ORMOC CITY– A long-standing dispute over wastewater turned violent in Kananga, Leyte, after an 84-year-old man hacked his 39-year-old relative and neighbor during a confrontation on Thursday, July 31.
The victim, identified only as “Kardo,” sustained a laceration to his left wrist after allegedly entering the suspect’s home in Sitio Mangahan, Barangay Poblacion, and choking him during an argument. In response, the suspect—identified as “Mario”—grabbed a sundang (bolo) and struck the victim in what police said was an act of self-defense.
Kardo later reported the incident to police with the help of his wife and was rushed to Kananga Municipal Hospital for treatment.
Mario voluntarily surrendered to responding officers and turned over the weapon. He is currently in police custody while authorities continue their investigation.
Police confirmed the two are blood relatives and live in the same neighborhood.
Perspecttive photo of the on -going multi purpose building which will serve as staff quarters in Mac Arthur Leyte
Perspecttive photo of the on -going multi purpose building which will serve as staff quarters in Mac Arthur Leyte
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office is constructing a multipurpose building in MacArthur, Leyte to serve as staff housing for employees and guests from remote areas.
District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura said the P19.58 million project, funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, began on April 4 and is currently 44.30% complete with target completion set for December 19, 2025.
The 865-square-meter facility will feature recreational space on the ground floor, two levels of accommodation areas with gender-sensitive restrooms, and essential amenities such as air conditioning, lighting, and a fire alarm system.
Once completed, the building will provide cost-efficient and accessible lodging for personnel during official functions, reflecting the agency’s efforts to enhance employee welfare and operational support.
U.S. Marines and Philippine Airmen prepare the delivery of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) family food packs at Clark Air Base. (Photo credit: Philippine Air Force)
U.S. Marines and Philippine Airmen prepare the delivery of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) family food packs at Clark Air Base. (Photo credit: Philippine Air Force)
Manila– Following a request from the Philippine government and in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command deployed Marine Corps and Air Force Ospreys and Air Force MC-130Js in support of Philippine government disaster response operations to deliver life-saving relief items to communities in Northern Luzon recently affected by consecutive storms and the southwest monsoon.
In coordination with the Philippines’ Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Ospreys participated in AFP-led airlift operations on July 30 and 31 to transport 600 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) family food packs (FFPs) and emergency relief items from Clark Air Base to Basco, Batanes.
Operations to deliver 5,700 more DSWD-provided FFPs to affected areas will continue in the coming days. U.S. aircraft and personnel remain ready to assist the AFP in delivering more life-saving aid where it is needed most.
“The United States stands shoulder to shoulder with our Filipino allies, especially in responding to disasters,” U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said. “We are grateful to the combined relief and rescue teams who have been working tirelessly on the ground to deliver emergency assistance to affected residents.”
The U.S. Embassy in Manila has been working closely with the Philippines’ National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, OCD, DSWD, and the World Food Programme (WFP) to deliver food and relief supplies to Central and Northern Luzon.
As of July 29, WFP, through approximately P13.8 million ($250,000) in funding support from the U.S. Department of State, mobilized trucks that delivered more than 47,700 DSWD-provided FFPs in Ilocos Norte, La Union, and Pangasinan, providing emergency relief to more than 200,000 persons affected by severe flooding.(PR)
Local chief executives of Southern Leyte and PSA provincial and regional officers pose during the data turnover of the 2024 CBMS datasets to Southern Leyte
Local chief executives of Southern Leyte and PSA provincial and regional officers pose during the data turnover of the 2024 CBMS datasets to Southern Leyte
Maasin City, Southern Leyte – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – Regional Statistical Services Office VIII, in collaboration with the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Anahawan, Bontoc, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Libagon, Liloan, City of Maasin, Macrohon, Malitbog, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan, Saint Bernard, San Francisco, San Juan, San Ricardo, Silago, Tomas Oppus, and Limasawa, as well as the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Southern Leyte, successfully conducted the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Data Turnover Ceremony (DTC) held at Southern Leyte Provincial Coliseum, Barangay Asuncion, Maasin City.
