TACLOBAN CITY — Efforts to strengthen tourism services and digital connectivity in one of Eastern Visayas’ premier ecotourism destinations received a major boost after the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office VIII (DOST-8) turned over a STARLINK satellite internet unit to the Sohoton Services Cooperative in Basey, Samar.

The initiative is expected to improve communication, enhance visitor services, and support the digital promotion of the Sohoton Cave and river tourism complex, a popular destination known for its unique geological formations and natural attractions.

The STARLINK unit was formally handed over on May 28 through the Samar Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) under DOST’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program, which aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of communities through science, technology, and innovation-driven interventions.

The Sohoton Services Cooperative manages tourism activities within the Sohoton River area, including guided cave tours and river cruises that attract thousands of visitors annually.

Prior to the installation of the satellite internet system, the tourism site had limited connectivity and relied primarily on peso WiFi services and WiFi phones, posing challenges to communication, online transactions, and tourism promotion.

With the new technology, local tourism stakeholders expect improved internet access that will facilitate real-time communication, online bookings, digital marketing, and better coordination of tourism operations.

Leading the turnover ceremony were Engr. Joseph Albert Lledo, Engr. Philip John Condes, and Jincent Mercado of the DOST Samar PSTO. Representing the local government was Municipal Tourism and Development Officer Evangeline Ritaga, who attended on behalf of Basey Mayor Luz Chu-Ponferrada.

Officers and members of the Sohoton Services Cooperative, the direct beneficiaries of the project, also participated in the event.

Beyond improving connectivity, DOST announced an additional environmental initiative for the tourism site through the planned installation of a Modular Ecology-friendly Domestic Wastewater (MEDOWW) Treatment Facility under the CEST Program.

The wastewater treatment facility is designed to support sustainable tourism development by improving wastewater management and helping protect the ecological integrity of the Sohoton River area.

DOST officials said the interventions reflect the agency’s continuing commitment to empowering local communities through appropriate technologies that promote economic growth, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development.

By combining digital connectivity and environmental protection measures, the agency hopes to help position Sohoton as a more competitive and sustainable ecotourism destination while creating greater opportunities for local residents who depend on tourism for their livelihood.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY– Authorities have launched an investigation into the death of an active-duty member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) whose body was found floating in a creek alongside his motorcycle in Barangay Diaz on Thursday morning, May 28.

The victim, identified only as alias “Sgt. Sonny,” 39, married, and a resident of Barangay Sto. Niño, was discovered at around 8:30 a.m. in a creek beside an unfinished section of road along the national highway.

According to the Gandara Municipal Police Station, a concerned resident identified as alias “Rendo” alerted authorities through a cellphone call after finding the body.

Police said the witness had been checking caution lines and warning signs installed near the unfinished road when he noticed that some of the barriers appeared disturbed. Upon inspecting the nearby creek, he discovered a lifeless body floating face down in the water.
Responding officers immediately proceeded to the scene to verify the report and conduct an initial investigation.

With the assistance of personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the victim’s body was retrieved from the creek.

Investigators observed a deep laceration on the victim’s forehead. A motorcycle believed to have been driven by the victim was also found submerged in the creek.

Authorities likewise recovered the victim’s belt bag containing personal belongings, jewelry, and his issued firearm.

The victim was initially identified through an identification card recovered at the scene and was later positively identified by his brother-in-law.

Police are currently reviewing available CCTV footage and gathering additional evidence to determine whether the incident was the result of an accident or if foul play may have been involved.

The investigation remains ongoing.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY — The municipality of Daram in Samar is taking a major step toward becoming a premier dive tourism destination after a two-day underwater assessment revealed promising marine landscapes and biodiversity that could attract both local and international diving enthusiasts.

The assessment, conducted by the Daram Municipal Tourism Office in partnership with professional divers and marine tourism advocates, identified several sites with significant potential for dive tourism development, reinforcing the municipality’s efforts to diversify its tourism industry and promote sustainable economic growth.

Among the areas evaluated were Losa Cove in Sitio Dangcalanan and the Kandiwata and Midaybiday Rock Islets in Barangay Mabini. The sites were assessed based on underwater topography, marine biodiversity, accessibility, and their suitability for recreational diving activities.

To support the initiative, the tourism office invited dive experts led by Jerome Napala and members of the Piranha Free Divers. The team was welcomed by Mayor Lucia Latorre-Astorga and Municipal Tourism Officer Nathan Abinguna during the Sogod Bay Underwater Experience in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte, an event organized by the Department of Tourism.

According to the tourism office, the visiting experts provided technical evaluations and recommendations that will help guide future tourism planning and site development efforts.
One of the highlights of the assessment was Losa Cove, where divers documented striking underwater ridge formations and diverse marine habitats. The team also praised the underwater environment surrounding Kandiwata Rock Islet.

“Kandiwata above water is already beautiful, but beneath the surface, it becomes even more breathtaking,” a member of the assessment team said.

The initiative forms part of “Project DIVE Daram,” a tourism development program aimed at positioning the municipality as a recognized diving destination in Samar while promoting the protection and conservation of its marine ecosystems.

