TACLOBAN CITY — Leyte Normal University (LNU) has taken a historic step in promoting human rights education in the province by signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Commission on Human Rights(CHR)regional office to establish the first-ever Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE) in Leyte.

The ceremonial signing, held at the LNU campus on Feb. 26, was led by CHR-8 OIC Regional Director Atty. Joy Sodusta and LNU president Gil Nicetas Villarino, who represented their respective institutions.

Villarino highlighted that human rights education goes beyond classroom instruction, emphasizing that the principles must be reflected in institutional policies, community engagement, and daily interactions on campus. “This Center represents our commitment to integrate human rights into every facet of university life, from academics to service programs,” he said.

Atty. Sodusta praised LNU’s initiative, noting that the CHRE will enhance collaborative efforts to cultivate a culture grounded in respect for human dignity and social responsibility.
Following the signing, stakeholders participated in an action planning session to operationalize the center and integrate human rights principles across the university’s instruction, research, and extension programs.

Both institutions stressed that the partnership underscores a shared commitment to academic excellence anchored in social responsibility while advancing human rights advocacy through the establishment of the CHRE, setting a benchmark for other university.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Residents and businesses in this city now have a one-stop shop for both home and mobile connectivity services following the opening of the first-ever co-located PLDT and Smart store in the city. The new facility is located at Level 1, Annex Building, Robinsons Place Tacloban, Marasbaras, and is fully operational to serve customers from the city and neighboring areas.

Designed as a unified touchpoint, the co-located store allows clients to complete transactions in fewer steps, streamlining applications for PLDT Fiber, Smart mobile services, and addressing technical inquiries in a single visit.

“This store is a testament to our dedication to the city of Tacloban. Beyond providing connectivity, we strive to be a catalyst for our customers’ success, guiding our team to ensure that every visitor leaves the store in a better position to achieve their goals,” said Melissa Cuadra, AVP/Center Head for Retail Operations and Transformation at Smart, in a statement.

Anna Fernando, AVP for Home Retail Management at PLDT, emphasized that the store is more than a service counter. “It’s a reliable hub where fiber solutions and personal support are always within reach, helping families, schools, and businesses stay connected and move forward with confidence,” she said.

The co-located store is part of the PLDT Group’s broader strategy to expand accessible, high-quality connectivity solutions tailored to the evolving needs of local communities, reinforcing their commitment to bridging the digital divide in Eastern Visayas.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

ORMOC CITY— A drinking session in Sitio Tamburusan, Barangay Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar turned deadly early Sunday morning, March 1, when a construction worker was fatally stabbed following an altercation during a drinking spree.

The victim, alias “Rodney,” 39, single, a construction worker and resident of Brgy. Dalakit, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the suspect, alias “Joseph,” 24, a laborer with a live-in partner from the same barangay, voluntarily surrendered to police shortly after the incident.

According to initial investigation by Catarman police, the incident unfolded around 2:30 a.m. when Rodney joined a drinking session with Joseph and another companion, identified only as “Jose.” A dispute erupted after Rodney allegedly attacked Jose, prompting a scuffle.
Police said Rodney then brandished a knife, locally known as a “dipang,” to threaten the group. Joseph tried to calm him down, but the altercation escalated. During the struggle, Joseph managed to wrestle the knife from Rodney and, in the ensuing confrontation, stabbed him multiple times in the left abdomen, causing instantaneous death.

The weapon used in the stabbing was recovered by authorities, and Joseph remains in custody at Catarman Municipal Police Station pending proper legal disposition.
Police continue to investigate the incident and are treating it as a case of homicide arising from an alcohol-fueled dispute.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY — As the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) 2026 officially kicks off in Baybay City on Sunday, March 1, local governments across the region have mobilized to send off their student-athletes with full support, equipment, and encouragement, underscoring the growing emphasis on grassroots sports development.
On February 26, Calbayog City’s delegation, the Calbayog Supersonics, experienced a minor road incident en route to Baybay.

While traveling in convoy through Purok 5, Barangay Payao, Catbalogan City, one of their buses braked suddenly, causing a black sedan to be sandwiched between two vehicles. Fortunately, only the sedan driver sustained minor injuries, and no athletes were hurt.
After resting and changing vehicles, the delegation safely arrived at Gabas Integrated School in Baybay City, where they were welcomed with performances by the school’s drum and lyre corps and a dance presentation, followed by a meal for the weary athletes.
Prior to departure, Vice Mayor Rex Daguman led the send-off, distributing competition uniforms and providing P500 financial assistance to each of the city’s 610 student-athletes, totaling P310,000.

He reminded the young athletes that EVRAA is not just about winning medals but also about showcasing integrity, sportsmanship, and discipline. Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod were also present to extend their support.

Meanwhile, Catbalogan City formally sent off its 640-strong delegation, the Katbalaugan Warriors, during the “Panalipod” ceremony, which included a Holy Mass and a short program.

City officials presented athletes with complete competition kits, including uniforms, duffel bags, shoes, toiletries, umbrellas, IDs, tumblers, and other essential materials.
Mayor Dexter Uy emphasized that the city’s investments in sports aim to benefit the athletes and secure their future opportunities. He said, “This is not just for us, but for you and your future.” Schools Division Superintendent Carmela Tamayo and SGOD Chief Dr. Maribel Ruedas echoed the message, urging athletes to uphold discipline, respect, and integrity on and off the playing fields.

At the same time, Ormoc City, defending EVRAA champions since 2018, sent off 655 student-athletes, the Ormoc Siglaro Elites, at the Ormoc City Superdome.

Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez distributed uniforms and playing shoes while reminding athletes that they carry the city’s pride and legacy of excellence. The send-off included a Holy Mass to bless the athletes for safety, strength, and success. City Vice Mayor Leo Carmelo Locsin Jr., SP members, and youth leaders were present to show full support.

The EVRAA Meet 2026 brings together top student-athletes from 13 school divisions across Eastern Visayas to compete in various sporting events, serving as a qualifier for the Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY— A 59-year-old utility worker was found lifeless inside the Samar National School (SNS) campus in Barangay 7, Catbalogan City on Sunday, March 1, prompting an investigation by local authorities.

The victim, identified as alias “Neil,” a resident of Purok 4, Brgy. Guinsorongan, Catbalogan City, was discovered by a fellow worker at around 1:00 p.m. The Catbalogan City Police Station (CPS) responded after the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) reported the incident.

Police said that upon arrival, the victim was found with an injury on his left forehead and saliva with bubbles coming from his mouth. According to initial reports, the victim’s niece, alias “Nina,” noted that her uncle had a history of seizures due to epilepsy. Eyewitness accounts indicate that a passerby, alias “Jaime,” noticed the victim lying motionless and alerted the school security guard, who immediately called rescuers.

The responding medical personnel declared the victim dead at the scene. The Catbalogan CPS coordinated with the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team to process the body for further investigation.

Authorities are treating the death as consistent with a medical incident related to the victim’s known condition, but a full investigation is ongoing to rule out other possibilities.

(ROBERT DEJON)