TACLOBAN CITY — The municipality of Javier, Leyte is moving closer to becoming a major agricultural trading hub in Eastern Visayas following the final inspection of the Northeastern Leyte Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (NELAPTC) on March 27.

Officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA), led by Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, joined local leaders in assessing the facility’s readiness for full operations, which is expected to enhance market access for farmers and improve food distribution across the region.

Mayor Michael Dragon Javier said the local government has already laid the groundwork to ensure the center’s sustainability, including allocating funds for maintenance and organizing a management body to coordinate with farmers’ groups.

He added that while the municipality already feels a sense of ownership over the project, the formal turnover will mark a key milestone in fully operationalizing the facility.

Launched in 2014 with a total project cost of P38.43 million jointly funded by the local government and the DA, the NELAPTC is designed as a wholesale trading facility where agricultural products can be consolidated, graded, and auctioned to accredited traders and institutional buyers—reducing reliance on multiple intermediaries.

Officials said this system is expected to help increase farmers’ incomes while lowering food costs for consumers.

Since 2022, the facility has been partially utilized for market days, agri-related services, and venue rentals, based on reports from the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division and the NELAPTC management team.

Guevarra highlighted the center’s strategic location, noting its potential to serve as a key link between major food production and distribution corridors in Luzon and Mindanao.

Regional Executive Director Rodel Macapanas also committed to fast-tracking the remaining documentation needed for the official turnover of the facility to the local government.

Once fully operational, the NELAPTC is expected to position Javier as a vital agri-trading and food distribution hub in Eastern Visayas, supporting both farmers and consumers in the region.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Hog farmers in Limasawa, Southern Leyte are gradually bouncing back after the devastating African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak, thanks to financial support from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The aid is part of the agency’s Quick Response Fund (QRF) aimed at helping affected farmers recover and sustain local food production.

On March 25, 16 hog raisers received a total of P 1.1 million in indemnification checks to compensate for losses from the mandatory depopulation of swine during the January 2025 ASF outbreak.

Municipal Mayor Melchor Petracorta, present during the distribution, lauded the DA for the timely assistance, noting that it would help beneficiaries rebuild their hog-raising operations and contribute to the municipality’s food security efforts.

For local farmers, the support is a lifeline.

Michelle Tabamo of Barangay Magallanes, shared that the compensation will allow her to restart her hog-raising business after six of her pigs were culled.

Similarly, Christian Cabajes, who returned from overseas work to start his hog-raising venture, expressed gratitude, saying the funds will help restore his main source of income.
Dr. Al Obinguar, ASF indemnification focal person, urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and to adhere strictly to biosecurity measures to prevent future outbreaks, safeguarding the municipality’s swine industry.

The ASF indemnification program is part of the government’s broader strategy to stabilize the agricultural sector, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and maintain the local food supply in areas hit by livestock diseases.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Farmers in Catarman, Northern Samar are set to benefit from three new solar-powered irrigation systems aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable farming in the municipality.

The projects, implemented by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), include one solar pump system in Barangay Hinatad and two in Barangay Galutan. Each facility is designed to provide cost-efficient, environmentally friendly irrigation support to local farmers.

During a coordination visit, Catarman Mayor Dianne Rosales and Municipal Engineer Carlito Danque received updates from NIA officials on the progress of the installations.

Each system has a 10-horsepower capacity, complete with a pump house, perimeter fence, and a 150-meter water distribution pipeline, and is funded at P15 million per project.

Once operational, the facilities will be handed over to the respective barangays and managed by local irrigators’ associations, ensuring community-based oversight.

Mayor Rosales expressed gratitude to NIA, noting that the solar-powered systems will reduce operational costs and provide a reliable water source, ultimately improving farm productivity in Catarman.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — With the Lenten season approaching and an expected surge in domestic tourism, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Office VIII has issued a safety advisory calling for heightened precautions at beaches, resorts, and other water-based attractions across the region.

In an advisory, Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes urged local government units (LGUs) and tourism stakeholders to strengthen safety measures to protect visitors engaging in swimming, boating, and other aquatic activities during Holy Week.

The advisory emphasizes the need for regular inspections and monitoring of tourism establishments to ensure compliance with safety standards, including clear warning signages, designated swimming zones, and established emergency response protocols. Tourism operators are also encouraged to deploy trained personnel skilled in lifesaving, basic first aid, water search and rescue (WASAR), and marine search and rescue (MOSAR) in high-risk or high-traffic areas.

The DOT-8 also called for close coordination between LGUs and response agencies, such as the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection, to ensure swift action during emergencies. Public information campaigns reminding tourists of swimming safety practices, monitoring weather conditions, and disseminating emergency hotlines were highlighted as key components of the advisory.

Additionally, LGUs are directed to establish incident monitoring and reporting systems to enable real-time tracking and immediate coordination with relevant authorities.

“These measures are vital to safeguard both tourists and local communities during the peak travel period of Holy Week,” the advisory stated, noting the region’s coastal and aquatic destinations attract thousands of visitors seeking leisure and recreation.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY—Twenty aspiring nurses from Northern Samar have taken a significant step toward their medical careers after receiving scholarship certificates from the provincial government under its Nursing Scholarship Program (NSP) on March 26, 2026.

The scholars, representing various municipalities in the province, were recognized during a simple ceremony held at the Sumuroy Hall of the Provincial Capitol.

Certificates were awarded by Governor Harris Ongchuan, alongside Vice Governor Clarence Dato, provincial officials, and members of the Nursing Scholarship Program Board.
The NSP is a provincial initiative that grants full scholarship support to indigent yet deserving nursing students, in line with efforts to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals.

According to Governor Ongchuan, scholars are expected to render service in public hospitals upon completing their studies as part of their commitment to the program.
Vice Governor Dato, meanwhile, urged the scholars to stay focused and complete their academic requirements.

Each scholar will receive comprehensive support covering tuition and other school fees, learning materials, stipend, uniform, and book allowance totaling more than P70,000 per semester.

With the inclusion of the second batch, the province now supports a total of 51 nursing scholars—31 from the first batch and 20 from the second.

The provincial government continues to roll out programs aimed at strengthening its healthcare workforce and enhancing public health services.

(TROY B. ABARRATIGUE, LNU STUDENT INTERN)