TACLOBAN CITY — Police officers in Eastern Visayas traded uniforms for microphones as the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) staged its “Singing Cops of the Philippines Season 2,” highlighting efforts to promote personnel welfare and morale beyond law enforcement duties.

The event, held on March 26, 2026 at the PRO-8 Multi-Purpose Hall, forms part of a nationwide initiative of the Philippine National Police aimed at supporting the well-being and holistic development of its personnel through creative and recreational programs.

Organized in partnership with the PNP OLC Foundation Inc., the competition serves as a platform for police officers to showcase their musical talents, develop their skills, and foster camaraderie within the ranks. It is anchored on the PNP’s “Love and Blessings in Action” (LAB) program, which promotes values formation and morale-building activities.

Participants from various provincial and city police offices, including the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8 and PRO-8 headquarters, performed local and international songs, judged on vocal quality, interpretation, stage presence, and overall impact.

Out of ten contenders, Patrolwoman Natasha Decena of the regional headquarters emerged as grand champion. Police Corporal Marjorie Lastima of the Tacloban City Police Office placed first runner-up, while Patrolman John Daryl Abunado of the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office finished as second runner-up.

The winners received cash prizes and tokens, with the champion set to represent the region in the national competition at Camp Crame.

PRO-8 Regional Director B/Gen Jason Capoy said the activity underscores the organization’s commitment to recognizing the diverse talents of its personnel and strengthening internal morale.

Officials said initiatives like the “Singing Cops” competition also help build stronger connections within the police force and with the community, presenting officers not only as enforcers of the law but as individuals with unique skills and passions.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is pushing to elevate Visayas State University (VSU) into a leading center for agricultural and scientific innovation in Southeast Asia, as part of efforts to strengthen higher education and research in the region.

Romualdez, representing Leyte’s first congressional district, recently met with VSU administrators and faculty at the university’s campus in Alangalang town to personally review proposed infrastructure projects and assess the university’s priority needs.

The discussions focused on key requirements, including the construction of additional classrooms and improvements in facilities and services for both students and educators.
The initiative forms part of the former Speaker’s legislative agenda to establish VSU as the country’s “National Green University,” aimed at advancing sustainable development, agricultural research, and science-based innovation.

During the meeting, Romualdez emphasized the importance of directly consulting stakeholders to ensure that development plans address actual challenges faced by the academic community.

By engaging with university officials and listening to their concerns, he said the proposed measures are designed to respond to the needs of students while strengthening the institution’s role in national and regional development.

VSU, one of the country’s premier state universities in agriculture and environmental sciences, is seen as a strategic institution that could position the Philippines as a key player in innovation and sustainability efforts across Southeast Asia.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Efforts to strengthen coastal protection in this city have been intensified following a new partnership between the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Eastern Visayas (DENR) and PH Haiyan Advocacy Inc., focusing on the long-term management of mangrove ecosystems.

The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of agreement under the government’s adopt-a-site program, covering about 74 hectares of mangrove areas established under the National Greening Program (NGP).

These sites are home to native mangrove species that play a vital role in shoreline protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.

The project spans several coastal barangays, including Anibong, Bagacay, Old Kawayan, Cabalawan, Naga-Naga, Lower Nula-Tula, Diit, San Isidro, and Tagpuro—areas that were heavily affected by storm surges and continue to benefit from mangrove rehabilitation efforts.

Through the partnership, DENR and PH Haiyan Advocacy Inc. aim to sustain and further enhance these mangrove plantations while promoting nature-based solutions to address environmental challenges.

The initiative is also expected to contribute to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and improved community resilience.

Under the agreement, DENR will provide technical supervision, guidance, and monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental standards. PH Haiyan Advocacy Inc., on the other hand, will take the lead in crafting a five-year development plan, securing resources through an approved work and financial plan, and mobilizing local communities for project implementation.

DENR Regional Executive Director Arturo Salazar underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing environmental protection, stressing that collective action is key to achieving sustainable and lasting impact.

The initiative highlights a shared commitment between government and civil society to safeguard coastal ecosystems and strengthen the resilience of communities in Tacloban City.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)