The formal turn-over of the 2024 CBMS datasets to all LGUs in the province is a historic achievement for Southern Leyte. Chief Statistical Specialist (CSS)
Eutemio A. Llevado, Jr. and Supervising Statistical Specialist (SuSS)
Elissa P. Carbonilla led the ceremonial turnover with the support of
CSS Mae R. Almonte of the Statistical Operations and Coordination Division,
PSA – RSSO 8.
The well-attended ceremony was graced by Vice Governor
Rosa Hon. Emilia G. Mercado, DICT Provincial Head Ms. Marian C. Go-Soco, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) represented by LGOO (Local Government Operations Officer) II Jose Reynaldo Abad, and OIC-Provincial Planning Development Coordinator (OIC-PPDO) Ms. Binky D. Vasquez. Also present were the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Mayors, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators (MPDC), Designated Data Protection Officers (DPO), and Municipal Statisticians of participating LGUs.
In her welcome remarks, Hon. Mercado acknowledged the CBMS data turnover as a pivotal moment for the province, affirming that the CBMS reflects the province’s continued pursuit of technological advancement and development. She further encouraged the LGUs to always uphold the fundamental right to data privacy as they begin using the data for evidence-based planning and policy-making.
SuSS Carbonilla presented the highlights of the 2024 CBMS results, which included barangay-level statistics on access to basic services, safety, health facilities, educational attainment, and employment. She emphasized that these datasets provide invaluable insight for LGUs in developing inclusive and targeted programs.
In her acceptance message, Hon. Mercado reassured PSA and the public that the data gathered would not go to waste. “We will ensure that the effort and dedication to collect and process these facts and figures will not be of waste. Daghan kaayong salamat PSA-Southern Leyte — on to our progressive and self-sufficient
Southern Leyte,” she said.
In closing, CSS Llevado, Jr. reminded all participants that CBMS is more than just a dataset—it is a vital tool for social-based planning, budgeting, and the targeting of poverty alleviation programs. He said, “CBMS is not just a number—it provides the evidence we need to identify gaps and direct our resources to those who need them the most. This ceremony is not the end of our collaboration—we will continue to strengthen our engagement with the LGUs.”
PSA Southern Leyte reiterates its commitment to supporting LGUs through continuous technical assistance and collaboration in utilizing the CBMS data to bring about sustainable, inclusive, and data-informed development in the province. (PR)
HOUSE SPEAKER. Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez was unanimously reelected as Speaker of the 20th House of Representatives on Monday, July 28. Bulacan Rep. Salvador Pleyto swore Romualdez, serving on his third and last term. His wife, Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, children, and his mother, Juliet, joined the Speaker during the event.
(VER NOVENO)
Romualdez represents Leyte’s 1st district
HOUSE SPEAKER. Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez was unanimously reelected as Speaker of the 20th House of Representatives on Monday, July 28. Bulacan Rep. Salvador Pleyto swore Romualdez, serving on his third and last term. His wife, Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, children, and his mother, Juliet, joined the Speaker during the event. (VER NOVENO)
TACLOBAN CITY – The reelection of Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez as Speaker of the House for the 20th Congress received largely positive reactions from local officials in Eastern Visayas, who see it as a continuation of development projects and support for communities.
Romualdez, who was elected Speaker without opposition on Monday, July 28, is on his third and final term as district representative. His unchallenged victory is being viewed by many as a sign of his effective leadership and political influence in the Lower House.
Village officials Rose Emphasis and Lydia Bato, both barangay chairpersons from Tacloban City—Emphasis of Barangay 5-A and Bato of Barangay 66-A—welcomed the reelection, saying it bodes well for their constituents.
“With Speaker Romualdez back in office, the assistance (ayuda) for my constituents will definitely continue,” Bato said in an interview.
Emphasis echoed her support, noting that her village had already benefited from Romualdez’s help, including funding for a drainage system and the renovation of their barangay hall.
