TACLOBAN CITY — State weather bureau Pagasa is closely monitoring the possible development of a “Super El Niño” phenomenon as extreme heat conditions continue to affect several parts of the country.

According to Lorenn Laurente of Tacloban Pagasa, a Super El Niño may develop when sea surface temperatures rise beyond 2.0 degrees Celsius, potentially bringing more intense dry conditions and prolonged heat compared to the current El Niño episode.
Laurente warned that the phenomenon could aggravate drought conditions, worsen water shortages, and contribute to broader climate-related impacts associated with global warming.

She said the effects of a Super El Niño could be more severe than ordinary El Niño events, particularly on agriculture, water supply, and public health.

Historical data from Pagasa showed that one of the strongest recorded Super El Niño events occurred from 1877 to 1878, resulting in widespread drought and extreme temperatures that affected millions of people.

Here in the region, projected to be hit by the weather phenomenon is the province of Northern Samar.

With heat index levels continuing to rise in several areas of Eastern Visayas, Pagasa has advised the public to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures against heat-related illnesses.

(GISELLE-ANN A. PADILLA, LNU Student Intern)

TACLOBAN CITY-The Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) has launched a new community-based initiative aimed at empowering women farmers and residents in Barangay 101, New Kawayan, this city, through livelihood and cooperative development programs.

Dubbed “Livelihood Empowerment and Values Enrichment for Ladies in the Urban Poor” (LEVELUP), the initiative is being implemented by EVSU’s School of Accountancy, Management, and Entrepreneurship (SAME) in partnership with the City Cooperative Development and Livelihood Assistance Office and the Cooperative Development Authority.
The program seeks to organize local farmers into a cooperative to strengthen community collaboration, promote sustainable livelihoods, and provide access to government assistance programs.

Darwin Navarossa, head of SAME, said the initiative aims to help residents establish a formal cooperative that can qualify for development opportunities and support from government agencies.

Under the program, EVSU faculty members and students will assist beneficiaries in preparing project proposals and livelihood plans that may qualify for funding support from agencies such as the Department of Agriculture.

If approved, the proposals may receive financial assistance for agricultural enterprises and community-based businesses.

The initiative forms part of EVSU’s continuing extension and regional development efforts. Founded in 1907, EVSU is considered the oldest higher education institution in Eastern Visayas and is mandated to provide instruction, research, and extension services in agriculture, technology, entrepreneurship, and related fields.

The LEVELUP project also builds on previous youth-led agricultural initiatives supported by the university, including student-led agri-based enterprises funded under the Young Farmers Challenge program.

(LANCE GABRIEL ENTERESO, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Eastern Visayas (DSWD-8) is seeking the relatives of an infant girl who was found abandoned near a beach resort in Palo, Leyte earlier this year.

The child, identified as Maria Niña Panubio, was discovered on January 17, 2026 near the embankment area of Boranday Beach Resort in Barangay Baras.

According to reports, two concerned citizens found the infant lying on the grass near a fishpond and wrapped in cloth before authorities took custody of the child.

Since then, no parent, guardian, or relative has come forward to claim the infant, prompting the DSWD-8 Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) to issue a public appeal for information regarding the child’s identity and family.

The agency said it continues to ensure the welfare and temporary care of the infant while efforts to trace her biological family remain ongoing.

The RSCC urged anyone with information about the child’s relatives to coordinate with Social Welfare Officer III Myla Banasta through mobile number 0908-288-7470 to discuss arrangements that would prioritize the infant’s best interests and long-term welfare.

DSWD also warned that if no family member or relative surfaces within the prescribed period, the agency may proceed with filing a petition declaring the child legally available for adoption under Republic Act No. 11642.

(BLUE REUGINE RUTHIELLE LIM NICOLAS, Student Intern, Leyte Normal University)

The Department of National Defense commends the unified efforts of the PAOCTF especially the NBI, PNRI, PNP, and supporting AFP units in the recently conducted execution of a Search Warrant against the Sanjia complex in the PHIVIDEC compound in Tagaloan, Misamis Oriental.

The operation unearthed grave crimes committed against Filipinos by the Chinese principals of Sanjia under the notorious Tony Yang and his dummies.

For our part we are conducting a serious and thorough investigation of PHIVIDEC and shall take steps to ensure that this incident is not repeated, and will hold all those responsible by actual cooperation or by negligence or omission accountable.

The OCD Region X is coordinating targeted interventions by line government agencies to safeguard the health and welfare of the community and to assist the displaced exploited workers of Sanjia.

Again, we warn all those who wish to intervene or meddle and frustrate the ends of justice, whether foreigners or otherwise, of whatever affiliation, that serious legal efforts shall be taken against them.

(Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. Secretary Department of National Defense, PR)