TACLOBAN CITY — The proposed ordinance regulating activities, structures and other potential hazards around Calbayog Airport is moving forward as city officials and aviation stakeholders seek to strengthen passenger safety and support the airport’s planned expansion.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod held its third public hearing on the proposed Calbayog Airport Safety and Security Ordinance on July 17 at the city Convention Center, with local government officials, representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and community stakeholders taking part in the discussions.

The proposed measure seeks to prohibit activities that could endanger aircraft operations, including bird raising and pigeon racing within a 12-kilometer radius of the airport, open burning, rice planting near the runway, kite flying, and the use of spotlights and laser devices that could temporarily impair pilots’ vision.

It also sets height restrictions for buildings and other structures near the airport. Property owners and developers would be required to secure the necessary height clearances or permits from the City Engineer’s Office and CAAP before undertaking construction.
The public hearing also tackled regulations covering fish pens and ponds, including “bonoan,” in areas near aircraft approach paths. Operators would be required to obtain appropriate clearances and permits from the City Agriculture Office and CAAP to help prevent the presence of birds that could pose a hazard to aircraft.

Violations of national aviation laws may carry fines ranging from P50,000 to P500,000 and imprisonment of up to three years, depending on the offense. Under the proposed local ordinance, penalties would include progressive fines of P1,000 for a first offense, P2,000 for a second offense and P3,000, with possible imprisonment of up to six months or community service for succeeding violations.

The proposed ordinance comes as the city prepares for infrastructure improvements at and around Calbayog Airport, including the construction of a perimeter wall, asphalt overlay and runway connectivity projects.

Some properties in areas such as Barangay Basud may be affected by the planned developments. City officials said coordination is being undertaken with the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) office to address the relocation of affected residents.
The hearing also included discussions on the proposed rerouting of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) power lines and possible cost-sharing arrangements to ensure unobstructed aircraft operations, including one-way and nighttime landing operations.

City officials said the safety measures are intended to support the modernization and expansion of Calbayog Airport, which could eventually allow the operation of larger aircraft and help improve air connectivity and potentially reduce airfares for residents of Calbayog and nearby communities.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

In Samar

TACLOBAN CITY-Fifty-three senior citizens in Paranas, Samar have received cash gifts under the government’s Expanded Centenarians Act, which provides financial incentives to elderly Filipinos who reach milestone ages.

Under Republic Act No. 11982, qualified senior citizens receive P10,000 upon reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90 and 95, while those who reach 100 years old are entitled to P100,000 and a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines.

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) administers the program, including the acceptance of applications, verification of documents, validation of beneficiaries and processing of cash gifts, subject to existing guidelines and fund availability.

The Paranas municipal government, through its Office of Senior Citizens Affairs and other concerned offices, assisted the beneficiaries in preparing and submitting documentary requirements, coordinating with the NCSC and facilitating the payout.

The local government clarified that inclusion in the list of beneficiaries is based on the NCSC’s verification and approval in accordance with RA 11982.

The municipal government congratulated the beneficiaries and reaffirmed its support for programs that recognize the contributions and promote the welfare of senior citizens.

RA 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act, broadened government recognition for senior citizens by extending cash incentives beyond those who reach 100 years old. The program provides financial assistance at key milestone ages while honoring the elderly for their long lives and contributions to their families and communities.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

The Tactical Operations Group 8 (TOG 8), Tactical Operations Wing Central, Philippine Air Force, actively participated in the Regional Rescue Jamboree (RRJ) 2026 held on 12–17 July 2026 in Ormoc City, Leyte. Organized by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region VIII, the annual capability building activity aims to enhance the knowledge, skills, and interoperability of disaster responders from local government units, uniformed services, and partner agencies through lectures, practical exercises, and rescue competitions, thereby strengthening disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities in Eastern Visayas.

As one of the key training disciplines, TOG 8 conducted the Air-to-Ground Operations Support (AGOS) training from 13–15 July 2026, led by 1LT ROBERTO R REFUERZO JR. PAF and the Group’s Subject Matter Experts. The training covered Basic Meteorology, Combat Utility Helicopter (CUH) Capabilities and Employment, Landing Zone Preparation, Aircraft Vectoring, Aircraft Marshalling, and Safety Considerations in Air-to-Ground Operations.

Participants also underwent practical exercises and the AGOS obstacle course, where they applied the knowledge and skills gained through realistic scenarios using drone-assisted aircraft simulations. The activity enhanced participants’ proficiency in supporting air operations during disaster response and humanitarian assistance missions while promoting teamwork, coordination, and operational readiness.

Through its active participation in RRJ 2026, TOG 8 reaffirmed the Philippine Air Force’s commitment to strengthening disaster risk reduction and management initiatives, fostering inter-agency collaboration, and building resilient communities in support of national development. (PR)

Tacloban City— Eastern Visayas is known for its scenic destinations and rich cultural traditions. Beyond these, the region is home to individuals whose leadership, service, and achievements have helped shape its communities and define its identity.

Recognizing that these stories deserve to be celebrated, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VIII, in partnership with Tingog Party-list, is set to honor the inaugural recipients of the Outstanding Eastern Visayans Awards (OEVA) on July 31.

“We are excited to honor this year’s awardees and celebrate the remarkable stories that have helped shape the region. Their journeys reflect the dedication, excellence, and commitment that continue to move our region forward, and we look forward to sharing these inspiring stories with the public,” said Ma. Catherina Apostol, Officer-in-Charge, Regional Director of DOT Region VIII.

First launched in April through a region-wide call for nominations, OEVA reflects DOT Region VIII’s broader vision of tourism as a platform for celebrating the people who drive sustainable and inclusive progress across Eastern Visayas.

OEVA will recognize exemplary individuals across 10 sectors: arts, culture and tourism; public service and governance; business, innovation, science and technology; education and research; environmental protection; health; youth leadership; media and communication; faith; and philanthropy.

“The awardees come from diverse sectors and backgrounds, but their stories reflect the many ways individuals can make a meaningful difference. We hope these stories encourage more Eastern Visayans to pursue excellence in their own fields, serve their communities, and contribute to the continued progress of our region,” Apostol said.

The recipients of this year’s OEVA were selected through a rigorous, merit-based evaluation process involving independent validation, interviews, and deliberation by the Board of Judges. The process was overseen by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Philippines as the official tabulator, with a Board of Judges composed of respected leaders from various sectors, including prominent local figure Henry Gosyco of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tacloban-Leyte.

The awardees will be formally honored on July 31, and the public is invited to watch the livestream beginning at 6:00 p.m. through the official Outstanding Eastern Visayans Awards (OEVA) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Facebook pages to celebrate this year’s honorees and hear the inspiring stories behind their contributions. (PR)