Fifty-three senior citizens in Paranas, Samar receive cash gifts under the Expanded Centenarians Act, which provides financial incentives to qualified elderly Filipinos who reach milestone ages. (The Municipal Government of Paranas, Samar Facebook)
In Samar
Fifty-three senior citizens in Paranas, Samar receive cash gifts under the Expanded Centenarians Act, which provides financial incentives to qualified elderly Filipinos who reach milestone ages. (The Municipal Government of Paranas, Samar Facebook)
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.
TACLOBAN CITY– At least 103 former New People’s Army (NPA) members and part-time supporters received a total of P5.354 million in financial assistance under the government’s Local Social Integration Program (LSIP).
The beneficiaries, collectively referred to as “peacebuilders,” included former NPA regulars, members of the Milisyang Bayan (MB) or People’s Militia, and those affiliated with the Batakang Organisasyong Pampartido (BOP), or Basic Party Organization, a term used for part-time members of the communist insurgency, The 8th Infantry Division(ID), based in Catbalogan City, Samar said in a report released on Sunday, July 26.
The financial assistance was distributed in a ceremony on July 23 in Catbalogan City through a joint effort by the Samar provincial government, the 8th ID and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
The beneficiaries came from the municipalities of Calbiga, Pinabacdao, Basey, Villareal, San Jorge, San Jose de Buan and Paranas in Samar, as well as Borongan City in Eastern Samar and Las Navas in Northern Samar.
Of the 103 beneficiaries, 46 were former regular NPA members, while 57 were former MB and BOP members.
The assistance consisted of transition support, livelihood assistance and firearm remuneration for beneficiaries who surrendered weapons.
One of the beneficiaries, alias “Max,” a former platoon leader of the Bugsok Platoon of the Sub-Regional Committee Sesame under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, received P425,000 in assistance.
He expressed gratitude to the government and urged his former comrades who remain in the armed struggle to surrender and pursue a peaceful life through the government’s reintegration programs.
“Return to the fold of the law because the government is providing assistance to help you build a peaceful and stable life, free from conflict and family troubles. Come down from the mountains so you can also receive help,” Max said.
Assistant Division Commander Brig. Gen. Niceforo Diaz Jr. urged the beneficiaries to use the financial assistance wisely by investing in their families, livelihood ventures and community organizations.
“My challenge to you is to use this assistance properly. Invest in your families and businesses and actively participate in your people’s organizations and barangays. Let us prove that peace is more prosperous than violence,” Diaz said.
Diaz emphasized that the distribution of financial assistance should not be viewed as the end of government support but as the beginning of continued assistance to former rebels as part of efforts to promote lasting peace and sustainable development.
The 8th ID assistant commander also renewed the call for remaining members of the NPA members to lay down their arms, abandon armed struggle and return to the peaceful path.
The LSIP is among the government’s peace and reintegration initiatives aimed at helping former members of communist insurgent groups transition back into civilian life.
Assistance may include financial support, livelihood opportunities and other forms of government intervention intended to help beneficiaries rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.
TACLOBAN CITY– Police arrested a 48-year-old architect who was allegedly identified as a high-value drug personality and seized about P309,400 worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Cavite, Palo town in Leyte on Sunday, July 26.
The Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) said the operation led to the confiscation of approximately 45.5 grams of suspected shabu, based on the Dangerous Drugs Board valuation.
The suspect, identified only as alias “George,” a resident of the barangay, was arrested after a police poseur-buyer allegedly purchased a sachet of suspected shabu from him.
A subsequent body search led to the recovery of two more sachets of suspected shabu and the marked money used in the operation, police said.
The operation was conducted by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Palo Municipal Police Station’s Station Drug Enforcement Unit.
Police said the suspect is facing charges for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, covering the illegal sale and illegal possession of dangerous drugs.
The seized drug evidence was marked, inventoried and photographed at the place of arrest in the presence of the suspect and required witnesses, police said. The evidence was subsequently submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit 8 for qualitative and quantitative laboratory examination.
The suspect and the confiscated evidence were brought to the Palo Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition. The police said the appropriate criminal complaints were being prepared for filing in court.
Col. Celerino Sacro Jr., officer-in-charge of the LPPO, commended the operating units and said the provincial police would continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations against illegal drugs.
The arrest forms part of the LPPO’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs through sustained police operations and coordination among law enforcement units.
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)
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.
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.
