TACLOBAN CITY — The city government of Calbayog has launched an online registry aimed at strengthening communication with its residents working abroad, particularly those in areas affected by conflict or crisis.
At least 170 Calbayognons currently living or working in the Middle East have already registered in the I-Konek Calbayog Registry Portal, a digital platform designed to build a database of the city’s overseas residents.
City officials said the initiative was developed by the local government through its Local Planning and Development Office to ensure that Calbayognons abroad can be easily contacted during emergencies.
According to the city government, the registry will allow authorities to send timely advisories, updates, and assistance programs to overseas residents, especially those in regions experiencing political unrest or humanitarian emergencies.
The program is being implemented with the support of Mayor Raymund Uy and Vice Mayor Rex Daguman as part of efforts to strengthen the protection and welfare of migrant workers from the city.
Officials said the portal also aims to keep overseas Calbayognons connected with the city’s programs and development initiatives while allowing them to remain involved in the cultural, social, and economic life of their hometown.
The local government is encouraging more Calbayognons abroad—particularly those in the Middle East—to register in the portal to help expand the city’s support and communication network for migrant residents.
Authorities said maintaining an updated database of overseas residents will help the city government respond more effectively and provide assistance should emergencies or crises arise in the countries where they are working.
TACLOBAN CITY — Individuals aspiring to join the country’s firefighting and jail management services may now apply for the Fire Officer Examination (FOE) and Penology Officer Examination (POE) set on June 7, 2026, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced.
In a public advisory released Friday, March 6, the CSC said the application period will run from March 9 to April 8, 2026, with applicants required to file their applications at offices of the Civil Service Commission National Capital Region and its field offices nationwide.
The FOE and POE are eligibility examinations required for individuals seeking entry-level positions in the government’s uniformed services, particularly in the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
According to the commission, applicants must first secure an appointment through the CSC’s eServe system, an online platform used to manage and schedule transactions with the agency during the filing period.
Interested applicants are advised to create an account through the eServe portal at services.csc.gov.ph in order to book their appointment before proceeding to CSC offices for the submission of their requirements.
The CSC said only applicants with confirmed eServe appointments will be accommodated, as part of efforts to streamline the application process and regulate the number of clients visiting CSC offices.
Limited appointment slots through the eServe system started to become available as early as March 7, ahead of the official opening of the filing period.
The commission encouraged aspiring applicants to secure their online appointment slots as early as possible to avoid delays in filing their applications.
The Department of Budget and Management Regional Office VIII (DBM-RO8) successfully convened the Regional Budget Forum for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget Preparation held at The Tropics, McArthur Park Resort, Candahug, Palo, Leyte last February 10, 2026. The activity was attended by various representatives from National and Regional Government Agencies, including the Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWHNSSDEO). The Office was represented by Engr. Joseph C. Romance, Chief, Planning and Design Section; Ms. Maria Lourdes L. Sebanes, Administrative Officer IV (Budget Officer II); and Engr. Jesther Dhiann P. Sosing. Their participation underscores the Office’s commitment to sound fiscal planning and to ensuring alignment with national and regional development priorities.
The program formally commenced with an inspiring opening message from Director Imelda C. Laceras, of the Department of Budget and Management-Regional Office 8 (DBM-RO8), who underscored the importance of strategic planning, fiscal discipline, and results-oriented budgeting in achieving sustainable development goals for the Region.
This was followed by the keynote message delivered by Hon. Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, Chairperson of Regional Development Council (RDC) VIII, who emphasized the crucial role of collaboration among agencies in aligning budget proposals with the region’s priority programs and development agenda.
Assistant Director Aleli N. Hernandez then presented the “FY 2027 Budget Preparation at a Glance,” providing participants with an overview of the budget framework, timelines, and policy directions guiding the upcoming fiscal year.
