TACLOBAN CITY — Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan has met with officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the municipal government of Daram to discuss the proposed Talalora–Daram Island Bridge project aimed at improving transportation connectivity and boosting economic activity in the province.

Provincial officials said the proposed bridge would provide a faster and more accessible link between the municipalities of Talalora and Daram, benefiting residents, businesses, and tourists through improved mobility and transport of goods.

The project is also expected to create opportunities for trade, tourism, and investments, particularly in island communities that have long relied on sea travel for access to markets and government services.

Governor Tan underscored the importance of infrastructure development in advancing Samar’s long-term growth agenda under the “Spark Samar” campaign, which promotes connectivity, tourism, and inclusive development across the province.

The discussion forms part of broader efforts by Samar leaders to pursue major infrastructure projects that would strengthen interconnectivity across the island.
Earlier this year, provincial officials also pushed for the proposed P11.9-billion “Unity Roads” initiative aimed at linking remote communities in Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar.

Officials said the proposed Talalora–Daram Island Bridge could further boost tourism in Daram, known for its scenic islands, coastal resources, and natural attractions.
The project remains under study as coordination continues among the provincial government, DPWH, and local officials to assess its feasibility and potential impact on Samar’s economic and tourism development.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

MOTIONG, Samar – The Department of Labor and Employment–Samar Field Office (DOLE-SFO) has provided P3.09 million in livelihood assistance to 103 beneficiaries in Motiong town as part of the pilot implementation of the Graduation Approach under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (GA-DILP).

The assistance, coursed through the Local Government Unit of Motiong as DOLE’s accredited partner, includes tools, jigs, and equipment to help beneficiaries start or expand small enterprises.

The recipients are engaged in various livelihood activities such as food businesses like eateries, bakeries, and street food vending, as well as sari-sari stores and service-based enterprises including beauty care, tailoring, and carpentry.

DOLE-SFO said the GA-DILP is designed as a holistic livelihood program that combines financial assistance with skills training, business management support, and access to social protection programs to strengthen beneficiaries’ economic stability.

DOLE-SFO Labor and Employment Officer and Head Engr. Aleksei Ceasar D. Abellar led the turnover and reminded beneficiaries that regular monitoring will be conducted by DOLE and the local government to ensure project sustainability.

Motiong Mayor Rene Anthony D. Cabael thanked DOLE for its continued support in improving the lives of residents, noting that more beneficiaries are expected to receive assistance in the next rollout, particularly for livestock-based projects.

Also present during the activity was PhilHealth representative Allean Vince Chua, who conducted an orientation on the YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program), focusing on healthcare services and preventive health awareness.

DOLE-SFO said the program aims to deliver long-term and meaningful improvements to the economic conditions of beneficiaries through sustainable livelihood interventions.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales has filed a bill seeking to upgrade the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) satellite office in Guiuan town into a full-fledged extension office to improve access to government maritime services.

Under House Bill No. 8698, the existing Marina satellite office in Guiuan would be converted into an extension office that will serve residents of Eastern Samar and nearby island communities.

The proposal seeks to strengthen MARINA’s presence in the province and expand its capacity to assist seafarers, boat operators, shipping stakeholders, and coastal communities that depend on maritime activities for livelihood and transportation.

Gonzales said the measure is intended to bring government services closer to the people.
“This measure is about making government services more accessible and responsive to the realities faced by our coastal communities,” he said.

He added that strengthening Marina’s presence in Eastern Samar would benefit maritime workers and support local economic growth.

Gonzales also noted that many residents are forced to travel long distances just to process maritime documents and comply with regulatory requirements.

“By upgrading the Guiuan Marina office, we can bring essential government services closer to our constituents while reducing travel costs, processing time, and inconvenience,” he said.

The proposed upgrade will enhance services such as vessel registration and documentation, maritime safety monitoring, issuance of Seafarer Record Books and Seafarer Identity Documents, and processing of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) credentials.

Gonzales emphasized the importance of the maritime sector in Eastern Samar, where many residents rely on fishing, inter-island transport, shipping, and seafaring for employment and income.

He added that a stronger MARINA presence in Guiuan would also help improve maritime safety and provide better support for local operators and workers.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

CATBALOGAN CITY – The local government of Catbalogan City has extended financial assistance to former Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDs) as part of its livelihood and reintegration efforts.

City Mayor Dexter Uy led the distribution of P10,000 financial aid to eight beneficiaries who are former Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) with cases related to Republic Act No. 9165. The recipients are currently undergoing recovery and reintegration programs aimed at helping them rebuild their lives.

The assistance is intended to support livelihood activities and encourage the beneficiaries to pursue lawful and sustainable sources of income.

Mayor Uy said the program reflects the city government’s commitment to providing second chances for individuals working toward recovery and transformation.

The initiative was implemented through the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council, which continues to promote rehabilitation services and community-based recovery programs for individuals affected by substance use.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)