TACLOBAN CITY — Strengthening peace through livelihood support, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Leyte Provincial Office has rolled out Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) business kits to members of the Integrated Peace and Development Worker’s Association (IPDWA) in Baybay City and Ormoc City.

In Baybay City, 51 IPDWA beneficiaries received livelihood packages during a distribution activity at the Baybay City New City Hall. The assistance included 20 sari-sari store packages, 18 rice retailing packages, and 13 hog-raising packages, all aimed at helping former rebels and conflict-affected individuals generate income and rebuild their livelihoods.

The activity was conducted in coordination with partner agencies and supported by the Philippine Army’s 93rd Infantry Battalion. Representing the unit, 2nd Lt. Ivy Grail Sibaton highlighted the importance of livelihood programs in fostering self-reliance, community resilience, and lasting peace.

A similar distribution was held in Ormoc City, where DTI Leyte provided PPG business kits to 23 identified IPDWA beneficiaries at the New Ormoc City Hall in Barangay Cogon.

Capt. Danilo Danao, commandant of the 93rd Infantry Battalion, underscored the value of inter-agency collaboration in empowering beneficiaries to lead productive and self-sufficient lives. He added that the battalion also assisted in coordinating with beneficiaries to ensure the smooth implementation of the activities.

DTI Leyte Provincial Director Faustino Gayas Jr. said the PPG Program is designed to help beneficiaries restart their lives through entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood opportunities, contributing to inclusive growth and community stability.

DTI Leyte thanked its partner stakeholders, noting that the continued rollout of the PPG Program is part of the government’s whole-of-nation approach to promoting peace, recovery, and long-term development in Leyte.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

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.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

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.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)