TACLOBAN CITY — Samar is positioning more of its tourism attractions and community-based experiences for inclusion in future international cruise itineraries as the Department of Tourism (DOT) evaluates the province’s destinations, ports and facilities for possible shore excursions.

The DOT Eastern Visayas Regional Office recently completed a cruise site assessment in Samar led by TravelPeople Ltd. Inc., with representatives from Wallem Shipping Philippines Inc., in coordination with the Samar Provincial Tourism Office and concerned local government units.

The assessment covered tourism sites and port facilities in the province’s first and second districts, focusing on accessibility, visitor facilities, tourism attractions, community-based experiences and the capacity of destinations to accommodate international cruise passengers.

In the first district, the assessment team visited Calbayog City and the island municipalities of Sto. Niño and Almagro, among other destinations.

Sites evaluated included Calbayog Port, Manguino-o Port, Lahung Beach, Papan Rock Formation, Island Vista Dive and Beach Resort, Mapaso Hot Spring, Marble Park, Malajog Beach, Tarangban Falls, Kirikite Exotic Diving Resort and Marine Sanctuary, and the Barobataay Ritual.

The team also observed local cultural and community-based experiences, including a tinapa-making demonstration, a heritage tour in Calbayog City and engagements with local tourism stakeholders.

The assessment team met with Samar First District Rep. Stephen James Tan, Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy, Vice Mayor Rex Daguman and Almagro Mayor Candido Bona to discuss opportunities for cruise tourism development and possible future collaboration.
The team also visited destinations in the province’s second district, including Catbalogan City, Paranas and Basey.

In Catbalogan City, the team inspected the Catbalogan Fish Port, while in Paranas, it assessed Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church, the Pinungko na Mani cooking demonstration, Arboretum ni Papa Donoy, the Paranas Ecotrail and Birding Site, and the Ulot River Torpedo Boat Ride Adventure.

Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge Park in Basey were also evaluated as a potential shore excursion destination for international cruise passengers.

Catbalogan City and Paranas are among the destinations included in a scheduled 2027–2028 cruise call by Compagnie du Ponant, making the assessment part of preparations for the planned itinerary.

The DOT said the assessment forms part of its continuing efforts to strengthen Eastern Visayas as an emerging cruise tourism destination by identifying attractions and facilities that can meet international cruise standards while offering visitors distinctive local and community-based experiences.

The assessment comes as Samar continues to gain exposure in the international cruise tourism market. The province received its first international cruise ship, the Heritage Adventurer, in June 2025, with the vessel returning in June this year.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The proposed ordinance regulating activities, structures and other potential hazards around Calbayog Airport is moving forward as city officials and aviation stakeholders seek to strengthen passenger safety and support the airport’s planned expansion.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod held its third public hearing on the proposed Calbayog Airport Safety and Security Ordinance on July 17 at the city Convention Center, with local government officials, representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and community stakeholders taking part in the discussions.

The proposed measure seeks to prohibit activities that could endanger aircraft operations, including bird raising and pigeon racing within a 12-kilometer radius of the airport, open burning, rice planting near the runway, kite flying, and the use of spotlights and laser devices that could temporarily impair pilots’ vision.

It also sets height restrictions for buildings and other structures near the airport. Property owners and developers would be required to secure the necessary height clearances or permits from the City Engineer’s Office and CAAP before undertaking construction.
The public hearing also tackled regulations covering fish pens and ponds, including “bonoan,” in areas near aircraft approach paths. Operators would be required to obtain appropriate clearances and permits from the City Agriculture Office and CAAP to help prevent the presence of birds that could pose a hazard to aircraft.

Violations of national aviation laws may carry fines ranging from P50,000 to P500,000 and imprisonment of up to three years, depending on the offense. Under the proposed local ordinance, penalties would include progressive fines of P1,000 for a first offense, P2,000 for a second offense and P3,000, with possible imprisonment of up to six months or community service for succeeding violations.

The proposed ordinance comes as the city prepares for infrastructure improvements at and around Calbayog Airport, including the construction of a perimeter wall, asphalt overlay and runway connectivity projects.

Some properties in areas such as Barangay Basud may be affected by the planned developments. City officials said coordination is being undertaken with the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) office to address the relocation of affected residents.
The hearing also included discussions on the proposed rerouting of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) power lines and possible cost-sharing arrangements to ensure unobstructed aircraft operations, including one-way and nighttime landing operations.

City officials said the safety measures are intended to support the modernization and expansion of Calbayog Airport, which could eventually allow the operation of larger aircraft and help improve air connectivity and potentially reduce airfares for residents of Calbayog and nearby communities.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

In Samar

TACLOBAN CITY-Fifty-three senior citizens in Paranas, Samar have received cash gifts under the government’s Expanded Centenarians Act, which provides financial incentives to elderly Filipinos who reach milestone ages.

Under Republic Act No. 11982, qualified senior citizens receive P10,000 upon reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90 and 95, while those who reach 100 years old are entitled to P100,000 and a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines.

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) administers the program, including the acceptance of applications, verification of documents, validation of beneficiaries and processing of cash gifts, subject to existing guidelines and fund availability.

The Paranas municipal government, through its Office of Senior Citizens Affairs and other concerned offices, assisted the beneficiaries in preparing and submitting documentary requirements, coordinating with the NCSC and facilitating the payout.

The local government clarified that inclusion in the list of beneficiaries is based on the NCSC’s verification and approval in accordance with RA 11982.

The municipal government congratulated the beneficiaries and reaffirmed its support for programs that recognize the contributions and promote the welfare of senior citizens.

RA 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act, broadened government recognition for senior citizens by extending cash incentives beyond those who reach 100 years old. The program provides financial assistance at key milestone ages while honoring the elderly for their long lives and contributions to their families and communities.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

The Tactical Operations Group 8 (TOG 8), Tactical Operations Wing Central, Philippine Air Force, actively participated in the Regional Rescue Jamboree (RRJ) 2026 held on 12–17 July 2026 in Ormoc City, Leyte. Organized by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region VIII, the annual capability building activity aims to enhance the knowledge, skills, and interoperability of disaster responders from local government units, uniformed services, and partner agencies through lectures, practical exercises, and rescue competitions, thereby strengthening disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities in Eastern Visayas.

As one of the key training disciplines, TOG 8 conducted the Air-to-Ground Operations Support (AGOS) training from 13–15 July 2026, led by 1LT ROBERTO R REFUERZO JR. PAF and the Group’s Subject Matter Experts. The training covered Basic Meteorology, Combat Utility Helicopter (CUH) Capabilities and Employment, Landing Zone Preparation, Aircraft Vectoring, Aircraft Marshalling, and Safety Considerations in Air-to-Ground Operations.

Participants also underwent practical exercises and the AGOS obstacle course, where they applied the knowledge and skills gained through realistic scenarios using drone-assisted aircraft simulations. The activity enhanced participants’ proficiency in supporting air operations during disaster response and humanitarian assistance missions while promoting teamwork, coordination, and operational readiness.

Through its active participation in RRJ 2026, TOG 8 reaffirmed the Philippine Air Force’s commitment to strengthening disaster risk reduction and management initiatives, fostering inter-agency collaboration, and building resilient communities in support of national development. (PR)