TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Tourism Region 8 announced the region earned about P39.33 billion in tourism revenue inbound tourism expenditures in 2024, marking 24.80% increase from the previous year.

The income was derived from the 1.66 million tourist arrivals in 2024. The tourism office also logged in more than 5.5 million same day guests for the same year.

DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said during the recent ‘Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas’, last year’s numbers show a recovery rate of 95% from pre-pandemic levels, which shows the tourism sector in the region is resilient and is fast recovering from the ravages of the pandemic.

“We have a set target of 17% increase and we have surpassed that at 24% in 2024. Exceeding it again this year is something to look forward to,” Tiopes said.

The increasing tourist arrivals has impacted directly on job creation, sustaining small businesses and contributes to the revenues of the local economy, according to Tiopes.
The provinces’ contribution in tourism arrivals came from Samar with 383,724, Tacloban City with 377,612 and Leyte with P361, 291. Peak season in 2024 was in June and December with 163,062 and 152, 241 arrivals.

Lintaon Peak and the 16,000 Blossoms in Baybay City, Canigao Island in Matalom, Leyte Tagbak Marine Park in Liloan, Southern Leyte are the top three sites in the region with the most tourist arrivals in 2024

With tourism as a largely competitive sector, the tourism office in the region continues to develop new tourism products and enhance existing ones.

“Tourists always look for something new or something different to experience. We need to keep up in this ever changing and very competitive industry,” Tiopes said.

The region’s best tourism destinations are offered as “infinite escapes” of Eastern Visayas. These include Infinite Thrills which are nature and adventure tourism: Infinite Dives featuring the region’s world-class diving sites in the Southern Leyte; Infinite Surf Breaks which can be enjoyed through the first-class surfing sites facing the Pacific Ocean in Eastern Samar.

There are also Infinite Stories which are historical and cultural heritage that abound through Spanish-era churches and cultural festivals all over the region; Infinite Discoveries through several of its world-ranked universities and educational institutions; Infinite Expenditures which feature cruise destinations such as the Kalanggaman Island in Leyte.

Also in the product portfolio are Infinite Road Trips which promotes motorcycle tourism; Infinite Harvests and Eats featuring farm visits and culinary delights; Infinite Meet-Ups which comprise hosting of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
The newest is the Infinite Swings which is a significant segment of the tourism industry, that involves trips where the primary purpose is to play golf, often combining it with leisure and exploring new destinations.

(AHLETTE C. REYES/PIA-8)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Joint Regional Task Force 8 to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF8-ELCAC) outlined its counter-insurgency measures in Eastern Visayas during the ‘Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas’ media conference on Tuesday, March 18.

The discussion highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to curb communist movements and promote sustainable development in conflict-affected areas.

During the media conference, concerns were raised about the remaining capabilities of the members of the New People’s Army (NPA), particularly their potential to mobilize support during the upcoming elections.

Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, assistant chief of staff for Civil-Military Operations of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, detailed measures aimed at preventing these groups from using mass media and other platforms to spread their ideology and gain followers.

“Our Mobile Community Support Sustainment Program continues, with our armed and security forces constantly moving around to ensure that these groups have no access to the masses,” he stated.

Mobile community support teams have been deployed to address security concerns in vulnerable areas, ensuring that communities feel protected and supported in their transition to peace.

Additionally, JRTF8-ELCAC, in collaboration with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) and the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), reaffirmed its commitment to transforming conflict-affected areas into thriving communities.

With significant budget allocations, infrastructure projects, and livelihood programs are being implemented to provide long-term solutions and diminish the appeal of insurgency.
The government also emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of insurgency, such as poverty and lack of economic opportunities, to achieve lasting peace and development.
(LANCE ARCHIE TORING, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the region assures the public that its maintenance crew and field personnel are closely monitoring national roads and bridges affected by the shearline.

The DPWH said that based on the report submitted by various engineering district offices among the roads that were rendered not passable due to the bad weather were the Calubian Jct-San Isidro-Tabango-Villaba-Palompon Road at Brgy. Payao, Villaba, Leyte; and the Wright-Taft-Borongan Road in Eastern Samar.

In Leyte, Bagahupi-Babatngon-Sta. Cruz-Barugo-Carigara Road at Brgy. Pinarigusan, Babatngon; Daang Maharlika at Brgy. Liberty, Mayorga; and the Libungao-Matag-ob-Palompon Road at Brgy. Monte Alegre, Kananga, Leyte.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY-Beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment’s livelihood assistance in Samar expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for bringing government programs and services to Samar through the “Trabaho at Serbisyong Pangkalusugan sa Bagong Pilipinas” held at the Old Manunca Elementary School in Sta. Rita on March 14.

Nonita Mabulac, a farmer-beneficiary from Barangay Igot, Villareal, Samar, expressed heartfelt thanks to Marcos and the national government, saying it was the first time she received livelihood assistance from the government.

“I have been farming since 1978 and our production is not good because we lack farming equipment. But now that I have a carabao, I know it would no longer be the same as 40 years ago, so I am confident that it will greatly help my farming,” she said.

Mabulac, who arrived early at the venue, said that aside from the government assistance, she was also excited to see the president in person.

Mabulac was delighted to see the president and grateful for his visit to Samar. “I’m getting older so I wanted to see the president. I was really happy that I saw him,” she said with a smile.

Mabulac was one of 97 beneficiaries from Villareal, Samar, for DOLE’s livelihood grant amounting to P2,905,150 under its Integrated Livelihood Program for the implementation of diversified projects of marginalized farmers and fisherfolk, such as cattle raising, mussel farming, chicken poultry and provision of fishing equipment.

The distribution of DOLE’s livelihood assistance was one of the highlights of the government’s “Trabaho at Serbisyong Pangkalusugan sa Bagong Pilipinas” Program.

The event also offered services from other government agencies, such as a job fair, a one-stop shop for government services, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program payout, medical and dental services including distribution of assistive devices, and Kadiwa ng Pangulo offering basic goods at affordable prices.
(CBA/PIA Eastern Visayas)