A series of comprehensive discussions were followed: a) Preparation of the FY 2027 Budget: Guidelines on the Foundation of Tier 1 and Tier 2 was discussed by Ms. Mylene G. De Veyra, Supervising Budget and Management Specialist (BMS), who clarified the distinctions between ongoing commitments (Tier 1) and new or expanded programs (Tier 2), ensuring agencies properly align their proposals with national priorities; b) Conduct of Program Convergence Budgeting was tackled by Mr. Neuman M. Gallardo, Supervising BMS, highlighting the importance of inter-agency coordination to avoid duplication and maximize resource utilization; c) Budget Preparation Forms and Instructions (Updates) were presented by Ms. Rizza Joy D. Barras, Administrative Officer V, detailing revisions and technical requirements for accurate and compliant submission; and d) Submission Requirements and Budget Preparation Calendar were explained by Ms. Rhona B. Capatoy, Supervising BMS, stressing adherence to timelines to facilitate a smooth evaluation and review process.
The discussion on the 2026 Fund Release Guidelines (NBC No. 599 dated January 05, 2026) was delivered by Mr. Emilio M. Albos III, Chief Administrative Officer, providing agencies with updated policies governing fund release and execution to ensure accountability and efficiency.
The forum concluded with closing remarks from Assistant Director Hernandez, who reiterated the significance of timely, transparent, and performance-informed budget preparation.
The Regional Budget Forum served as a vital platform for strengthening collaboration, enhancing technical capacity, and ensuring that the FY 2027 budget proposals are responsive, strategic, and development-focused for Eastern Visayas.
TACLOBAN CITY — The City Veterinary Office(CVO), this city, has rolled out a series of activities this March to strengthen rabies prevention and promote responsible pet ownership as part of the nationwide observance of Rabies Awareness Month.
The campaign, which runs from March 2 to 27, 2026, includes free veterinary services, information drives, and community activities aimed at protecting both animals and residents from rabies and other zoonotic diseases.
According to the CVO, the initiative is anchored on the theme “Rabies-free na Pusa’t Aso, Kaligtasan ng Pamilyang Pilipino!”, emphasizing that the health of pets directly contributes to the safety of families and communities.
As part of its strengthened animal control efforts, the office is also set to implement a Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release (CNVR) program designed to manage stray animal populations while preventing the spread of rabies.
The program is supported by a local ordinance that promotes animal welfare and disease prevention. Under the policy, barangay chairpersons are designated as key local authorities responsible for overseeing animal welfare programs and supporting rabies control initiatives within their respective communities.
The veterinary office said the campaign also aims to increase public participation in anti-rabies vaccination programs and encourage residents to practice responsible pet ownership.
Among the major activities lined up for the month are free anti-rabies vaccination drives, spay and neuter services for cats on March 13, and free castration services for dogs on March 19, which will be conducted at the veterinary office.
To improve public awareness, the office will also conduct Information, Education and Communication (IEC) sessions for barangay nutrition scholars, health workers, and daycare personnel to help disseminate rabies prevention information at the community level.
Meanwhile, an “I Love My Pet Day” celebration is scheduled on March 25 at Robinsons North Tacloban, where pet owners and animal lovers are expected to gather to celebrate responsible pet care and strengthen community support for animal welfare.
The city government said the activities form part of its continuing efforts to achieve a rabies-free city through sustained vaccination, education, and community involvement.
TACLOBAN CITY — Hundreds of participants from government agencies, civil society groups, and various sectors joined a Women’s Walk early Friday morning, March 6, as the city formally kicked off the celebration of National Women’s Month.
Spearheaded by the Tacloban city government, the unity walk began at around 5 a.m. along Magsaysay Boulevard and proceeded through Real Street before culminating at the Tacloban City Convention Center.
The activity forms part of the nationwide observance led by the Philippine Commission on Women, which highlights the vital role of women in nation-building and advocates for gender equality and women empowerment.
This year’s celebration carries the theme “We for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society,” emphasizing the need to expand economic opportunities and ensure equal participation for women in all sectors while promoting inclusive development.
The campaign also highlights the subtheme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipina,” encouraging women to draw inspiration from the babaylan, the respected female spiritual and community leaders in pre-colonial Philippine society, known for their wisdom, leadership, and role in guiding their communities.
Participants in the walk included barangay officials, employees of the city government, and representatives from several partner agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government in Tacloban, Tacloban City Police Office, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology female dormitory personnel, the Philippine Information Agency, members of the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, among others.
