ADA ASSISTANCE.Teams from the Office of Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Tingog Party-list distribute rice, canned goods, coffee, and noodles to families affected by flooding in San Miguel and Sta. Fe following Typhoon Ada’s heavy rains.
ADA ASSISTANCE.Teams from the Office of Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Tingog Party-list distribute rice, canned goods, coffee, and noodles to families affected by flooding in San Miguel and Sta. Fe following Typhoon Ada’s heavy rains.
TACLOBAN CITY– As Tropical Storm ‘Ada’ unleashed heavy rains across Eastern Visayas, the Office of Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, in coordination with Tingog Party-list, quickly mobilized relief teams to assist residents of flood-affected towns in San Miguel and Sta. Fe on Saturday, Jan. 17.
Days of persistent downpours had swollen rivers and inundated low-lying areas, forcing families to evacuate and disrupting daily life in the province. In response, relief teams distributed essential supplies to help affected communities recover.
In San Miguel, families received 20 sacks of rice, five boxes of canned goods, eight boxes of coffee, and eight boxes of noodles. Meanwhile, in Sta. Fe, 10 sacks of rice were initially distributed, with additional aid expected in the coming days.
Rep. Romualdez and Tingog Party-list pledged to continue supporting the affected residents, emphasizing their commitment to provide timely assistance during emergencies and help families rebuild their lives after the storm.
ORMOC CITY— Two riders died on the spot after their motorcycle collided with a parked truck in Barangay Balugo, Albuera, Leyte early Wednesday morning, January 14.
The victims, identified as 19-year-old Jaime, the motorcycle driver, and 40-year-old Mickey, both residents of Brgy. Balugo, were reportedly returning home from a fiesta in Brgy. Damulaan at around 4:30 a.m. Police said the Honda Click motorcycle they were riding may have been traveling at high speed, and the riders were suspected of being intoxicated.
The motorcycle struck the rear bumper of a parked white Isuzu Elf drop-side truck, displacing the vehicle several meters and causing fatal injuries to both riders. Local residents quickly alerted the Albuera Rescue Group and police. Responding personnel confirmed that both victims had no signs of life.
The bodies were transported to the Albuera Rural Health Unit for post-mortem examination, while the two vehicles were impounded by the Albuera Municipal Police Station for investigation.
Authorities are reminding motorists to exercise caution, particularly during early morning hours and after attending public festivities.
DARAMSIYAO FESTIVAL. The town of Daram in Samar held for the first time its Daramsiyao Festival held on Jan. 14 which is expected to draw tourists to the island town. (PHOTO COURTESY)
DARAMSIYAO FESTIVAL. The town of Daram in Samar held for the first time its Daramsiyao Festival held on Jan. 14 which is expected to draw tourists to the island town. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — Showcasing culture, history, and community pride, Daram National High School (DNHS) clinched the first-ever overall championship of the Daramsiyao Festival competition, a centerpiece event of Daramsiyao Festival, a newly-launched cultural festival of Daram, Samar.
The competition, held on Jan.14 during the municipality’s annual fiesta, brought together secondary schools across Daram to present performances rooted in the town’s history, beliefs, and cultural identity. Bagacay National High School secured the first runner-up spot, while Birawan National High School placed second runner-up.
Judges lauded DNHS for its cohesive choreography, striking costumes, and compelling storytelling that clearly conveyed the festival’s theme and spirit.
The Daramsiyao Festival is a newly institutionalized cultural celebration of the municipality. Daram Tourism Officer Nathan Abinguna said the festival reflects the shared vision of the Darameños, often called “Dream Daram,” symbolizing unity, resilience, and collective aspirations.
Abinguna explained that the festival also highlights the town’s strong faith and devotion to Señor Santo Niño, whom residents believe continues to guide and protect the community through challenges.
Drawing from local folklore, he added that the festival is inspired by the legend of the “Darangsiyao,” a black bird with red eyes believed to have guided the island’s early settlers—an enduring symbol of hope, direction, and perseverance for the people of Daram.
The Daramsiyao Festival Competition was spearheaded by the Mayor’s Office through the Tourism and Enterprise Unit to promote local culture and encourage youth participation in cultural preservation.
Municipal Mayor Lucia Latorre-Astorga, Vice Mayor Ryan Philip Astorga, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan thanked participating schools, organizers, and residents for their strong support, noting that the Daramsiyao Festival is set to become a regular feature of Daram’s annual celebrations.
TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has rolled out more than P5.4 million worth of relief assistance to municipalities in Eastern Samar affected by flooding triggered by continuous heavy rains brought about by a recent shear line.
In a letter dated January 14, 2026, DSWD Field Office VIII informed Eastern Samar Lone District Representative and Assistant Minority Leader Christopher Sheen Gonzales that family food packs and bottled water had been distributed to flood-affected families in the towns of Arteche, Dolores, Jipapad, Maslog, and Oras.
A total of 9,799 family food packs, each valued at P549.50, were released to the five municipalities. In addition, 400 bottles of water worth P75 each were provided to residents of Jipapad. The overall assistance amounted to P5,414,550.50.
