ORMOC CITY — A 22-year-old houseboy was arrested after police recovered more than P8,000 worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Sto. Niño,Isabel in Leyte on Saturday night, May 16.
Operatives of the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of the Isabel Municipal Police Station carried out the operation at around 7:49 p.m., resulting in the arrest of the suspect identified only by his alias “Polding,” a resident of the said barangay.
Police said the suspect allegedly sold one sachet containing suspected shabu worth P500 to an undercover operative during the entrapment operation.
A subsequent body search conducted in the presence of required witnesses led to the recovery of one medium-sized plastic sachet and four smaller sachets containing white crystalline substances believed to be shabu.
According to police, the total estimated weight of the confiscated illegal drugs was 1.192 grams, with an estimated street value of P8,105.60 based on the Dangerous Drugs Board valuation.
Isabel police chief Lt. Sergio Llaneta III said the suspect was informed of his arrest and was apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he understood.
The suspect is currently detained at the Isabel Municipal Police Station lock-up cell while charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against him.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF VOUCHER SUBSIDY. Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre calls for the immediate release of pending government subsidies and voucher assistance for private schools amid rising operational costs.(JUDE ACIDRE FACEBOOK)
IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF VOUCHER SUBSIDY. Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre calls for the immediate release of pending government subsidies and voucher assistance for private schools amid rising operational costs.(JUDE ACIDRE FACEBOOK)
TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre has called for the immediate release of pending government subsidies and voucher assistance for private schools, saying delays are adding financial pressure on schools struggling with rising operating costs.
Acidre, chair of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, backed the appeal of private education groups for the expedited release of assistance intended for School Year 2025–2026.
He said many private schools, especially small and financially vulnerable institutions, rely heavily on government support to sustain salaries, daily operations, and preparations for the upcoming school year.
The lawmaker also noted that rising fuel and energy costs have further increased expenses for transportation, utilities, maintenance, and school supplies.
Acidre urged the Department of Budget and Management and other concerned agencies to fast-track the release of all pending funds to ensure uninterrupted education services for learners.
SCHOOL-IN- A- BAG. Representatives from DepEd, UNICEF, and PLDT Smart lead the turnover of “School-in-a-Bag” learning packages to multigrade schools in Southern Leyte, aimed at improving access to quality education in remote communities. (THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF SOUTHERN LEYTE)
SCHOOL-IN- A- BAG. Representatives from DepEd, UNICEF, and PLDT Smart lead the turnover of “School-in-a-Bag” learning packages to multigrade schools in Southern Leyte, aimed at improving access to quality education in remote communities. (THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF SOUTHERN LEYTE)
TACLOBAN CITY — Efforts to strengthen learning in remote communities received a boost as the Department of Education (DepEd) Region VIII, together with UNICEF and PLDT Smart, turned over “School-in-a-Bag” packages to multigrade schools in the Division of Southern Leyte.
The initiative is part of ongoing programs aimed at addressing educational gaps in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, where access to learning tools and digital resources remains limited.
Each School-in-a-Bag package contains tablets, books, learning modules, and school supplies designed to support teachers handling multigrade classes and improve learners’ access to quality education.
DepEd Region VIII Assistant Regional Director Marilyn Siao said the project underscores the importance of partnerships in making education more inclusive and responsive to the needs of underserved students.
She added that the initiative reflects a shared commitment among education stakeholders to help bridge learning gaps and improve opportunities for children in remote communities.
DepEd Southern Leyte thanked UNICEF, PLDT, Smart, and other partners for their continued support in enhancing learning conditions across the province.
UNICEF, for its part, reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining programs that support children’s education and development nationwide.
PATRONIZERS. Tourism officials led by Regional Director Karen Tiopes, local leaders, and guests join the launching of the “Pamatron: Samar Fiesta Experience” in Matuguinao, Samar on May 16, highlighting the town’s cultural traditions, community activities, and eco-tourism attractions. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
PATRONIZERS. Tourism officials led by Regional Director Karen Tiopes, local leaders, and guests join the launching of the “Pamatron: Samar Fiesta Experience” in Matuguinao, Samar on May 16, highlighting the town’s cultural traditions, community activities, and eco-tourism attractions. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
MATUGUINAO, Samar — The provincial government of Samar has introduced a new cultural tourism initiative that seeks to turn traditional fiesta celebrations into an immersive visitor experience, officially launching the “Pamatron: Samar Fiesta Experience” in this town on May 16.
The program, unveiled just days before Matuguinao’s fiesta on May 18–19, is part of efforts to promote Samar’s cultural heritage while generating livelihood opportunities and strengthening local tourism.
Developed as a four-day, three-night tour package, “Pamatron” allows visitors to experience how Samarnons celebrate fiestas through food traditions, church activities, community gatherings, and nature-based adventures while staying closely engaged with local residents.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the initiative showcases the unique warmth and hospitality of Samarnon communities, where visitors are treated as part of the celebration.
Matuguinao Mayor Aran Boller said the program is expected to help reintroduce the town as a safe and emerging tourism destination while creating income opportunities for residents.
The itinerary includes cultural activities such as community cooking, street parties, traditional dances, and house-to-house dining, alongside visits to natural attractions like cold springs, caves, waterfalls, and rock formations.
At the end of the tour, participants are given recognition as “official patronizers” for supporting and experiencing Samarnon culture.
