TACLOBAN CITY — In a move to strengthen farm productivity, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods, farmers in Barangay Calaguise, Leyte, Leyte have received key agricultural interventions from the Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office 8 (DA-RFO 8) under the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP).

The assistance, formally turned over to the Calaguise Agriculture Cooperative, included a Solar Drip Irrigation System and a Cacao Nursery, projects aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices while expanding the production of high-value crops in the area.

The turnover was facilitated through the joint efforts of DA-RFO 8, its attached agencies, the Municipal Agriculture Office of Leyte, and other partner stakeholders, underscoring the government’s push for integrated agricultural development at the community level.

DA officials said the Solar Drip Irrigation System is designed to provide an efficient, cost-effective, and climate-resilient solution to water supply challenges, particularly during prolonged dry spells. By optimizing water use, the system is expected to enhance crop yields, reduce production costs, and improve overall farm efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Cacao Nursery is intended to produce high-quality planting materials to support the expansion of cacao farming in Barangay Calaguise and nearby communities. The initiative aims to create additional income opportunities for farmers while contributing to the growth of the region’s cacao industry, which is being promoted as a high-value and export-potential crop.

In a statement, the Calaguise Agriculture Cooperative said the projects were implemented in response to the pressing needs of local farmers, particularly the need for reliable irrigation, diversified crops, and modern farming technologies.

“These interventions will serve as a foundation for agricultural development, strengthening the capacity of beneficiaries and improving the livelihoods of farmers and livestock raisers,” the group said in Filipino.

The cooperative added that the initiatives demonstrate the collective commitment of the government and the agricultural sector toward building a more productive, resilient, and sustainable rural economy.

Aside from the irrigation and cacao projects, the farmers’ group also received post-harvest facilities from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) and benefited from the Swine Industry Recovery Project of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), further enhancing farm productivity and income diversification.

DA officials said these combined interventions are expected to significantly boost food production, increase household incomes, and strengthen the community’s capacity to adapt to climate and market challenges.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Catarman, Northern Samar–Six newly hired and promoted employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSFDEO) formally took their oath of office during a simple ceremony on January 23, 2026 at the DPWH-NSFDEO Conference Room.

District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio led the oath-taking ceremony and congratulated the employees in their appointment and promotion.

“Magtrabaho tayo ng maayos at ipakita natin that we are worthy of the position,” DE Ignacio said.

He also encouraged the new permanent employees to express their gratitude by reciting loudly and boldly the oath of office during the ceremony to demonstrate their appreciation for the opportunity and their commitment to the department’s mission.

Among the new appointees are:

Job Order Personnel to Permanent Position:

Lew M. Guevara-Heavy Equipment Operator; Arturo P. Bido, Jr.-Intrumentman;Vincent Clarence D. Rubenecia-Admin. Asst. II (Disbursing Officer II); Chad Neil M. Marino-Admin. Aide VI (Accounting Clark II); Jethro A. Balading-Admin. Aide VI (Clerk III)

Promoted personnel:

Amelita G. Palejo- from Admin. Officer I (supply Officer I) to Admin. Officer III (supply Officer II)

Section and assistant chiefs also congratulated and welcomed the newly sworn-in employees, imparting advice as they take on their responsibilities in public service.

(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — To make air travel more accessible to the public, the city government of Borongan is set to introduce an online flight booking system for Philippine Airlines (PAL), coinciding with the third anniversary of its partnership with the country’s flag carrier.

The upcoming platform will allow passengers to reserve local government–allotted seats for PAL flights online, eliminating the need to personally visit the Fun Borongan Booking Office.
City officials said the initiative is expected to significantly improve convenience for travelers, especially those coming from far-flung barangays and nearby municipalities.
The announcement followed a meeting between Borongan City officials and PAL executives at the Lucio K. Tan, Jr. (LKTJ) Center, held in line with the airline’s three years of operations in Borongan.

Discussions during the meeting centered on strengthening flight operations and identifying strategies to further promote Borongan City as a major tourism gateway to Eastern Samar.
PAL Vice President for Sales Justin Nicholas Warby, Assistant Vice President for Network Planning Ping Choi Chung, and Senior Specialist for Development and Sales Matthew Mark Llamas met with the Borongan delegation led by acting Mayor Emmanuel Tiu Sonco.

During the meeting, Warby commended Borongan City for being the first local government unit to implement what he described as an efficient partnership model with the airline.
The parties also discussed proposed promotional campaigns targeting Mabuhay Milers, with Borongan’s surfing attractions and its role as the main gateway to Eastern Samar highlighted as key selling points.

Borongan City renewed its partnership with Philippine Airlines on December 19 last year, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining air connectivity and boosting tourism and economic activity.

City officials said the planned online booking system is part of broader innovations in flight operations this year, aimed at making air travel more efficient, inclusive, and accessible for residents and visitors alike.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) based this city is taking steps to further strengthen its renal care services following a mentoring and monitoring visit conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) Technical Working Group (TWG) for Renal Care and Transplant.

The activity was led by Dr. Rose Mari Rosete, chair of the DOH TWG for Renal Care and Transplant, together with nephrologists Dr. Stephanie Andres and Dr. Maria Therese Bad-Ang, and Learsi Ray Afable of the DOH Health Facility Development Bureau (HFDB). Members of the DOH Eastern Visayas Health Facility Development Unit also took part in the assessment.

During the visit, the team evaluated EVMC’s existing renal care facilities and services, providing technical guidance to improve infrastructure, service delivery, and compliance with national standards for renal care.

The mentoring focused on strengthening hospital systems and clinical protocols to ensure safe, effective, and patient-centered treatment for patients with chronic and acute kidney diseases.

EVMC serves as a major referral center for renal care in Eastern Visayas, offering dialysis and other essential treatments to patients from across the region.

Hospital officials said the mentoring and monitoring activity supports EVMC’s ongoing plans to upgrade its specialized healthcare services through close coordination with national experts and health authorities. They added that the recommendations from the DOH team will guide future improvements in renal care facilities and service delivery.

The visit underscored EVMC’s commitment to providing accessible and high-quality renal care, as well as its continued pursuit of excellence in specialized healthcare services for patients in Eastern Visayas.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)