TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)in Eastern Visayas has rolled out a series of science, technology, and innovation (STI) projects in Southern Leyte aimed at improving local governance, strengthening livelihoods, and enhancing disaster preparedness.

The projects were formally turned over and launched during the Jan.22 ceremony at the Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) Main Campus, led by DOST VIII through the Provincial Science and Technology Office–Southern Leyte, and attended by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., senior agency officials, 2nd District Representative Christopherson Yap, and local government and university leaders.

Among the beneficiaries was the local government unit of Pintuyan, which received a mobile command and control vehicle (MoCCoV) and a squid drying facility. The MoCCoV is designed to improve emergency response and disaster coordination through real-time communication and monitoring, while the squid drying facility is expected to enhance post-harvest processing, reduce spoilage, and increase income opportunities for local fisherfolk.
SLS also received several technology-based initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional development and innovation. These include the BrIGHT Project (Bringing IT to Governance for Holistic Transformation), which promotes the use of information technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and public service delivery.

Also launched were the Technology Business Incubation (TBI) Lig-on, which will provide mentorship, shared facilities, and technical assistance to startups and innovators, and the Geographic Information System (GIS) Laboratory, intended to support development planning, disaster risk reduction, and environmental management through spatial analysis and data visualization.

Secretary Solidum said the initiatives reflect DOST’s four strategic pillars: promoting human well-being, fostering wealth creation, reinforcing wealth protection, and institutionalizing sustainability.

He added that the projects demonstrate how science and technology can be applied directly to community needs while supporting long-term development goals.

SLSU president Jude Duarte said the university remains committed to serving as a development partner by ensuring that research and innovation translate into practical solutions that address local challenges.

Representative Yap, meanwhile, expressed support for advancing STI initiatives in Southern Leyte, stressing the importance of disaster mitigation, livelihood development, and environmental protection in one of the country’s most disaster-prone provinces.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Today, the LTFRB Regional Office VIII conducted a Stakeholders’ Meeting with PUJ and FILCAB Transport Service Entities (TSEs) at the LTFRB VIII Office to discuss the agency’s clear direction on the non-confirmation of dilapidated units, in strict adherence to existing safety standards and transport regulations.

The meeting also covered key agenda items, including the imposition of compliance with prescribed standards for public transport terminals, a strong reminder on the full and sustained push for the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), and focused discussions with TSEs whose routes are covered under the now-approved Local Public Transport Route Plans (LPTRPs) in Region VIII, emphasizing that applications may now proceed following LPTRP approval. In addition, the LTFRB reiterated of the three (3) accredited insurance providers in pursuant to the Advisory issued by the Central Office, namely Passenger Accident Management and Insurance Agency, Inc., SCCI Management and Insurance Agency Corporation, and Centerstar Management and Insurance Agency.
The discussion was led by Regional Director Gualberto N. Gualberto, together with OIC-CTDO Veronica Cecilia N. Reposar and TDO II Charmaine Mae C. De Paz, and served as a platform to reaffirm the LTFRB’s firm commitment to ensuring safe, roadworthy, and reliable public transport services for the riding public.

This initiative is aligned with the transport reform agenda of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., under the guidance of DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez and strong leadership of LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, underscoring the government’s unwavering drive toward a safer, more efficient, and modernized public transportation system.

Through continued engagement with stakeholders, LTFRB VIII remains steadfast in promoting regulatory compliance, improving service quality, and prioritizing commuter safety across the region. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte — Officials from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Regional Office VIII formally installed Roderick Rances as the new Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) of DAR Leyte on Tuesday, January 27 this year, marking a new chapter for the agency’s operations in the province.

The installation was carried out at the DAR Provincial Office of Leyte pursuant to Special Order No. 24, series of 2026, issued by Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III. The same directive reassigns outgoing DAR Leyte OIC-PARPO II, Atty. Daniel Pen, to DAR Southern Leyte, where he assumes the post of OIC-PARPO II.

Assistant Regional Director for Administration (ARDA) Ronelo Jose K. Zamora and Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) Atty. Bryan A. Lassiter, representing Regional Director Atty. Robert Anthony Yu, led the said installation.

In his acceptance message, PARPO II Rances anchored his leadership on the advocacy of Secretary Estrella. He reminded the workforce that their mission goes beyond targets.
“The ultimate goal of our program portfolio is to bring the national government to the people, to bring the national government closer to the agrarian reform beneficiaries,” Rances stated, echoing the Secretary’s directive.

