TACLOBAN CITY — Tricycle drivers in Calbayog City will benefit from a city-funded fuel subsidy program as local officials move to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices while maintaining stable fares for commuters.

Mayor Raymund “Monmon” Uy formalized the program’s rollout following a meeting with representatives of Petron on March 17, after the Local Price Coordinating Council endorsed the company as the official fuel supplier due to its competitive pricing.

Under the scheme, partner fuel stations in Tinambacan, Cagsalaosao, Capoocan, Obrero, and Carayman will supply fuel to members of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA).

Mayor Uy said drivers will continue to pay a fixed rate of P58.00 per liter—based on pre-crisis prices—while the city government will shoulder the additional cost caused by recent fuel price hikes linked to tensions in the Middle East.

The city government clarified that the subsidy does not cover public utility vehicles regulated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, such as jeepneys and buses, which follow national fare policies.

Beneficiaries include TODA groups operating in Ipao, Gadgaran, Trinidad (Sabang), Oquendo, Tarabucan, Pilar, Tinambacan, and Sta. Margarita. Daily fuel allocations per tricycle will range from five to 12 liters, depending on assigned routes.

Mayor Uy emphasized that only registered TODA members are eligible for the subsidy, excluding colorum or unregistered operators.

Prior to the program’s implementation, the city government reaffirmed its no-fare-hike policy during a meeting with TODA officials on March 16, aiming to ease the burden on commuters despite increasing fuel costs.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Elementary pupils in Barugo, Leyte are being mobilized as early advocates of marine conservation following an information drive led by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Eastern Visayas.

Held on March 10 at Canomantag Elementary School, the activity gathered Grades 4 to 6 students for an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) session focusing on sustainable fisheries management, coastal habitat protection, and the Fisheries Management Area (FMA) system.

To make learning more engaging, students joined interactive discussions and games, including the “fish game,” which simulated fishing practices and demonstrated the effects of responsible fishing and the risks of overfishing.

BFAR-8 personnel also introduced common fish species and highlighted conservation efforts for ‘tamban’, a priority species under Fisheries Management Area 7, which includes Barugo and nearby coastal communities.

Municipal Agriculturist Engr. Ariel Gam encouraged the pupils to take an active role in protecting vital marine ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. The students expressed enthusiasm and willingness to help safeguard the environment.

Provincial Fisheries Officer Loreginia Briones emphasized the importance of instilling environmental awareness at a young age, noting that even small actions can lead to long-term benefits for marine conservation.

Teachers welcomed the initiative, saying it enhanced students’ understanding of responsible fishing and environmental stewardship.

The activity is part of BFAR-8’s ongoing campaign across Eastern Visayas this year to strengthen youth awareness and participation in coastal resource management, positioning them as future champions of fisheries conservation in their communities.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Marking a milestone in Philippine history, the mayor of Guiuan, Eastern Samar used the occasion to challenge mining firms on Homonhon Island to ensure their operations translate into real benefits for communities while safeguarding the environment.

Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan made the call during the commemoration of the 505th anniversary of the Philippine part of the first circumnavigation of the world on March 17 at Sitio Cantilado, Barangay Pagbabangnan.

In her message, Gonzales-Kwan urged mining companies to go beyond regulatory compliance and demonstrate genuine concern for residents and the island’s natural resources.

“I call on all mining companies operating here to practice not only compliance but also humanity. Take care of the people and our communities—not just because of business, but because it comes from the heart. You must also care for our environment,” the mayor said.
Homonhon Island is historically significant as the site where the expedition of Ferdinand Magellan first landed in the Philippines on March 17, 1521, after crossing the Pacific Ocean. Despite this legacy, the island has faced growing concerns over the environmental impact of ongoing mining operations.

Gonzales-Kwan stressed that ensuring responsible mining is a shared responsibility among government, companies, and the community.

“We must prove that responsible mining is possible. It should mean protecting our waters, preserving our environment, and ensuring that development truly benefits the communities that have cared for this island long before any industry arrived,” she added.