Arteche received 1,349 food packs worth P741,275.50; Dolores, 2,500 packs worth P1,373,750; Jipapad, 2,836 packs plus bottled water worth P1,588,382; Maslog, 114 packs worth P62,643; and Oras, 3,000 packs totaling P1,648,500.
The DSWD said it continues to closely coordinate with local government units in affected areas for possible augmentation of relief assistance, depending on the evolving situation on the ground.
Gonzales said his office immediately coordinated with the DSWD to ensure the timely delivery of aid to Eastern Samareños affected by the flooding. He thanked the agency for its swift response and assured constituents that efforts are ongoing to secure additional assistance as needed.
He added that his office is also working closely with the Office of the House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan to help safeguard the welfare of Eastern Samar residents during calamities.
MAHARLIKA HIGHWAY REPAIR. After years of promises, the long-awaited rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway in Eastern Visayas, particularly in Samar, is set to finally begin this year, following the announcement of DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon. (PHOTO COURTESY)
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MAHARLIKA HIGHWAY REPAIR. After years of promises, the long-awaited rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway in Eastern Visayas, particularly in Samar, is set to finally begin this year, following the announcement of DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — Samar Representative Stephen James Tan(1st district) has welcomed the decision of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway this year, saying the move is a long-overdue response to the worsening travel conditions and economic bottlenecks in the province.
Tan said the deteriorated state of the highway has for years affected mobility, road safety, and the efficient transport of goods and services, particularly for farmers, workers, and small businesses that rely on the road as the main transport artery in Samar.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Secretary Vince Dizon for finally hearing the long-standing clamor of my district regarding the rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway,” Tan said in a statement on Wednesday, January 13.
“This vital roadway is not just a passage for vehicles—it is a lifeline for our people, our farmers, our workers, and our local economy,” he added.
The lawmaker said the decision to fast-track the repairs shows that the Marcos administration “truly listens and acts for the welfare of the people,” noting that the poor condition of the highway has long been a major concern raised by local officials and motorists.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon earlier announced that the agency would accelerate the repair of the Maharlika Highway, particularly in Samar and Northern Samar, where several sections have deteriorated due to years of delayed maintenance.
The rehabilitation plan follows President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s pledge during his visit to Calbayog City on July 4, 2024, to restore the highway, which was originally constructed during the administration of his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The Maharlika Highway spans 395.52 kilometers across Eastern Visayas, running from Allen, Northern Samar, to San Ricardo, Southern Leyte. Of this length, about 205.75 kilometers pass through Samar. The highway forms part of the national road network stretching over 3,279 kilometers, linking Samar Island to Leyte and the rest of the country and serving as a crucial corridor for trade and mobility.
Tan expressed optimism that the proposed P28.73-billion rehabilitation project would significantly ease daily travel difficulties, enhance road safety, and improve the flow of goods and services across the region.
He also noted that key infrastructure along the highway, including the iconic San Juanico Bridge connecting Samar and Leyte, is currently undergoing repair, further underscoring the government’s efforts to improve vital transport links in Eastern Visayas.
TOURISM PROMOTIONS. Local government leaders and tourism officials from across Eastern Visayas have gathered for a three-day masterclass aimed at strengthening sustainable tourism development in the region. The program brings together policymakers and implementers to improve coordination in planning and executing tourism initiatives at the local level. (DOT-EASTERN VISAYAS)
TOURISM PROMOTIONS. Local government leaders and tourism officials from across Eastern Visayas have gathered for a three-day masterclass aimed at strengthening sustainable tourism development in the region. The program brings together policymakers and implementers to improve coordination in planning and executing tourism initiatives at the local level. (DOT-EASTERN VISAYAS)
TACLOBAN CITY — Local government leaders and tourism officials from across Eastern Visayas have gathered here for a three-day masterclass aimed at strengthening sustainable tourism development in the region.
The training, organized by the Department of Tourism Regional Office 8 (DOT-8), is being attended by around 55 participants, including Eastern Samar Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone, 15 municipal mayors, a provincial board member, city and municipal administrators, chairs of Sangguniang Bayan tourism committees, and tourism officers from provincial, city, and municipal governments.
DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the program brings together policymakers and implementers to improve coordination in planning and executing tourism initiatives at the local level.
She said the masterclass encourages local governments to reassess tourism not only as an economic driver but also as a tool for community development that safeguards culture, identity, and natural resources.
“Over the next three days, the focus is on making sustainability simple, practical, and actionable,” Tiopes said. “We are looking at tourism through the lens of tao, lugar, at kabuhayan—people, place, and livelihood—because sustainable tourism only works when these three move forward together.”
The program includes workshops, stakeholder and community mapping, cultural and natural heritage stewardship sessions, and a SWOT-based “tourism pulse check.”
Participants are also tasked to begin crafting local tourism action plans aligned with their resources and priorities.
Interactive discussions, case studies featuring tourism experiences from Pampanga, and an experiential benchmarking activity will conclude the training.
Tiopes said the goal is for participants to leave with practical tools and clearer direction in leading responsible and sustainable tourism development in their respective localities.
The masterclass features resource persons Martin Aguilar and Rita Sarmiento of Filipino Hospitality Consultancy, who are sharing insights on destination management, hospitality standards, and sustainable tourism practices.
