TACLOBAN CITY — Even as strong winds and torrential rains from Super Typhoon ‘Uwan’ battered Eastern Visayas, a massive fire broke out early Sunday, Nov.9, in Barangay Iniguihan, Bato, Leyte, destroying more than 80 houses and five commercial establishments.

According to FO1 Dave Cortez, duty investigator of the Bato Fire Station, the blaze started around 4:30 a.m. and quickly spread as powerful winds fanned the flames, complicating firefighting efforts.

“The nature of the incident is still under investigation. Thus, we cannot divulge details yet,” Cortez told Leyte Samar Daily Express in a phone interview.

He said most of the houses were made of light materials and built close to each other, while the swampy terrain in the area also made it difficult for fire trucks and personnel to maneuver.

The fire affected 106 families and gutted around 680 square meters of residential and commercial property. A total of 82 houses and five business establishments were completely destroyed.

No fatalities were reported, though one firefighter suffered eye irritation while battling the blaze. “He is now okay,” Cortez said.

All displaced families are now taking shelter in evacuation centers. The local government has extended food, clothing, and other relief assistance, while private groups and individuals have initiated donation drives for the victims.

“It’s a very unfortunate incident for the victims. They had yet to recover from Typhoon Tino, and now, aside from enduring Uwan, they also lost their homes to fire,” Cortez added.
Responding units from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bato, Matalom, Hilongos, Bontoc, Inopacan, Maasin City, Sogod, Hindang, and Baybay, along with the Hilongos municipal fire team, worked together to contain the blaze amid harsh weather conditions.
The fire was raised to third alarm at 4:40 a.m., declared under control by 6:30 a.m., and fully extinguished at 6:45 a.m. Damage was estimated at P1.6 million, according to the BFP.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Catbalogan City Mayor Dexter Uy personally led relief and assessment operations in areas heavily affected by Super Typhoon ‘Uwan’, assuring residents that the city government will extend all necessary support to help them recover.

Accompanied by City Administrator Dennis Cosmod, City Health Officer Dr. Anna Sophia R. Lim, and personnel from the Office of the City Mayor, Mayor Uy visited several affected barangays to check on the condition of displaced families and assess the extent of the damage.

The team also inspected landslide-hit areas in Barangay Guinsorongan and surveyed destroyed properties and homes in other affected communities. They later visited evacuees temporarily housed at the Samar National School to ensure their safety and well-being, including affected students.

According to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), more than 1,103 families or about 4,209 individuals evacuated to safer grounds before and during the onslaught of Uwan.

Authorities also confirmed one casualty—a 64-year-old woman from Pier 2, Barangay 3—whose house collapsed when strong winds and waves struck the shoreline.

Mayor Uy said that the city government has already sought assistance from national agencies for families who lost their homes and for students whose classes were disrupted by the typhoon.

He likewise appealed to residents who were spared by the disaster to share what they can—such as food, clothing, or other essentials—to help families currently staying in evacuation centers.

“Puede la anay hira didto. Tatalinguhaon naton nga mas mag-iha hira ha mga evacuation center kay an mga eskwelahan gagamiton na,” Uy said, noting that evacuees will remain temporarily sheltered while recovery efforts are ongoing.

The mayor also advised residents whose homes were destroyed along the coast to refrain from rebuilding in high-risk areas, stressing that returning to the shoreline would only expose them to future dangers during calamities.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — One hundred children in the coastal town of Motiong, Samar experienced a day of learning, laughter, and hope on October 29, 2025, as the Department of Labor and Employment–Samar Field Office (DOLE-SFO) and the provincial government of Samar brought ‘Project Angel Tree’ to the community.

The initiative, aimed at supporting the government’s fight against child labor, provided food packs and school supplies to children previously profiled as child laborers. The assistance seeks to ease the daily burdens of families and encourage children to continue their education.

Parents and local leaders also participated in an orientation on Republic Act No. 9231, led by Rose Anne Araza Nachura, learning about child labor laws and the importance of collective action in ending exploitative work.

The ceremony included the pledging of the ‘Panatang Makabata’, reaffirming the town’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and welfare.

Adding fun and inspiration to the day was a puppet cartoon show titled “Batang Malaya,” which introduced children to their rights in an engaging and age-appropriate manner. Laughter and excitement filled the municipal covered court as children watched and actively participated in the interactive presentation.

Municipal Mayor Rene Anthony Cabael and Vice Mayor Renato Cabael expressed gratitude to DOLE for bringing the program to Motiong. Vice Mayor Cabael shared stories from his own youth, emphasizing how community compassion can transform young lives.

In her closing remarks, Engr. Jocelyn Lampitoc, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) manager of Motiong, thanked DOLE and the provincial government of Samar for their steadfast partnership in realizing the event.

Project Angel Tree, organizers said, is more than a seasonal outreach—it is a “symbol of hope, empowerment, and solidarity,” demonstrating that when a community unites for a cause, every child can look forward to a brighter and freer future.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)