TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial government of Northern Samar is intensifying efforts to secure full licensing of all its Primary Care Facilities (PCFs), moving closer to becoming the first province in Eastern Visayas to achieve 100 percent compliance with national health standards.

Data presented by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed that 19 out of 24 PCFs across the province are now licensed, representing 79 percent accreditation. The remaining five facilities are currently completing documentary and technical requirements, with their respective Rural Health Units (RHUs) finalizing compliance with standards set by the Department of Health (DOH).

The update was reported during the Annual LGU Health Scoreboard Orientation held from February 26 to 27, 2026, at Sumuroy Hall inside the provincial capitol. The activity gathered RHU representatives and local officials to assess compliance with the Seal of Good Local Governance and review progress on priority health programs.

Provincial officials said the push for full licensing underscores their commitment to strengthening the primary healthcare system, ensuring that health facilities meet quality, safety, and service delivery standards mandated by the DOH and supported by PhilHealth.
Among the initiatives highlighted during the orientation was the DOH’s PuroKalusugan Program, which aims to improve access to high-quality, community-centered primary healthcare services, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

Governor Harris Ongchuan reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to building a responsive and well-coordinated healthcare system that benefits all Nortehanons.
The initiative is spearheaded by the PHO in partnership with the DOH, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), PhilHealth, and other partner agencies.

With the remaining facilities now in the final stages of compliance, provincial officials expressed confidence that Northern Samar will soon achieve full licensing of all its Primary Care Facilities—strengthening frontline health services and improving access to essential medical care across the province.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Leyte Normal University (LNU) has taken a historic step in promoting human rights education in the province by signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Commission on Human Rights(CHR)regional office to establish the first-ever Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE) in Leyte.

The ceremonial signing, held at the LNU campus on Feb. 26, was led by CHR-8 OIC Regional Director Atty. Joy Sodusta and LNU president Gil Nicetas Villarino, who represented their respective institutions.

Villarino highlighted that human rights education goes beyond classroom instruction, emphasizing that the principles must be reflected in institutional policies, community engagement, and daily interactions on campus. “This Center represents our commitment to integrate human rights into every facet of university life, from academics to service programs,” he said.

Atty. Sodusta praised LNU’s initiative, noting that the CHRE will enhance collaborative efforts to cultivate a culture grounded in respect for human dignity and social responsibility.
Following the signing, stakeholders participated in an action planning session to operationalize the center and integrate human rights principles across the university’s instruction, research, and extension programs.

Both institutions stressed that the partnership underscores a shared commitment to academic excellence anchored in social responsibility while advancing human rights advocacy through the establishment of the CHRE, setting a benchmark for other university.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Residents and businesses in this city now have a one-stop shop for both home and mobile connectivity services following the opening of the first-ever co-located PLDT and Smart store in the city. The new facility is located at Level 1, Annex Building, Robinsons Place Tacloban, Marasbaras, and is fully operational to serve customers from the city and neighboring areas.

Designed as a unified touchpoint, the co-located store allows clients to complete transactions in fewer steps, streamlining applications for PLDT Fiber, Smart mobile services, and addressing technical inquiries in a single visit.

“This store is a testament to our dedication to the city of Tacloban. Beyond providing connectivity, we strive to be a catalyst for our customers’ success, guiding our team to ensure that every visitor leaves the store in a better position to achieve their goals,” said Melissa Cuadra, AVP/Center Head for Retail Operations and Transformation at Smart, in a statement.

Anna Fernando, AVP for Home Retail Management at PLDT, emphasized that the store is more than a service counter. “It’s a reliable hub where fiber solutions and personal support are always within reach, helping families, schools, and businesses stay connected and move forward with confidence,” she said.

The co-located store is part of the PLDT Group’s broader strategy to expand accessible, high-quality connectivity solutions tailored to the evolving needs of local communities, reinforcing their commitment to bridging the digital divide in Eastern Visayas.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

ORMOC CITY— A drinking session in Sitio Tamburusan, Barangay Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar turned deadly early Sunday morning, March 1, when a construction worker was fatally stabbed following an altercation during a drinking spree.

The victim, alias “Rodney,” 39, single, a construction worker and resident of Brgy. Dalakit, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the suspect, alias “Joseph,” 24, a laborer with a live-in partner from the same barangay, voluntarily surrendered to police shortly after the incident.

According to initial investigation by Catarman police, the incident unfolded around 2:30 a.m. when Rodney joined a drinking session with Joseph and another companion, identified only as “Jose.” A dispute erupted after Rodney allegedly attacked Jose, prompting a scuffle.
Police said Rodney then brandished a knife, locally known as a “dipang,” to threaten the group. Joseph tried to calm him down, but the altercation escalated. During the struggle, Joseph managed to wrestle the knife from Rodney and, in the ensuing confrontation, stabbed him multiple times in the left abdomen, causing instantaneous death.

The weapon used in the stabbing was recovered by authorities, and Joseph remains in custody at Catarman Municipal Police Station pending proper legal disposition.
Police continue to investigate the incident and are treating it as a case of homicide arising from an alcohol-fueled dispute.

(ROBERT DEJON)