TACLOBAN CITY — The government has intensified assistance for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Eastern Visayas, with the Department of Social Welfare and Development(DSWD) office here in the region rolling out cash aid and livelihood support for repatriates affected by tensions in the Middle East.

The assistance was distributed during the “Bayanihan Para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa” National Reintegration Network Regional Fair and Balik Turo: A Hero’s Journey Home held on April 15, 2026, in Tacloban City, where multiple government agencies provided reintegration services for returning workers.

Under its OFW Salubong Program, DSWD-8 extended emergency cash assistance through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program to 23 OFWs affected by the Middle East crisis, each receiving P5,000, for a total of P115,000.

In addition, eight repatriated OFWs underwent orientation and profiling under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), aimed at preparing them for income-generating projects and long-term economic reintegration.

DSWD-8 also provided Php 5,000 cash aid to one OFW not directly affected by the Middle East situation, while 115 other OFWs participated in SLP orientation and profiling sessions as part of broader reintegration efforts.

The OFW Salubong Program is designed to address immediate needs such as financial support and psychosocial assistance, while also linking beneficiaries to sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The initiative is implemented in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, as part of the government’s continuing commitment to support the recovery and reintegration of returning migrant workers into their home communities.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Tributes poured in from religious groups, humanitarian organizations, and public figures following the passing of Sr. Eva Fidela Maamo, a nun, surgeon, and 1997 Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient, who dedicated more than four decades of her life to serving poor and marginalized communities.

The Liloan, Southern Leyte native was 85.

Sr. Maamo, who founded the Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission, Inc., was widely recognized for bringing medical and humanitarian services to remote and underserved areas across the Philippines, particularly indigenous and urban poor communities.

In a statement, the Our Lady of Peace Hospital, which she established, said her life was “beautifully lived in service to the poor and those in need,” adding that she would be remembered for her compassion and dedication.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation described her as “a tireless servant of the poor,” noting her significant contributions to community-based healthcare and outreach programs.
Born in Liloan, Sr. Maamo began her mission in 1986 when she established her foundation, which organized free medical and surgical missions, livelihood programs, feeding initiatives for malnourished children, and shelter support for street children and abused women.

Her volunteer medical teams—composed of doctors, nurses, and dentists—provided free services to tens of thousands of patients nationwide, often in hard-to-reach communities.
“Diminutive in stature but immense in spirit, she led not by authority but by example,” the Magsaysay Foundation said, crediting her leadership as a driving force behind exhausting but sustained medical missions.

Tributes also came from church leaders, including Bishop Precioso Cantillas of the Diocese of Maasin, who described her as one of Southern Leyte’s most distinguished daughters and a model of faith-driven service.

“Her tireless work as a healer and advocate for the marginalized was a profound witness to her faith and love for humanity,” Cantillas said, adding prayers for her eternal rest.

Former Isabela governor and journalist Grace Padaca recalled Sr. Maamo’s humility and continued outreach work even in later years, noting her frequent visits to indigenous communities and continued involvement in humanitarian activities despite declining health.
In 2006, she was awarded the Lasallian Star of Faith Award by the De La Salle Philippines, the highest honor given by the Lasallian community, in recognition of her decades of service.

As tributes continue to pour in, colleagues and beneficiaries alike remember Sr. Maamo as a symbol of compassion and selfless service whose legacy continues to inspire humanitarian work in the country.

(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY — Provincial and local officials are pushing to develop a mangrove safari in Pinabacdao town into a key eco-tourism destination in Samar, highlighting its vast mangrove ecosystem and potential to generate sustainable livelihood for communities.
An on-site inspection was recently conducted by Governor Sharee Ann Tan and Mayor Via Mabag to assess the site’s readiness and prospects as part of the province’s growing tourism portfolio.

The project is anchored on the provincial government’s push for community-based and environmentally sustainable tourism, with a focus on protecting and showcasing Samar’s rich coastal resources.

The Pinabacdao Mangrove Safari spans around 575 hectares of mangrove forest across seven coastal barangays and is home to 19 to 20 mangrove species, including some endemic to the area.

Once developed, the site is expected to offer guided tours and nature-based activities such as kayaking and boating, giving visitors an immersive experience of the mangrove ecosystem while promoting environmental awareness.

Governor Tan underscored the importance of striking a balance between economic development and environmental conservation, noting that eco-tourism projects like the mangrove safari can create income opportunities for residents without compromising natural resources.

Mayor Mabag, for her part, said the initiative could position Pinabacdao as an emerging eco-tourism hub, boosting local economic activity and attracting more visitors to the area.
The mangrove safari is also being eyed for inclusion in the Spark Samar Tandaya Trail Tourism Circuit, a provincial program that links various destinations to offer a more integrated travel experience across Samar.

