TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Visayas saw a strong rebound in domestic tourism during the recent Christmas long break, with popular destinations in the region drawing tens of thousands of visitors, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) central office.
In a statement released this week, the DOT said the surge reflects Filipinos’ growing confidence in local destinations and highlights tourism’s role in driving regional economic activity.

Data from the holiday period showed that Tacloban City recorded about 25,194 overnight guests from December 15 to 28, as returning residents and holiday travelers gathered for family reunions and Christmas festivities.

Meanwhile, Malajog Beach in Calbayog City emerged as the region’s top tourist draw, welcoming 56,543 visitors during the same period. Local tourism officials said the turnout underscores the rising appeal of Eastern Visayas’ coastal destinations, particularly in Samar, where beach resorts offered a “summer-like” escape during the holidays.

The DOT noted that the region’s performance mirrored a nationwide increase in domestic travel, with Filipinos flocking to beaches, heritage sites, mountain areas, and island destinations over the Christmas season.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said domestic tourism remains a key pillar of the industry, helping communities recover and sustain livelihoods.

“The Christmas holidays once again showed how Filipinos continue to explore and support our own destinations,” Frasco said, adding that domestic travel boosts local economies, strengthens national pride, and promotes more balanced tourism development across regions.

The DOT said the influx of holiday travelers also provided a welcome boost to local businesses, transport operators, and hospitality establishments, reinforcing Eastern Visayas’ potential as a competitive destination beyond the Christmas season.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Seeking to make public education more inclusive, the local government of Pinabacdao, Samar is moving to establish dedicated classrooms for children with special needs under its Special Needs Education (SNED) program, a first for the municipality.

As part of the initial steps, representatives from the Provincial Engineering Office and developmental pediatrics specialists conducted a site assessment on December 19, 2025, at Parasanon Elementary School and Quintin Quijano Sr. Agricultural School (QQSAS). The visit aimed to ensure that the proposed classrooms meet safety, accessibility, and child-friendly standards for learners with special needs.

Mayor Viannery Mabag said the initiative reflects the municipality’s commitment to recognizing and supporting all children, especially those who require specialized learning environments.

“This is a crucial first step to ensure every child in Pinabacdao is valued and given the opportunity to flourish,” Mabag said.

In preparation for the pilot implementation, 36 children from Pinabacdao underwent neurodevelopmental assessments in Tacloban City in partnership with CogniCare Psychological Center. Those identified with special needs will be enrolled in the municipality’s pilot SNED program.

The LGU has also begun strengthening its teaching force by sending public school teachers to SNED training programs, including Basic Filipino Sign Language, to ensure effective and inclusive instruction.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Police arrested the Eastern Visayas region’s fourth most wanted person during a joint operation in Barangay Guinadiongan, Capoocan, Leyte, on January 5, 2026, authorities said.

The suspect, identified by police as alias “Leo,” 30, a delivery boy and resident of Barangay Pinamopoan, Capoocan, was apprehended by virtue of a warrant of arrest for statutory rape issued on October 7, 2025. The court recommended no bail for his temporary liberty.
The arrest was carried out by personnel of the Capoocan Municipal Police Station, Regional Intelligence Unit 8 (RIU-8), Provincial Intelligence Team–Leyte, and the 2nd Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company.

Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) Regional Director PB/Gen. Jason Capoy said the arrest reflects the police force’s intensified campaign against criminality and its focus on tracking down high-profile fugitives.

“The arrest of most wanted persons is vital to our law enforcement efforts. Their apprehension protects public safety and sends a clear message that no one is above the law,” Capoy said.

PRO-8 said it will continue strengthening intelligence gathering, police operations, and inter-agency coordination to help ensure safer communities across Eastern Visayas.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — In a move to strengthen public safety and disaster preparedness at the grassroots level, the local government of Palapag in Northern Samar and its local police have formalized their partnership through the implementation of Oplan Joint Community Action for Preparedness and Safety (JCAPS).

The partnership was sealed with the signing of a memorandum of agreement on January 7, 2025, at the Sangguniang Bayan Legislative Session Hall. Signatories included Palapag Mayor Florence “Fawa” Batula, Palapag Police Chief PCpt. Liborio Luces Jr., and other local officials.

Under the agreement, Oplan JCAPS aims to enhance coordination among the police, LGU, and municipal offices in law enforcement, peace and order, disaster preparedness and resilience, crime prevention, and community development.

PCpt. Luces underscored the importance of unity and shared responsibility among government agencies in ensuring public safety, while Mayor Batula expressed the local government’s full support for collaborative efforts that promote peace, preparedness, and the welfare of Palapagnons.

Oplan JCAPS serves as an inter-agency framework designed to build a safer, more prepared, and more resilient Palapag through coordinated action and proactive community engagement.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)