Officials and employees of Abuyog Community College take part in the formal launch and oath-taking ceremony of the Abuyog Community College Employees Credit Cooperative (ACCECC) during the school’s Management Days celebration on March 30, 2026. The oath of office for the cooperative’s founding officers was administered by Lemuel Gin K. Traya.(Photo Courtesy)
Officials and employees of Abuyog Community College take part in the formal launch and oath-taking ceremony of the Abuyog Community College Employees Credit Cooperative (ACCECC) during the school’s Management Days celebration on March 30, 2026. The oath of office for the cooperative’s founding officers was administered by Lemuel Gin K. Traya.(Photo Courtesy)
On March 30, 2026, during the grand opening of Management Days at Abuyog Community College, history was made with the formal launching of the Abuyog Community College Employees Credit Cooperative (ACCECC). The highlight of the event was the solemn oath-taking of the founding officers, administered by Hon. Mayor Lemuel Gin K. Traya. This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for the college community, as employees unite under one cooperative to strengthen financial empowerment and solidarity.
The founding officers who took their oath of office are distinguished leaders and educators of the institution. Dr. Teofilo O. Montallana, Chairman of the Board of Directors, leads the cooperative alongside Dr. Clemelle L. Montallana and Prof. Ella Krista B. Traya as Board Members. Prof. Alfredo M. Gaganao serves as Board Secretary, while Prof. Christopher P. Gallos chairs the Audit Committee. Prof. Jacob C. Tupas heads the Credit Committee, Dr. Joel D. Comaling leads the Ethics Committee, and Prof. Dennis C. Rizaldo assumes the role of Coop Manager. Their collective expertise and commitment will serve as the backbone of ACCECC’s operations.
While some officers were excused due to personal and professional obligations, their presence in spirit was acknowledged. Prof. Jasper V. Dulosa, a Board Member, is currently on leave; Prof. Irene A. Belleza, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, attended her son’s moving-up ceremony; and Prof. Ritchie Deloria, Treasurer, attended to important matters with the Department of Education. Their dedication remains integral to the cooperative’s vision, and they will continue to contribute to its growth.
ACCECC was officially registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) on February 16, 2026, under Certificate Registration No. 9520-100800038788. Its mission is clear: to empower employees of Abuyog Community College by offering accessible financial services such as savings programs, low-interest loans, protection schemes, and livelihood support initiatives. By fostering financial stability and inclusivity, ACCECC aims to uplift the welfare of its members and promote a culture of cooperation and mutual aid.
Membership in ACCECC is open to all employees of Abuyog Community College, including job order workers, contract of service personnel, regular and permanent staff, and retirees. This inclusivity, as outlined in Article 2, Section 2 of the cooperative’s By-Laws, ensures that every member of the college community has the opportunity to benefit from its programs. The cooperative stands as a beacon of hope, offering financial security and opportunities for growth to its members.
The cooperative’s journey is further strengthened by the unwavering support of Hon. Mayor Lemuel Gin K. Traya, who graciously approved the free use of a two-door vacant space near the SMAW area within the ACC campus. This office will serve as the hub of ACCECC’s operations and future canteen services. Such support, authorized under Republic Act No. 9520, underscores the vital role of local government in nurturing cooperatives. With gratitude, the officers and members of ACCECC extend their heartfelt appreciation to Mayor Traya for his commitment to community development and cooperative empowerment.
(Dr. Teofilo O. Montallana, College Dean, College of Hospitality Management and Entrepreneurship, Abuyog Community College, Abuyog, Leyte)
P20/kg OF RICE. Residents from vulnerable sectors in Tacloban City line up to avail of the government’s “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” program, purchasing rice at P20 per kilogram to help ease the impact of rising food prices on low-income households.
(TACLOBAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
P20/kg OF RICE. Residents from vulnerable sectors in Tacloban City line up to avail of the government’s “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” program, purchasing rice at P20 per kilogram to help ease the impact of rising food prices on low-income households. (TACLOBAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
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Also, the provincial gov’t of N. Samar
TACLOBAN CITY — The city governments of Tacloban and Borongan have officially returned to a standard Monday-to-Friday work schedule, signaling a shift away from the four-day or compressed workweek arrangements implemented earlier as part of energy conservation efforts.
In Tacloban City, Mayor Alfred Romualdez issued an advisory stating that beginning May 18, all city government offices will resume regular operating hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, under Memorandum Order No. 2026-05-99.
Romualdez said the city will discontinue the previous work-from-home arrangement every Friday as well as the compressed workweek scheme.
“The city government of Tacloban will no longer continue the adopted work-from-home arrangement every Friday and the compressed workweek arrangement. However, we will continue the strict implementation of energy conservation measures across all offices to ensure efficient and uninterrupted delivery of public services for all Tacloban residents,” the city mayor said in a statement issued on Friday, May 15.
The mayor added that while normal office operations are being restored, energy-saving practices will remain in place to ensure efficiency in government service delivery.
In Borongan City, Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda also ordered the return to the five-day workweek through Executive Order No. BC-1305-0062, citing the need to improve public service accessibility, inter-office coordination, and processing efficiency.
City Hall employees in Borongan have resumed the regular Monday-to-Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., while maintaining reasonable energy conservation measures.
The city government earlier implemented a compressed four-day work week in line with national directives on energy conservation amid rising fuel costs and electricity-saving measures.
However, officials said the arrangement led to reduced public access to government services, particularly on Fridays, and caused delays in transactions such as permits, payments, procurement, and document processing.
Borongan officials also noted that extended daily working hours, combined with limited office operations on Fridays, affected productivity and required overtime work and special arrangements for frontline offices.
Despite the return to the regular schedule, Borongan City will continue implementing energy efficiency measures, including regulated air-conditioning use during office hours.
Meanwhile, other local government units in Eastern Visayas, including the provincial government of Northern Samar and the municipal government of Abuyog in Leyte, have also restored their regular five-day workweeks after previously adopting shortened schedules due to fuel price increases and energy conservation directives linked to global supply pressures, including the Middle East fuel situation.
Local officials said the return to normal working schedules aim to improve public service delivery while maintaining cost-saving and energy efficiency measures in government operations.