Officials expressed optimism that with its unique landscape and biodiversity, the Pinabacdao Mangrove Safari will soon become a major addition to the province’s list of nature-based attractions.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The push to modernize fish port infrastructure with cold storage facilities is expected to significantly improve incomes and living conditions in coastal communities, according to Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales.
Gonzales, a member of the House committee on aquaculture and fisheries, said modern fish ports create wider economic opportunities beyond fishing, strengthening the entire fisheries value chain from production to processing and distribution.

“The development of modern fish ports with cold storage creates a ripple effect of economic opportunities. It strengthens the fisheries sector while opening doors for processing, logistics, and related industries,” Gonzales said in a statement.

He added that such facilities also benefit consumers by ensuring access to fresher seafood at more stable prices while reducing post-harvest losses common in traditional fish handling systems.

Gonzales, together with 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, authored bills seeking to establish state-run fish ports with cold storage facilities in the coastal municipalities of Dolores and Oras.

The lawmaker outlined several key benefits of the proposed infrastructure, including job creation in port operations, ice production, fish processing, transport, and logistics services, as well as reduced fish spoilage due to improved storage systems.

He also said the facilities would allow small-scale fisherfolk to avoid “rush selling,” enabling them to wait for better market prices and reducing dependence on middlemen and informal lenders.

Other expected benefits include more stable seafood prices in local markets, expansion of value-added seafood industries such as dried and processed fish products, and improved access to larger markets including Metro Manila and other urban centers.

Gonzales also noted that cold storage systems can serve as a buffer during disasters, ensuring continuous seafood supply even when fishing operations are disrupted by typhoons.

He emphasized that investing in modern fish port infrastructure is a long-term strategy for strengthening food security, boosting economic resilience, and promoting inclusive growth in coastal communities.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources(BFAR) in Eastern Visayas has ramped up its aquaculture support program with the distribution of 895,000 milkfish (bangus) fry to key production facilities in Samar and Northern Samar, aiming to boost fish supply and support local growers.

The fry were transported between March and April 2026 to the Jiabong Aquaculture Production and Technology Center and the Regional Brackishwater Aquaculture Production Center, where these will be raised into fingerlings for eventual stocking in fish cages and ponds across the region.

BFAR-8 said the fry were sourced from government hatcheries, including the Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development Center, Laoang Multi-Species Hatchery, and San Jose Legislated Hatchery, which produced 65,000, 610,000, and 220,000 fry, respectively.

Once matured over one to two months, the fingerlings will be distributed to at least 78 aquaculture operators under the agency’s Stock Now, Pay Later Program.

The scheme allows beneficiaries to pay after harvest, either in cash or by returning a portion of their yield, which can then be redistributed to other fisherfolk.

The initiative is part of BFAR’s broader effort to strengthen aquaculture production in Eastern Visayas by ensuring a steady supply of quality stocking materials while easing financial burden on small-scale operators.

Complementing the program, BFAR-8 is also conducting consultative forums with private stakeholders to increase fry and fingerling production and enhance collaboration between the government and the aquaculture sector.

The agency currently operates nine production stations across the region, serving as sources of quality fish stocks to sustain the growth of the aquaculture industry.

Fishpond and fish cage operators interested in joining the program are encouraged to coordinate with their respective provincial fisheries offices or BFAR’s Fisheries Production and Support Services Division for application details.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Tacloban City’s representative to Miss Universe Philippines 2026, Jacqueline Gulrajani, earned a Top 6 finish in the Best in National Costume category, drawing attention for a deeply symbolic ensemble that paid tribute to the city’s resilience after Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ (international name:Haiyan).

Her costume, titled “Waves of Courage, The Heart of Hope,” was showcased during the national costume competition held on April 16, 2026, at the Urdaneta City Cultural and Sports Center.

Designed by Charlotte Rodriguez, the outfit was inspired by Tacloban’s experience in the aftermath of one of the country’s most devastating natural disasters. It featured wave-like structures that represented both destruction and renewal, reflecting the city’s journey from tragedy to recovery.

Beyond its visual impact, the costume conveyed a narrative of endurance and collective strength, portraying Tacloban as a community that rebuilt itself through determination and hope. The flowing design elements symbolized forward movement and the continued rebuilding of lives and livelihoods.

Gulrajani’s placement in the Top 6 highlighted the growing role of storytelling in pageant presentations, where cultural identity and historical reflection are increasingly central to competition.

The Miss Universe Philippines 2026 pageant continues toward its grand coronation night scheduled for May 2, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, where Gulrajani will compete for the national crown.

(JUSTIN CARL SABILLO — LNU Student Intern)