Catarman N. Samar– The Department of Public Works and Highways-Northern Samar 1st DEO joins the nation in celebrating the month of May as “Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month,” in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 818, s. 2025.

This month-long observance aims to promote transparency, accountability, and responsive government service delivery to enhance the ease of doing business across the country.
As part of the kickoff activities, DPWH-NSFDEO displayed the official EODB Month roll-up banner at the customer service area and main building façade to promote awareness.

On the first Monday of the month of May 2026, the district also incorporated a dedicated segment during the Flag Raising Ceremony, wherein the Public Information designate Ms. Analiza A. Pabia briefly discussed the agency’s commitments to ease of doing business, presented client experience and satisfaction, showcased strategic thrusts which are strictly aligned with RA 11032 and a brief overview of the scheduled EODB month activities to ensure maximum participation and awareness among all personnel.

Meanwhile, District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio urged all personnel to remain citizen-centered in the delivery of public service and encouraged them to actively participate in and extend full support to Ease of Doing Business (EODB)-related activities.

(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — The municipality of Arteche, Eastern Samar has been recognized nationally after its “One Barangay, One Gulay Program” was named among the Top 10 Outstanding Anti-Hunger Initiatives during the Walang Gutom Awards organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) held on Tuesday, May 12.

The recognition came with a P2-million grant that will support the expansion and strengthening of the municipality’s food sustainability and community gardening programs.
Acting Mayor Roland “Boie” Bowad Evardone and Municipal Agriculturist Antonio Luceres Jr. received the award on behalf of the local government unit during the awarding ceremony, where Evardone presented Arteche’s anti-hunger initiative before a panel of judges.

The “One Barangay, One Gulay Program” promotes backyard and community gardening as a strategy to improve food security and ensure that families in every barangay have access to fresh and nutritious food. The initiative encourages participation from residents, farmers, barangay officials, and local government agencies in sustaining vegetable production at the community level.

Local officials said the program has become a model of grassroots collaboration in addressing hunger and promoting self-sufficiency among communities.

Arteche was the only municipality from Eastern Samar included among the national awardees. Also recognized during the Walang Gutom Awards were the local government units of Palompon and Baybay City, both in Leyte.

The Walang Gutom Awards is a joint initiative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Galing Pook Foundation in support of the national government’s campaign to achieve a hunger-free Philippines.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Authorities in Northern Samar confiscated nearly P2 million worth of undocumented lumber and arrested one individual during an anti-illegal logging operation in Barangay San Juan, San Isidro town on Wednesday evening, May 13.

The operation was led by the Police Regional Office 8 in coordination with the San Isidro Municipal Police Station and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–CENRO Catarman, following reports of alleged storage and use of lumber without proper permits.

Police identified the arrested suspect only as alias “Wil,” a resident of San Isidro, Northern Samar, who allegedly failed to present legal documents proving the source of the lumber, in violation of Presidential Decree No. 705 or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines.
Authorities said the recovered materials were intended for the construction of a pump boat.
Seized during the operation were 258 pieces of assorted lumber with an estimated volume of 7,041.41 board feet and a market value of about P1,960,896. Police also recovered an unfinished pump boat made of Yakal and Lauan lumber, additional stockpiled sawn wood, and two chainsaws.

PRO-8 Director B/Gen. Jason Capoy said the operation reflects the continuing effort of law enforcement agencies to intensify the campaign against illegal logging and environmental violations.

“We remain committed to strengthening coordination with concerned agencies to protect the environment and ensure that violators of environmental laws are held accountable,” he said.

The suspect is now facing appropriate charges and remains under police custody.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Preparations are underway for the return of the Grand Santacruzan 2026, one of the city’s most anticipated religious and cultural celebrations, set on May 30, 2026, at the Tacloban City Hall grounds.

Organized by the Tacloban City Tourism Operations Office, this year’s celebration carries the theme “Light and Hope: The Luminous Journey of Taclobanon Faith,” highlighting the enduring Christian devotion associated with the traditional Santacruzan procession.

The event commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by St. Helena, symbolized in the procession by Reyna Elena, who will be accompanied by a young boy portraying Prince Constantine, representing faith and devotion in Christian tradition.

The grand parade will feature biblical characters and symbolic representations of virtues, continuing a cultural practice deeply rooted in Filipino Catholic heritage.

To encourage participation, the city government will provide a P50,000 subsidy to each barangay joining the procession, based on the information from the City Information Office.
Participating barangays include Barangay 65 Paseo de Legaspi, Barangay 62-B Sagkahan, Barangay 62 Saging, Barangay 100 San Roque, Barangay 35-A Pampango Street, Barangay 83-B Cogon San Jose, Barangay 105 Suhi San Isidro, and Barangay 43-B Quarry District.
Organizers have also encouraged participants to use soft pastel colors, floral designs, and gentle lighting in their presentations to reflect the event’s theme of light, hope, and spiritual renewal.

The Grand Santacruzan remains a significant tradition in Tacloban City, showcasing the city’s strong faith, cultural identity, and community unity through generations.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)