TACLOBAN CITY — Tacloban officially welcomed the Yuletide season with a spectacular display of lights, music, and community spirit as the highly awaited Grand Lighting Ceremony illuminated the City Hall Grounds on Saturday night, December 6, 2025.

At the heart of the celebration was the iconic Tree of Hope, glowing brilliantly as the centerpiece of the city’s holiday showcase. Crafted from upcycled materials and brought to life by local artisans, the tree stands as both a festive symbol and a testament to Tacloban’s creativity and commitment to sustainability.

Mayor Alfred Romualdez and Vice Mayor Raymund Romualdez led the ceremonial lighting, prompting loud cheers from thousands of residents and visitors who gathered to witness the dazzling moment. As the tree lit up, the night sky erupted into a vibrant 15-minute fireworks display that bathed the grounds in color and festive energy.

Adding to the spectacle were world-class performances from renowned classical singer and songwriter Lara Maigue-Magdangal and multi-awarded singer-actor Gian Magdangal, who enthralled the crowd with their powerful vocals. They were joined by the talented STEFTI Choir, Annointed Dancers, J&J Band, and event director Ryan Val Deleña, all contributing to a night filled with music, dance, and the spirit of Christmas.

The ceremony marked the beginning of a month-long celebration in Tacloban—one filled with hope, unity, and joy as the city embraces the holiday season.

(TACLOBAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)

TACLOBAN CITY — In a region where detention facilities often grapple with overcrowding and limited resources, the Northern Samar Provincial Jail (NSPJ) has emerged as a positive example after the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) conducted a series of announced and unannounced monitoring visits, highlighting the jail’s strong adherence to humane and dignified treatment of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).

The assessment, conducted toward the end of the year, placed emphasis on NSPJ’s efforts to promote rehabilitation, ensure safety, and uphold human rights—key standards that many detention facilities across the country continue to work toward.

CHR officials commended both the provincial government of Northern Samar and the jail’s leadership for maintaining an environment that supports the welfare and development of PDLs.

Inspectors noted the facility’s clean surroundings, open-air access, organized daily routines, and availability of educational and skills-training programs designed to support personal growth and reintegration.

A major highlight of the evaluation was the strengthened Alternative Learning System (ALS) program, implemented with the Department of Education. The CHR said the initiative ensures that learning continues behind bars, enabling PDLs to develop skills and use their life experiences as tools for rehabilitation.

The commission also cited NSPJ’s proactive approach to safety and disaster preparedness. Its partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Bobon resulted in a full-scale fire drill that included both personnel and PDLs—an effort that reinforces emergency readiness and promotes a culture of safety inside the jail.

CHR evaluators further acknowledged the accessibility and functionality of visiting areas, including provisions for conjugal visits, and commended the facility’s transparency and cooperation with oversight bodies—key components of accountability and rights-based detention management.

In its report, the CHR lauded OIC Provincial Warden Jay Keenson Acebuche for his leadership in driving reforms that strengthened jail programs, improved services, and enhanced overall detention management. The dedication of NSPJ personnel was also recognized for helping maintain a safe, humane, and rights-respecting environment.

The CHR noted that these initiatives reflect the broader HCO Development Agenda of Northern Samar Governor Harris Ongchuan, which emphasizes Health, Capacity Building, and Opportunities for all Nortehanons. Through sustained collaboration and people-centered governance, NSPJ continues to demonstrate that humane detention is not only possible—but already being practiced.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Residents of Samar can now buy rice at only P20 per kilo as the provincial government, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), launched the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program across the province on December 4, 2025.

The program’s rollout marks a major milestone for Samar, becoming one of the first provinces in Eastern Visayas where the highly anticipated low-cost rice is now accessible to the public.

The initiative was made possible through the efforts of Governor Sharee Ann Tan, in coordination with the DA regional office, the National Food Authority (NFA), and the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI).

During the provincewide launch held in Jiabong town, Governor Tan thanked all partner agencies for ensuring the project’s timely implementation, saying the availability of affordable, good-quality rice will greatly benefit thousands of Samareños.

Governor Tan emphasized that for many households, affordable rice means far more than a staple on the table—it symbolizes stability, comfort, and peace of mind at a time when rising prices of basic commodities continue to strain family budgets.

She added that the program offers immediate relief while also strengthening efforts to stabilize local supply through improved coordination with farmers, LGUs, and national agencies.

The governor expressed hope that the initiative will not only help families cope today but also support the creation of a more secure and sustainable food system in the long term. She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting local farmers, ensuring fair access to essential goods, and building a community where no family has to worry about their next meal.

DA Eastern Visayas Director Rodel Macapanas, in his message, praised Governor Tan for her persistence and strong leadership in advancing agricultural development in the province. He highlighted Samar’s successful implementation of various high-impact projects funded under the DA’s banner programs and special initiatives, including major components of the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP).

He also acknowledged the governor’s behind-the-scenes efforts during a recent meeting with Agriculture Secretary Kiko Laurel, which contributed to the immediate rollout of the P20/kilo rice program in Samar.

Macapanas then instructed the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) to coordinate with the three Samar provinces to ensure the massive distribution of BBM rice throughout the island as part of the “Pamaskong Handog ng Pangulo.”

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)