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)
NO TO MINING. The three Catholic bishops of Samar Island—Bishop Crispin Varquez of the Diocese of Borongan, Bishop Isabelo Abarquez of the Diocese of Calbayog and Bishop Nolly Buco of the Diocese of Catarman—sign the endorsement of a pastoral position statement opposing mining activities in Giporlos and Balangiga, Eastern Samar. The endorsement was made during a gathering at Ibabao Hall of the Northern Samar Provincial Capitol in Catarman on July 23, 2026. (PHOTO COURTESY, CBCP)
Could result in environmental degradation
NO TO MINING. The three Catholic bishops of Samar Island—Bishop Crispin Varquez of the Diocese of Borongan, Bishop Isabelo Abarquez of the Diocese of Calbayog and Bishop Nolly Buco of the Diocese of Catarman—sign the endorsement of a pastoral position statement opposing mining activities in Giporlos and Balangiga, Eastern Samar. The endorsement was made during a gathering at Ibabao Hall of the Northern Samar Provincial Capitol in Catarman on July 23, 2026. (PHOTO COURTESY, CBCP)
TACLOBAN CITY — The three bishops of Samar Island have thrown their support behind a call for local governments in Giporlos and Balangiga, Eastern Samar, to oppose mining activities amid concerns that a recently approved mineral exploration permit could eventually pave the way for large-scale mineral extraction.
The call was contained in a pastoral position statement issued by the Diocese of Borongan and formally endorsed by the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD), a regional peace and development network.
In the statement dated July 23, 2026, the Diocese of Borongan, through its Diocesan Commission on Social Action–Justice and Peace (DCSA-JP), urged the Sangguniang Bayan of Giporlos and Balangiga, as well as their respective barangay councils, to pass resolutions opposing mining activities within their jurisdictions.
The appeal followed the approval by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of Exploration Permit No. EP-2026-001-VIII, covering approximately 902.99 hectares in portions of the two municipalities.
The diocese acknowledged that the permit authorizes mineral exploration, not commercial mining or mineral extraction. However, it said exploration could mark the beginning of a process that may eventually lead to mining operations, making it necessary for local governments and communities to clearly express their position at the outset.
The issue has raised concern in the two municipalities. Giporlos Mayor Gilbert Go has clarified that there is currently no mining operation in his town and that the permit issued to the company covers exploration activities only. He also said any future application for actual mining would still have to comply with legal, environmental and consultation requirements.
The Diocese of Borongan said its position was shaped in part by the experiences of communities in Homonhon and Manicani islands, Bagacay and other areas of Samar Island where mining and mineral exploration have been the subject of long-standing environmental and social concerns.
Homonhon Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar—historically known as the first Philippine landfall of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521—has existing mining operations and has remained part of the broader debate over the environmental and social impacts of extractive activities in the province.
The diocese warned that mining could result in the degradation of forests and watersheds, contamination of rivers and coastal waters, the loss of agricultural and fishing areas, increased risks of erosion, flooding and landslides, and social conflict among affected communities.
It also stressed that Eastern Samar, one of the country’s most typhoon-prone provinces, should give priority to protecting its natural ecosystems, which help shield communities from disasters and support the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk.
The pastoral statement called on local government officials, civil society organizations, faith communities, farmers, fisherfolk, Indigenous Peoples, youth groups and other stakeholders to work together in pursuing development that protects the environment, respects human dignity and promotes the common good.
Citing Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, the diocese said authentic development should not be measured solely by economic growth but also by its impact on people, the environment and future generations.
SIPPAD formally endorsed the pastoral position statement during a gathering at Ibabao Hall of the Northern Samar Provincial Capitol in Catarman.
The endorsement was signed by the three Catholic bishops of Samar Island—Bishop Isabelo C. Abarquez of the Diocese of Calbayog, Bishop Crispin B. Varquez of the Diocese of Borongan, and Bishop Nolly Camingue Buco of the Diocese of Catarman.
SIPPAD said it supports the call for the municipal and barangay councils of Giporlos and Balangiga to adopt resolutions opposing mining activities, stressing that development should not come at the expense of ecological integrity, human dignity and community welfare.
The group also cited the experiences of Homonhon, Manicani and other communities affected by or facing proposed mining activities, saying these demonstrate the potential long-term environmental and social consequences of extractive industries.
SIPPAD urged local government units across Samar Island to adopt policies that protect the environment, preserve the island’s natural heritage and safeguard the welfare of present and future generations.
