BARUGO, Leyte — The SM Foundation has opened the first Wellness Hub in Eastern Visayas at the Barugo Municipal Hospital, boosting healthcare services for children and senior citizens in the town.

The facility, formally turned over to the local government on Thursday, July 30, is designed to provide a more comfortable and patient-friendly environment while expanding the hospital’s capacity to serve pediatric and geriatric patients.

SM Foundation Executive Director Connie Angeles said the wellness hub underscores the foundation’s commitment to improving healthcare access in underserved communities. She also assured local officials that the foundation would continue assisting in the facility’s maintenance.

Aside from the wellness hub, the foundation donated laptops to the hospital to support the establishment of an electronic medical records system, making hospital operations more efficient and improving patients’ access to PhilHealth services.

According to SM Foundation Senior Project Manager Engr. Albert Uy, the P4-million project was built based on the healthcare priorities identified by the local government. Construction started in February 2026 and increased the hospital’s capacity from six to 14 beds.

Mayor Aaron Balais welcomed the project, saying it strengthens the municipality’s healthcare program for children and senior citizens, who are among the community’s most vulnerable sectors.

The Wellness Hub is the 10th established by the SM Foundation nationwide and the first to serve communities in Eastern Visayas.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office has completed an assessment of key destinations in Leyte, Biliran, and Southern Leyte as part of preparations for the expected return of French luxury cruise operator Compagnie du Ponant during the 2027-2028 expedition cruise season.

Conducted in partnership with TravelPeople Ltd. Inc., the assessment evaluated the readiness of the municipalities of Caibiran in Biliran, Limasawa in Southern Leyte, and Hindang and Inopacan in Leyte to host international cruise passengers.

The team inspected tourism attractions, port facilities, accessibility, visitor amenities, and potential shore excursion sites to determine whether the destinations meet the standards for luxury expedition cruises.

In Caibiran, the assessment covered the Fishing Village, Tomalistis Falls, and an abaca farm, while in Limasawa, the team visited Magallanes Port, Dakdak Beach Resort, the First Mass Shrine, the Boulevard, and Adrian’s Cove.

The final leg of the inspection was conducted in Hindang and Inopacan, where the team met with local tourism officials and Hindang Mayor Elpidio Cabal Jr. to discuss preparations and strengthen coordination for the expected arrival of international cruise visitors.

According to DOT Eastern Visayas, the assessment is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that the region’s destinations are ready to accommodate luxury cruise passengers and expand Eastern Visayas’ presence in the international cruise tourism market.

Compagnie du Ponant first visited Eastern Visayas in 2018 when its expedition vessel L’Austral called at Himokilan and Mahaba islands,both in Inopacan, Leyte. The cruise line is now evaluating the region for the deployment of two luxury expedition ships during the 2027-2028 cruise season.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Catarman N. Samar– Promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs), the Department of Public Works and Highways–Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSFDEO) conducted a forum-seminar at Sabina’s Coco Farm on July 24, 2026 as part of the observance of the 48th National Disability Rights Week.

This year’s theme, “Rights First, Legislation Forward: Strategic Action for Equal Participation and Inclusive Development,” highlights the need for legal and policy measures that secure full participation for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Pursuant to Proclamation No. 597 s. 2024, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., National Disability Rights Week promotes awareness of the rights and welfare of PWDs and calls on national agencies, local government units, the private sector, and other stakeholders to take concrete steps toward a more inclusive and equitable Philippines.
As part of the celebration of the 48th National Disability Rights Week, the District Office conducted a seminar-forum to promote awareness and understanding among its employees.

One of the highlights of the activity was the lecture delivered by the distinguished resource speaker, Atty. Albert P. Yruma, a respected judge, law lecturer, and passionate advocate for the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

In his presentation, Judge Yruma underscored the event’s theme, which focused on the rights of PWDs and disability-related legislation. He emphasized the importance of the Rights-Based Model, explaining that the recognition and protection of rights must always precede and guide legislative advancements to ensure equal opportunities and full participation for persons with disabilities.

“On my part as an advocate of the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs), it is my honor and privilege to be part of any celebration so that I can also share some insights and my experiences in conection with the application of the different laws relative to PWDs,” Judge Yruma said.

His discussion covered key topics, including the Core Vision for disability inclusion, Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, the different types of disabilities, policy models on disability, barriers to inclusive development, and the rights addressing the holistic aspects of the lives of PWDs. He also highlighted the rights to auxiliary social services under RA 7277; political and civil rights under RA 7277, RA 10366, and COMELEC Resolution No. 10486; transportation accessibility under Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 (BP 344); accessibility standards for public and private infrastructures; discount privileges under Republic Act No. 10754; protection against ridicule and vilification under Republic Act No. 9442; the role of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in enforcing disability-related laws; and strategic actions for fostering inclusive development. Concluding his lecture, Judge Yruma encouraged all participants to support the enforcement of PWD-related Laws towards equal participation and inclusive Development.

Following the discussion, an interactive question-and-answer portion was conducted to address issues and provide clarifications on the topics discussed.

Meanwhile, District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio highlighted the significance of the activity.
“The Department cannot afford to overlook this significant event. As the government’s engineering arm, the DPWH is responsible to delivering infrastructure facilities that are accessible to all, especially for persons with disabilities.” DE Ignacio said.

He also reminded employees to uphold the principles of equality and inclusion by treating persons with disabilities with dignity and respect, recognizing them as equal members of society.

Since 2018, DPWH-Northern Samar 1st DEO has employed two persons with disability (PWDs), making it one of the government offices in the province that actively promotes inclusive employment and equal opportunity.

(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)

ORMOC CITY-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) joined the observance of the 48th National Disability Rights Week with the theme: “Rights First, Legislation Forward: Strategic Action for Equal Participation and Inclusive Development” on Friday, July 17, 2026.

In solidarity with the celebration, all employees wore blue the whole day to symbolize their support. They also attended a Persons with Disability (PWD) Sensitivity Lecture conducted by Mr. Chito Katangkatang, Training Director of Big Minds Training. The lecture provided participants with a deeper understanding of disability rights and inclusion, covering the fundamentals of disability rights, the distinction between rights-based and charity-based approaches, and the importance of creating an inclusive environment in the delivery of government services. (PR)