BORONGAN CITY-Two farmers associations in San Julian, Eastern Samar received a major boost to their agricultural livelihood through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which turned over P1 million worth of farming equipment and agricultural supplies on May 27.

The Casoroy Multi-Cropping Farmers Association received P500,000 worth of farm machinery including floating tillers, grass cutters, sprayers, shovels, and other tools to improve farm productivity.

Meanwhile, the Libas Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (LARBA) received rice, fertilizers, livestock feed, seedlings, and agrivet supplies, also valued at P500,000, to support their livelihood projects.

The assistance was made possible through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (Kabuhayan Program), which supports both emerging and existing community-based enterprises.

The associations expressed their deep gratitude to Senator Risa Hontiveros for securing the funding and to Eric Aseo, a local governance and development expert, for his role in facilitating the project’s implementation.

In a Facebook post, Nerisa Ditalo of LARBA and Secretary of Brgy. Nena said “Senator Hontiveros’ generous support and Aseo’s guidance have empowered us to pursue our goals as farmers. Their help has made a real impact on our lives.”

Ditalo said the barangay council of Casoroy also issued a message of thanks, emphasizing that the support will “advance community initiatives, empower residents, and foster sustainable development.”

SK chairperson of Casoroy, Jan Ray Opimo, echoed this appreciation, recognizing the partnership as a model for inclusive progress.

“This support will significantly advance our community initiatives, empowering residents, and fostering sustainable development in our barangay,” Opimo said.

Through this collaborative effort, local farmers are now better equipped to enhance productivity and build sustainable livelihoods, turning hope into action across the rural communities of San Julian.

(VTG/PIA Eastern Samar)

TACLOBAN CITY– A suspected member of the communist terrorist group was killed in a clash with soldiers belonging to the 87th Infantry Battalion in San Jose de Buan, Samar, on May 29.

Troops engaged around 20 alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) believed to be from the Regional Security Force of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) in a 25-minute firefight during a focused military operation.

The enemy withdrew, leaving behind the body of an unidentified combatant, along with firearms, ammunition, and subversive documents.

No casualties were reported on the government side.

Lt. Col. Kim Ilao, acting commander of the 87th IB, commended the troops’ swift response and affirmed their commitment to dismantling the remaining NPA forces in the area.

8ID Commander Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio reiterated his appeal to insurgents to surrender, assuring that those who lay down their arms may avail of government reintegration assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

“Lagi pong bukas ang pintuan ng gobyerno para sa inyong pagsuko,” Orio said in a statement. “Kasama at maaasahan niyo po kami sa pagkamit ng mas mapayapang bagong Samar.”

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA, ROEL T. AMAZONA)

MAASIN CITY– A newly identified drug peddler was arrested by local police during a buy-bust operation on Thursday evening, May 29, as part of the city’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

The suspect, identified only as “Arnel,” 27, single, a construction worker and resident of Barangay Dongon, was apprehended by the City Drug Enforcement Team at around 6:53 pm in his home barangay.

According to PLt. Col. Jason Balbarona, chief of police, an operative was able to purchase a sachet of suspected shabu worth P1,000 from the suspect. During the subsequent body search, conducted in the presence of required witnesses, authorities recovered a black pouch containing 14 more sachets of suspected shabu.

Also seized was the P1,000 marked money used in the buy-bust.

The suspect was informed of the reason for his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he understood.

Charges for violation of Sections 5 (sale of illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, have been filed against him. He is currently detained at the Maasin City Police Station.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said that the declaration of a state of calamity in Eastern Visayas could help expedite funding and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, which has been under load restrictions since May 15.

OCD Director Chris Noel Bendijo said in a press statement the move would unlock emergency funds to restore logistics and public services, noting the region is losing an estimated P300–P600 million monthly due to the bridge’s limited capacity.

The OCD has coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in assessing repair costs and was endorsed to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) which endorsed the declaration of a state of calamity.
The President, however, has yet to approve the proposal by the NDRRMC.

The OCD is also working with the Department of Trade and Industry, which has implemented a price freeze amid supply disruptions.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)