He acknowledged, however, that fulfilling this mandate is rarely straightforward. Rances noted that in the course of implementation, the agency inevitably encounters “various issues and concerns,” but assured the staff that measures are being established to address these problems.

Building on this reality, Rances called on the DAR Leyte workforce to adopt a mindset of resilience.

“Sa ato pagpanaw, duna na juy ato gitawag na hindering factors,” (In our journey, there are indeed what we call hindering factors), Rances remarked. He urged the personnel not to be stopped by these obstacles, but rather to shift their perspective.

“Adunay hulga, ato himoon nga hagit,” (If there is a threat/hindrance, let us turn it into a challenge), he declared. He urged the personnel to meet recurring issues with solutions, aiming to establish a harmonious relationship within the office to ensure the efficient delivery of agrarian justice.

The transition was marked by a strong pledge of support from the DAR Leyte leadership. Speaking on behalf of the Division Chiefs, Chief Legal Officer Atty. Patrecia A. Ramos formally welcomed Rances “with optimism and confidence.” She emphasized that while leadership transitions are natural, the office’s core mission remains steadfast.

“Leadership may change, our commitment does not. We remain dedicated to serving our farmers with integrity, respect, and hard work in every season and every day,” Ramos stated.

She further assured the new PARPO of the division chiefs’ active assistance in managing stakeholder relations. Recognizing the complexities of the field, Atty. Ramos pledged that the chiefs would be there to help in the “pag-istorya ngan pakig-huruharampang” (dialogue and open engagement) with agrarian reform beneficiaries, landowners, and non-governmental organizations.

In response, Rances expressed deep gratitude for this assurance. He noted that the Division Chiefs’ offer of “tiunay ug tim-os nga pagtabang” (genuine and sincere help) allayed his initial apprehensions about the transfer, setting a collaborative tone for his tenure.

The installation comes at a critical time for the agency. Zamora and Lassiter reminded the body of the urgency of Project SPLIT (Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling), noting that the region faces a target of 76,000 hectares for 2026, with the bulk of the accomplishment expected from Leyte province.

“Change is crucial and should serve as an opportunity for us to grow,” Zamora noted, challenging the workforce to unite behind the new leadership to meet these time-bound goals.

Also present to witness the activity were Regional Chief of Legal Division, Atty. Jerome L. Paderes, RCAO Ma. Elsa M. Veloso, Regional CARPOs Felix Dante Espina and Engr. Joel M. Encina, with Consultant for Special Project Renato Badilla, alongside DAR Regional and Provincial Adjudicators, Atty. Pacito Canonoy Jr. and Atty. Florenz Hipe, respectively.
In the afternoon following the ceremony, Rances conducted courtesy calls to the various divisions and sections of the provincial office, signaling the immediate commencement of his official duties.

(PAUL NIKKO M. SANTOS)

TACLOBAN CITY — To address persistent power interruptions and strengthen the province’s energy security, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has begun the pre-construction phase of a new electricity transmission loop connecting Calbayog City, Allen, and Catarman in Northern Samar.

Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan welcomed the development, saying the project is expected to significantly reduce the frequency and duration of brownouts in the province. He described the transmission loop as a long-term infrastructure investment that has been in the pipeline since his term as provincial governor.

The Calbayog–Allen–Catarman transmission loop will complement the existing Calbayog–Lope de Vega–Catarman line by providing an alternative power route during line outages and system disturbances. NGCP said the added loop will improve system flexibility and enhance the overall reliability of electricity supply in Northern Samar.

As part of the project, NGCP will construct a five-hectare substation in the municipality of Victoria and a two-hectare switching station in Catarman. These facilities are designed to reinforce the transmission network and support the province’s increasing power demand.
NGCP noted that the additional loop is critical in maintaining electricity supply when disruptions occur along the Palanas–Cara segment of the Lope de Vega route.

With the Allen loop in place, power can be rerouted to prevent prolonged outages affecting households, businesses, and public facilities.

The Victoria substation is also expected to play a key role in integrating renewable energy into the grid. It will serve as a connection point for power generated by ongoing renewable energy projects, including the 206-megawatt Lihangin Wind Power Project currently under construction.

Officials said the project is part of broader efforts to modernize Northern Samar’s power infrastructure, improve energy resilience, and support the province’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)