Northern Samar 2nd District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan also praised Romualdez’s reelection, citing its potential to accelerate key infrastructure projects in his district.
“For Northern Samar, the election of Congressman Romualdez as Speaker is a significant development that will ensure the implementation of Laoang Bridges 2 and 3, which are part of the Samar Pacific Coastal Road Phase 2 Project,” Ongchuan said in a statement. “With his leadership once again in place, we are confident this vital infrastructure will move forward.”
However, progressive groups such as the Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) were more critical, saying the reelection was expected given Romualdez’s strong control over the majority in Congress.
“We would only be surprised if someone from the progressive bloc were elected. His reelection means nothing will change. Nothing will improve in the lives of the poor and working class. Life will only become harder for the masses while these same people stay in power,” said FDC Secretary-General Fara Diva Gamalo in an interview.
In the 20th Congress, four Eastern Visayas lawmakers opted to join the minority bloc headed by Eastern Samar native Rep. Marcelino Libanan of the 4Ps party-list. These include Samar Reps. Michael Reynolds Tan and Stephen James Tan, Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Niko Raul Daza, and Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales, who is also Libanan’s son-in-law.
A total of 269 House members voted to retain Romualdez as Speaker.
In an interview on May 13, shortly after being proclaimed reelected, Romualdez vowed to bring more programs and services not only to his constituents in Leyte’s 1st district but also to other parts of Eastern Visayas.
Romualdez’s district includes Tacloban City and the municipalities of Palo, Babatngon, Tanauan, Santa Fe, San Miguel, Tolosa, and Alangalang.
FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING. Local officials formalize their commitment to combat human trafficking and protect the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) through a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Among those who signed during the July 25 ceremony was Southern Leyte Vice Governor Rosa Emilia “Milai” Mercado. (Photo from Milai Mercado Facebook)
FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING. Local officials formalize their commitment to combat human trafficking and protect the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) through a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Among those who signed during the July 25 ceremony was Southern Leyte Vice Governor Rosa Emilia “Milai” Mercado. (Photo from Milai Mercado Facebook)
TACLOBAN CITY – In a renewed push to combat illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with several local chief executives in Eastern Visayas to strengthen grassroots efforts against these crimes and extend more responsive services to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
The MOA signing ceremony, held on July 25 this city, was led by DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia and Assistant Secretary Jerome Alcantara, alongside key local leaders: Eastern Samar Vice Governor Maria Caridad Goteesan, Southern Leyte Vice Governor Rosa Emilia Mercado, and mayors Luz Ponferrada (Basey, Samar), Percival Ortillo Jr. (Marabut, Samar), Athene I. Lagrimas-Mendros (Lawaan, Eastern Samar), Reinbert Costelo (Tunga, Leyte), Gina E. Merillo (Tanauan, Leyte), and Maria Sale (Almeria, Biliran).
Also present were Norman Victor Ordiz, president of the Eastern Visayas Federation of OFW Help Desk Officers, and representatives from the local governments of Borongan City, Barugo and Carigara (Leyte), and Naval (Biliran).
The MOA aims to boost cooperation between the DMW and local government units (LGUs) in promoting safe and legal overseas employment, enhancing the protection of OFWs, and cracking down on illegal recruitment and trafficking activities.
“The agreement strengthens our shared commitment to protect the rights and welfare of OFWs and acknowledges the critical role of LGUs in delivering DMW programs effectively at the community level,” Undersecretary Olalia said.
As part of the event, the DMW also distributed a total of P1.19 million in financial and livelihood assistance to selected OFW beneficiaries through its flagship programs, including Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund; Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay Program; and livelihood development assistance program.
These interventions are designed to provide immediate relief and long-term support to distressed OFWs and their families, highlighting the impact of national-local collaboration in ensuring the welfare of migrant workers.
The initiative marks another step in institutionalizing DMW programs at the grassroots level and affirms the agency’s commitment to inclusive and proactive governance.
