ORMOC CITY– The Energy Development Corporation (EDC)–Leyte Geothermal Facility marked Philippine Environment Month last month with a series of meaningful activities focused on reforestation, biodiversity, and youth involvement.

Among the highlights was a tree-growing activity held on June 25 in Barangay Tongonan, where over 70 participants planted 100 native seedlings—including To-og, Narra, and Yakal Saplungan—as part of EDC’s BINHI Greening Legacy Program.

“This isn’t just about planting—it’s about growing trees to restore our watershed and unite communities,” said EDC Leyte Environmental Protection Head Leonita Sabando.

The celebration also featured a biodiversity learning tour for partner organizations, nursery training for BINHI staff, and student-centered contests such as a wildlife quiz and poster-making event in partnership with the Ormoc City LGU, DepEd, and DENR.

EDC, a subsidiary of First Gen Corporation, continues to promote sustainability through its 100% renewable energy operations and reforestation efforts across the country.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

ORMOC CITY – A man known only by the alias “Bert” was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in Sitio Tipay, Barangay Sta. Cruz, Baybay City around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

According to Baybay City Police, the victim, a resident of Barangay Gabas, was discovered shortly after authorities received a report of a body along a barangay road. A gray Toyota Innova was reportedly seen parked near the scene prior to the discovery and was later observed speeding toward the city proper.

Police have yet to identify the suspect or suspects. A dragnet operation is underway in coordination with nearby towns, while the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team has processed the area.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

MANILA-The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with IMPL-Project Philippines, trained over 180 fisherfolk from Zambales, Cagayan, and Sulu in a year-long program designed to expand their knowledge on sustainable fishing practices and to strengthen their ability in asserting their maritime rights in the South China Sea.

From June 2024 to May 2025, participating fisherfolk joined a series of workshops under the U.S. Embassy-sponsored “Empowering Coastal Communities in the Philippines” program, with trainers from the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. They learned about maritime law enforcement, the Philippines’ sovereign maritime rights, strategies to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU fishing), and strengthening community information campaigns.

The program also enabled fisherfolk to explore alternative livelihood opportunities amid rising maritime tensions that have affected their access to traditional fishing grounds.
“It serves a vital role in mobilizing grassroots action and developing an informed citizenry to better address maritime challenges,” U.S. Embassy Deputy Director of Public Engagement Chad Kinnear said at the program’s closing event held in Masinloc, Zambales, on June 20.

A key outcome of the program was the establishment of three fisherfolk cooperatives: the Boundless Unity Steadfast and Inclusive Livelihood Agriculture Cooperative (BUSILAC) in Aparri, Cagayan; the Unified Livelihood Agriculture Cooperative (ULAC) in Zambales; and the Bangsa’Sug Fishermen Cooperative (BaSFC) in Sulu.

These cooperatives will provide thousands of fisherfolk with access to formal support and income-generating opportunities, while reinforcing their legal recognition as key stakeholders in coastal governance.

“Through the program, I learned the proper procedures for boat licensing and how to ensure our safety when fishing,” said Roland Fuentes, a fisherman from Zambales and ULAC vice chairman.

Participants also regarded the project as a meaningful step toward restoring fish stocks, building local resilience, and asserting the Philippines’ sovereign maritime rights in its exclusive economic zone.

“We continue working toward long-term solutions to the maritime challenges our coastal communities face,” IMPL Philippines Executive Director Julius Suarez said.

By expanding support for local fisherfolk, the United States remains committed to strengthening coastal resilience, advancing economic opportunities, and encouraging community-led solutions to maritime challenges in the region. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – In a bid to make government services more accessible to residents in remote parts of Northern Samar, the Office of the Ombudsman has inaugurated its newest Ombudsman Assistance Center (OAC) at the provincial capitol in Catarman.

Formally opened on Tuesday, July 1, the facility is designed to simplify the filing of complaints, Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), and applications for Ombudsman clearances — services crucial for public officials and ordinary citizens alike.
The center will serve as a satellite office for walk-in clients, significantly reducing the need to travel to the main regional office in Tacloban City or to Metro Manila.

During the launch, Vice Governor Clarence Dato lauded the initiative and paid tribute to Ombudsman Samuel Martires, a native of Palapag, Northern Samar, who is set to retire on July 27 after completing his seven-year term.

Calling Martires “our own Cinderella Man,” Dato praised his rise from humble beginnings to becoming the country’s top anti-graft official, saying his life story is a source of pride and inspiration for the people of Ibabao, the northern part of Samar.

“His advocacy now finds fruition in this humble office — a testament of his love for public service that soars the lofty Ibabao skies,” Dato said.

Also present at the ceremony were Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan and Representative Edwin Marino Ongchuan, who both expressed full support for the establishment of the center and its role in promoting transparency and good governance.
The Catarman center is the second of its kind in Samar Island, following the opening of a similar facility in Calbayog City last March 28.

The main regional Ombudsman Office remains located in Tacloban City.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)