TACLOBAN CITY — Samar Island’s Catherine Wardle captured the Miss Teen Universe Philippines 2026 title during the coronation night of The Miss Philippines held at the Grand Ballroom of City of Dreams Manila on May 10.

Wardle emerged as one of the major winners in the national pageant, adding another achievement for Eastern Visayas on the national stage after representing Samar Island in the recently concluded competition.

Joining her in the winners’ circle were Nicole Borromeo of Cebu Province as Miss Worldwide Philippines 2026, Trexy Roxas of Iligan City as Miss Eco Teen International Philippines 2026, Marian Arellano of Tarlac as Miss Tourism World Philippines 2026, and Allyson Hetland of Pampanga as Miss Supranational Philippines 2027.

Also crowned were Jen Rose Javier of Sultan Kudarat as Miss Eco International Philippines 2027, Bella Ysmael of Taguig as Miss Cosmo Philippines 2026, and Apriel Smith of Cebu City as Miss Charm Philippines 2026.

Following her win, Wardle described her victory as the result of perseverance after enduring sleepless nights, exhaustion, and moments of self-doubt throughout the competition.

She said the crown represents every prayer, sacrifice, lesson, and the support of those who stood by her during her pageant journey.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY— The Leyte provincial government is intensifying efforts to promote household food security and better nutrition through organic vegetable production trainings under the “Karendirya Para sa Healthy Pilipinas Program.”

The Office of the Provincial Agriculture recently conducted a series of training sessions in Julita, Tanauan, Jaro, Burauen, Dulag, and San Isidro for nutritionally at-risk households, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, and mothers with children aged six to 59 months.

Participants were trained on practical techniques in establishing backyard and container gardens using organic farming methods to help families produce safe and nutritious vegetables for home consumption.

The initiative also aims to provide households with opportunities to earn additional income through the sale of surplus harvests.

Following the training, participants received starter kits containing assorted vegetable seeds, seedling trays, and plant pots to support the immediate establishment of home gardens.

The activity was conducted by the Provincial Agriculture Office in coordination with the Provincial Health Office and the respective Municipal Health Offices.

The “Karendirya Para sa Healthy Pilipinas Program,” an initiative of the Department of Health, seeks to reduce malnutrition among children under five and improve maternal nutrition through a 120-day supplemental feeding program complemented by nutrition education and community-based health interventions.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — A farmers’ group in General MacArthur, Eastern Samar has received an P836,884 livelihood grant from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to boost seaweed farming and expand income opportunities for coastal communities.

The assistance was awarded to the Vigan Integrated Farmers Association, Inc. (VIFA) under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program in partnership with the local government unit of General MacArthur.

The project, dubbed “Sustainable Seaweed Farming: A Community Livelihood Demo Project in Barangay Vigan,” aims to strengthen the municipality’s seaweed industry and improve the livelihood of local fisherfolk and farmers.

As part of the assistance package, the association received tools, materials, and equipment needed for seaweed farming operations, including motorized and wooden paddle bancas to support cultivation, harvesting, and production activities.

VIFA also showcased its value-added products, including seaweed noodles in original and malunggay flavors, highlighting efforts to promote innovation and sustainable farming practices.

DOLE-Eastern Samar Field Office Officer-in-Charge Provincial Head Salvacion Yepez said the initiative is expected to enhance the capacity of local farmers to sustain their livelihoods while contributing to food security and economic growth in the province.

PESO Manager Jerry Belicario, representing Mayor Joel Baldo, reaffirmed the municipal government’s support for sustainable livelihood programs in General MacArthur.

VIFA president Teresita Cabondocan expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying the grant comes at a crucial time as members begin the farming season.

The project forms part of DOLE’s broader efforts to promote inclusive growth and climate-resilient livelihoods through sustainable marine resource development across Eastern Visayas.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)