Ednadette Morado, a barangay council member and focal person on Violence Against Women (VAW), said joining activities such as the women’s walk helps highlight the growing role of women in society.
“The women’s walk shows that women are not just women, but a huge contributing factor that gives balance in our society. Today, women are already empowered and part of decision-making in many aspects of community life,” Morado said.
Following the walk, participants gathered in front of the convention center for a Zumba session, further energizing the morning celebration.
During the program, Visitacion Giva, city director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in Tacloban, emphasized that the pursuit of gender equality remains a continuing journey that requires collective effort.
“Every step we take during the women’s walk reminds us that the journey towards equality is ongoing. It is shaped by courage, determination, and the collective effort of women and men working together to build a more just and inclusive society,” she said.
LANDSLIDE. Heavy rains spawned by the low pressure area resulted in a landslide incident in San Ricardo, Southern Leyte. The bad weather has also forced several local government units in Eastern Visayas.(PHOTO COURTESY)
LANDSLIDE. Heavy rains spawned by the low pressure area resulted in a landslide incident in San Ricardo, Southern Leyte. The bad weather has also forced several local government units in Eastern Visayas.(PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — Several local government units across Eastern Visayas suspended classes on Monday, March 9, as persistent rains triggered by a weather disturbance raised concerns over flooding and landslides in parts of the region.
The suspensions came after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), an agency under the Department of Science and Technology, warned of moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms affecting Eastern Visayas due to the trough of a low-pressure area combined with the northeast monsoon.
In General Flood Advisory No. 2 issued at 6 a.m. Monday, Pagasa said the continuous rains within the next 12 hours could cause rivers and tributaries in several areas to swell, increasing the risk of flooding.
Among the areas being closely monitored are river systems in Borongan City in Eastern Samar, Catbalogan City in Samar, and Tacloban City in Leyte, as well as other flood-prone areas across the region.
The weather bureau also urged residents living near mountain slopes and low-lying communities to remain vigilant for possible flash floods and landslides, particularly in the provinces of Eastern Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Southern Leyte, and Northern Samar.
In response to the adverse weather, several municipalities ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes to ensure the safety of students and school personnel.
In Sogod, Southern Leyte, authorities suspended in-person classes from kindergarten to senior high school in both public and private schools until further notice due to continuous rainfall and a yellow rainfall warning issued by Pagasa.
Classes at all levels were also suspended in Libagon, Southern Leyte due to heavy rains affecting the municipality.
Similarly, the local government of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte suspended classes in all public and private schools following Pagasa’s heavy rainfall warning.
The suspension in Hinunangan includes both teaching and non-teaching personnel, except those required for emergency response and safety operations as determined by school heads.
In San Miguel, Leyte, officials also ordered the suspension of classes in all levels across the municipality due to the expected bad weather.
The suspension covers teaching and non-teaching personnel under the Department of Education in the San Miguel District, although employees in government offices were directed to report to work to ensure uninterrupted public services.
Meanwhile, the municipal government also moved the scheduled municipal parade and presentations originally set for Monday to March 10 at 7 a.m., while a planned bloodletting activity will proceed as scheduled with safety measures in place.
Classes were likewise suspended in Llorente, Hernani, Balangiga, Gen. MacArthur, Quinapondan, Eastern Samar following the recommendation of the local Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) due to worsening weather conditions.
The continuous downpour also triggered a landslide that blocked a road in Sitio Caingin, Barangay Pinut-an in San Ricardo, Southern Leyte early Monday, authorities reported.
No residents were in the area at the time of the incident and no injuries were reported. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office noted that the area is chronically prone to landslides, especially during periods of prolonged rainfall.
Motorists were advised to avoid the affected road as heavy rains continue to affect the province.
Pagasa said the rains are being enhanced by the trough of a low-pressure area located outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, which is influencing weather conditions across Eastern Visayas.
Local disaster officials said they will continue to monitor the situation closely and issue further advisories if necessary, while urging residents and travelers to remain cautious, particularly in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas, until the weather improves.