Mayor Astorga emphasized that developing marine tourism could generate new livelihood opportunities for local communities while encouraging the preservation of Daram’s natural resources.

Tourism officials likewise stressed the importance of involving local residents in conservation efforts and responsible tourism practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.

With the successful completion of the assessment, the municipal government is expected to move forward with detailed planning, site development, tourism promotion, and stakeholder consultations as part of its strategy to establish Daram as an emerging dive tourism hub in Eastern Visayas.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TABONTABON, Leyte— Eleven municipalities in Leyte’s second district have been formally declared as having attained a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), a milestone that local officials believe will strengthen investor confidence, spur economic activity, and accelerate development across their communities.

The May 29 declaration, led by Maj. Gen. Peter Burgonio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, marks the culmination of years of peace and security efforts by local government units, security forces, and community stakeholders aimed at eliminating insurgency-related threats and maintaining public safety.

Among the municipalities granted SIPSC status were Tabon-Tabon, Dulag, Capoocan, Tunga, Mayorga, Pastrana, La Paz, Dagami, Julita, MacArthur, and Barugo.

Tabon-Tabon Mayor Efren Redoña said the declaration sends a strong signal to potential investors that the municipalities are safe and ready for business expansion and economic growth.

“Peace and order are essential for development. Investors are more likely to establish businesses in municipalities where security and stability are assured,” he said.

Although Tabon-Tabon was not considered a major insurgency hotspot, Redoña noted that its location previously made it a transit area for members of the New People’s Army (NPA) moving between neighboring municipalities.

The SIPSC declaration is part of the government’s broader campaign to address insurgency through a whole-of-nation approach that combines security operations, governance reforms, infrastructure development, and the delivery of basic services to conflict-affected communities.

Military officials said the recognition signifies that local governments and communities have demonstrated their capability to sustain peace, prevent the resurgence of insurgent influence, and maintain a secure environment conducive to development.

Of the 14 municipalities comprising Leyte’s Second District, only Carigara and Jaro have yet to receive SIPSC status.

Burauen became the district’s first municipality to earn the declaration in September 2024.
Local officials expressed optimism that the peace milestone will encourage more investments in agriculture, tourism, commerce, and small-scale industries, creating employment opportunities and improving the quality of life for residents.

For the military and local government leaders, the declaration is not merely a recognition of improved security conditions but also a foundation for long-term economic progress and sustainable development throughout Leyte’s Second District.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — More than 14,000 farmers and fisherfolk in Eastern Samar have received government financial assistance aimed at strengthening agricultural and fishery production, easing the burden of rising input costs, and helping rural communities prepare for the next planting and fishing seasons.

The assistance was distributed through a three-day payout caravan under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP), implemented by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8 (DA RFO 8) across 10 municipalities in northern Eastern Samar.

The program forms part of the national government’s efforts to support food producers facing increasing production expenses, including fuel, fertilizers, seeds, farm labor, and other operational costs that have affected the agriculture and fisheries sectors in recent years.

Under the initiative, beneficiaries received direct cash assistance that they can use for farm and fishing-related expenses, helping ensure the continuity of their livelihood activities and maintain productivity.

For rice farmer Aldrin Nofies of Oras, the assistance will help cover fuel expenses for his farm machinery, a critical component of his farming operations.

“The assistance we received is a big help. I can use it to buy diesel for the tractor I use in farming. With the high cost of diesel and labor, this aid can help cover some of our farming expenses,” Nofies said.

Pablo Mengullo, a rice farmer from San Policarpo, said the financial support comes at a crucial time as farmers continue to face increasing costs of agricultural inputs and household necessities.

“It is a big help because we no longer have to worry about where to get funds for some of our farming expenses. Prices of the things we buy are already high, and money is spent quickly. What we received can help sustain our farming operations,” Mengullo said.

For farming couple Lheona and her husband from Dolores, the assistance will help pay for farm workers and support their small rice farming operation.

“Even if the assistance is small, it is already a big help because we can use it to pay workers who help us in the field,” Para said.

To supplement the family’s income while waiting for the next harvest, she has also ventured into backyard vegetable production.

“I do not rely only on rice farming. I also plant vegetables so that we have something to cook and additional food for the family,” she added.

According to DA guidelines, beneficiaries must be registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), while fisherfolk recipients must be enrolled under the Boat Registration (BoatR) system.

Eligible rice farmers must cultivate no more than two hectares of land and must have been actively engaged in rice production during periods of market disruption and economic challenges.

The Department of Agriculture said the PAFFP was designed to provide immediate financial relief while helping farmers and fisherfolk remain productive despite rising costs of fuel, fertilizers, feeds, labor, and other essential inputs.

Beyond providing short-term assistance, the program is expected to contribute to food security efforts by helping ensure that farmers and fisherfolk can continue producing food and sustaining their livelihoods amid economic pressures.

DA RFO 8 said the continued implementation of the program reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the agriculture and fisheries sectors, which remain vital to the region’s economy and food supply.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)