Mining activities on Homonhon have long drawn criticism from various sectors, including church groups and the Save Homonhon movement, which argue that the island’s ecological and historical value should take precedence over mining revenues.

Currently, five companies operate on the island: Techiron Resources Inc., Verum Terra Geoscience Inc., Pacific Prime Metals and Resources Inc., Global Min-Met Resources Corp., and Emir Mineral Resources Corp. These firms extract chromite and nickel, largely exported to China for processing into stainless steel and high-temperature alloys.

To strengthen oversight, the municipal government has established the Guiuan Mining Industry Sustainable Development Coordinating Council. The body brings together the local government unit, mining companies operating on Homonhon and nearby Manicani Island, and regulatory agencies such as the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 8 to promote responsible mining and align operations with sustainable development goals.

“Many people say mining has been in Guiuan for a long time, yet they have not seen development. This time, we will make it different. We will ensure that projects are real development projects that people can see and feel,” Gonzales-Kwan emphasized.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Samar is taking a step toward sustainable development with the formalization of a partnership aimed at promoting a fair and inclusive transition to renewable energy.

The provincial government of Eastern Samar, along with the local governments of Borongan City and Dolores, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Oxfam Pilipinas on March 17, 2026, under the RE-Start Campaign 4.

The signing ceremony was led by Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone, together with Oxfam Pilipinas Executive Director Maria Rosario Felizco, Dolores Mayor Zaldy Carpeso, and City Councilor Kathlyn Cainday, who represented Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda.
The agreement aims to make energy planning and decision-making more inclusive by ensuring the active participation of women and marginalized sectors, particularly communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Officials emphasized that the initiative goes beyond adopting renewable energy technologies, highlighting the importance of climate justice and equitable access to opportunities for all sectors. The partnership also provides mechanisms for funding support and legal assistance for green projects in the province.

A “just energy transition” refers to shifting from fossil fuel-based systems to renewable energy in a way that is fair and inclusive, ensuring that vulnerable communities benefit from and are not disadvantaged by the transition, while supporting sustainable economic growth.

Provincial officials expressed optimism that the collaboration will help position Eastern Samar as a model for clean, inclusive, and community-centered energy development in the country.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial government of Samar is stepping up efforts to develop its bamboo industry after a delegation completed an intensive 10-day bamboo bootcamp in Davao City, equipping participants with technical skills to support sustainable resource management and livelihood programs.

The Samar delegation, led by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office (PENRMO) head Wilfredo Lacambra, included eight participants composed of engineers, architects, and PENRMO personnel. They joined other trainees from across the country in a comprehensive program focused on bamboo innovation and sustainable practices.

During the bootcamp, participants underwent hands-on training in bamboo propagation, species identification, proper harvesting methods, treatment techniques, and construction applications. The training emphasized the importance of selecting the right bamboo species, determining optimal harvesting age, and applying proper treatment processes to ensure durability for housing and structural use.

Organizers also highlighted bamboo’s potential as a strong and sustainable construction material, challenging the long-held perception of it as merely a “poor man’s timber.”
Lacambra underscored the role of bamboo in addressing community needs, particularly in providing affordable housing and creating livelihood opportunities.

The provincial government said the knowledge gained from the training will be cascaded to local communities and people’s organizations through re-echo sessions and technical assistance, with the aim of improving bamboo cultivation and utilization across Samar.
At present, more than 1,500 hectares of bamboo plantations have been established in 10 local government units in the province. Key planting sites include barangays Mabini, Loog, Catadman, and Rawis in Basey town, as well as areas in San Jorge and Catbalogan City.
The province primarily cultivates Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) and Iron Bamboo (Guadua angustifolia), which are now in their fourth year of growth and are expected to reach harvest maturity by the fifth year—opening opportunities for bamboo-based industries.

The initiative builds on earlier efforts of the provincial government to institutionalize the bamboo sector through partnerships with academic institutions and innovation centers.
Provincial officials said the program supports the development agenda of Governor Sharee Ann Tan, which prioritizes environmental protection, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth through sustainable resource management.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)