.
According to Apas, the seven policemen were not “technically” at the crime scene, and no direct evidence currently links them to the shooting.
“They were not at the crime scene, and we still do not have direct evidence or testimony pointing to who among them is involved in the crime,” he said.
Initial investigations revealed that the seven were reportedly in the area to serve a warrant, but they failed to coordinate with the local Albuera police.
The warrant, Apas clarified, was not intended for Espinosa. He said the group was located about 400 meters from where Espinosa and his team were holding a campaign event.
All seven underwent paraffin testing to determine if any had recently discharged a firearm. Their issued and personal firearms were also submitted to the crime laboratory for ballistic examination and verification.
Results of the tests are expected within this week.
When asked about possible charges, Apas said they may include frustrated murder and violations of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The seven officers are currently under administrative and restrictive custody at the Leyte Police Provincial Office in San Jose, Tacloban City.
COCONUT INDUSTRIAL PARK. The coconut industry in Northern Samar is expected to get a boost with the establishment of a coconut industrial park to be located in Bobon town. The province is the country’s 18th coconut-producing province. (FILE PHOTO)
COCONUT INDUSTRIAL PARK. The coconut industry in Northern Samar is expected to get a boost with the establishment of a coconut industrial park to be located in Bobon town. The province is the country’s 18th coconut-producing province. (FILE PHOTO)
TACLOBAN CITY – The coconut industry in Northern Samar is poised for major growth with the upcoming establishment of a coconut industrial park in Bobon town, a development expected to modernize processing and create new opportunities for local farmers.
Investors Stephen Chen and Alex Lao of Islandfun Inc., which is headquartered in Metro Manila, visited the province on April 8 to present a phased development plan for the project to the provincial government.
The proposed facility will rise on a three-hectare site in Barangay San Isidro, Bobon town and will process coconut water, milk, oil, charcoal, and fiber.
The first phase of the project involves a P200 million investment, broken down into 60 percent for infrastructure, 20 percent for manpower, and 20 percent for operational expenses.
A second phase will bring in an additional P500 million to further scale up production.
Once fully operational, the facility will require 300,000 coconuts per day, significantly boosting demand for the province’s coconut supply.
“We welcome all kinds of investments that would benefit the Nortehanon people. For so long, the resources of Northern Samar, albeit abundant, have remained stagnant due to the lack of means to process them,” said Provincial Economic and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO) head Jan Allen Berbon during an April 10 interview.
Berbon said a trial shipment is expected within the month, marking the beginning of the park’s operations.
“With this approach, we help elevate the playing field for our producers to a whole new level,” he added, emphasizing how the facility will not only maximize the use of coconuts but also introduce more modern processing practices in the province.
Northern Samar’s strategic location, with three operational ports, makes it well-positioned to become a major exporter of coconut-based products to international markets, Berbon noted.
Based on the records of the Philippine Coconut Authority, Northern Samar ranked as the 18th largest coconut-producing province in the country in 2023, with an output of 315,000 metric tons.
Around 84,000 hectares of land are planted with coconuts, supporting about 86,000 registered coconut farmers, including landowners, tenants, and workers.
