TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office, led by Assistant Regional Director Ma. Margarita Junia, conducted relief operations for the victims of the recent fire in Brgy. 39, Calvary Hill, Tacloban City on February 22, 2025.
The initiative was carried out in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) and was supported by personnel from DPWH-8.
During the relief distribution, Junia expressed her concern for the affected families and emphasized the importance of fire prevention.
“Household things can be bought; money can be earned again. But money cannot buy life. So, let’s be careful,” she said.
Held in Purok 4, Brgy. 39, the relief operation benefited 124 families or 476 individuals, who received relief goods, clothing, portable butane gas stoves, 10 kilos of rice per family, and cooking essentials.
“This may be only a small contribution to help you in your daily needs, but it is a huge step forward for your community to rise again,” Junia said.
In addition to distributing relief items, the DPWH and PCGA teams also organized a feeding program for displaced families.
On February 17, 2025, a fire ravaged approximately 30 houses in Brgy. 39. No one was injured in the incident.
TACLOBAN CITY– The region’s total external trade in goods in October 2024 was posted at USD 475.19 million, 8.5 percent lower than the US$ 519.20 million total trade in October 2023.
Of the total external trade in October 2024, 45.6 percent were exported goods, while 54.2 were imported goods.
With this, the balance of trade in goods (BoT-G) in October 2024 was registered at US$39.46 million, indicating a trade deficit which narrowed by 74.0 percent from USD -151.64 million BoT-G in the same month of 2023.
The value of exports in October 2024 was recorded at USD 217.87 million. This posted an increase of 18.5 percent from US$183.78 million in October 2023. The value of imports in October 2024 declined to US$ 257.32 million, which indicated a decrease of 23.3 percent from US$335.42 million in October 2023.
The total volume of goods exported by the region in October 2024 was 239.14 million kilograms, higher by 208.0 percent compared with the 77.64 million kilograms of exports in October 2023. Copper and articles thereof commodity group dominated the export market with sales which amounted to USD 150.10 million in October 2024.
This accounted 68.9 percent of the total value of exports during the month. The People’s Republic of China was the main export market with US$96.32 million worth of exports (44.2%) in October 2024.
The total volume of goods imported into the region in October 2024 was 229.56 million kilograms, higher by 16.9 percent than the 196.33 million kilograms in October 2023. The commodity group of ores, slag and ash valued at US$206.46 million accounted 80.2 percent of the total value of imports.
The major import supplier was Indonesia which accounted US$74.28 million or 28.9 percent of the total value of imports of the region in October 2024. (PR)
ROTC cadets flash the “Support Mandatory ROTC” banner during the 2025 edition of the Philippine Army ROTC Fancy Drill Competition which was held as one of the pre-128th Philippine Army anniversary activities at the Headquarters Philippine Army Grandstand, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on March 2, 2025. (PHOTO COURTESY)
ROTC cadets flash the “Support Mandatory ROTC” banner during the 2025 edition of the Philippine Army ROTC Fancy Drill Competition which was held as one of the pre-128th Philippine Army anniversary activities at the Headquarters Philippine Army Grandstand, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on March 2, 2025. (PHOTO COURTESY)
FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Philippine Army’s Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) units from 17 Metro Manila-based universities and colleges showcased their masterful performance and showmanship of rifle drills during the 2025 Philippine Army ROTC Fancy Drill Competition which was held as one of the pre-128th Philippine Army Anniversary Activities at the Headquarters Philippine Army Grandstand, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on March 2, 2025.
The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa ROTC Unit bested 16 other Metro Manila-based universities’ ROTC Units that participated in the said competition that featured complex rifle maneuvers, synchronized team movements, and precision timing that highlighted months of rigorous training and discipline. The University of Caloocan City finished as the first runner-up, while the Technological University of the Philippines ROTC Unit copped the second runner-up trophy.
During the ceremony, the Commander, Reserve Command, Philippine Army (RCPA) Maj. Gen. Ramon P. Zagala, commended the participating ROTC cadets for their “incredible display of discipline and skill.” Maj. Gen. Zagala also emphasized the importance of ROTC in contributing to nation-building by developing leaders, promoting community engagement, building character, and encouraging civic engagement that are vital in the overall well-being and development of the nation.
“Take pride in what you have achieved today. This event is a stepping stone for greater achievements in the future. Continue to march forward with excellence and purpose,” the RCPA Commander remarked.
Gearing towards, “Matatag na Sandigan ng Bagong Pilipinas,” the activity highlights the ROTC units as an integral part of the Army’s larger mission in External Security Operations. (PR)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Provincial Government of Northern Samar (PGNS) has awarded 31 nursing students with scholarships under its newly launched PGNS Nursing Scholarship Program (PGNS NSP).
The program covers tuition fees, learning expenses, stipends, and allowances to support aspiring nurses in their education.
Governor Edwin Ongchuan initiated the scholarship to address the shortage of healthcare workers in the province and help achieve the Department of Health’s ideal nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:12.
The program aims to provide financial assistance to indigent but deserving nursing students, enabling them to complete their degrees and improve their economic conditions.
Clarice Morillo from San Roque town, the scholarship is a lifeline to fulfilling her dream.
“As a farmer’s daughter, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to finish my course because nursing is financially demanding. But with this scholarship and my determination, I am hopeful that I will graduate and become the first nurse in my family,” she said.
Another scholar, Ike Kent Caimol from Brgy. 1, Rosario, shared how the program has given him hope.
“Coming from a humble background, this scholarship gives me a new opportunity to pursue my dream in healthcare. I will be forever grateful to my province and our governor for helping me achieve my career goals.”
The PGNS NSP was established through an ordinance authored by Board Member Gilbert Layon.
Governor Ongchuan approved the ordinance in late 2023, followed by the approval of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) in early 2024.
The provincial government allocated P6 million for the initial phase of the scholarship.
Out of 200 applicants, the PGNS NSP Board selected 40 candidates for interviews based on academic performance and financial need. After a panel interview and final assessment, 31 students were chosen for the scholarship.
The PGNS NSP Board is led by OIC Provincial Health Officer Ma. Aurora Dubongco, Provincial Administrator Atty. Efren Sabong, Atty. Mary Grace Royo, and the PGNS NSP Technical Working Group.
MOST SEARCH TOURIST ATTRACTION. The MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte has been named as one of the country’s most searched tourist attractions in the Philippines by the Google Maps. Making it to the list will only further boost the popularity of the historic site, with the statute of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, among others, as its main attraction, says Leyte officials. (TRAVELASIA)
MOST SEARCH TOURIST ATTRACTION. The MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte has been named as one of the country’s most searched tourist attractions in the Philippines by the Google Maps. Making it to the list will only further boost the popularity of the historic site, with the statute of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, among others, as its main attraction, says Leyte officials. (TRAVELASIA)
TACLOBAN CITY – The MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte, has secured the 15th spot in Google Maps’ list of the Top 20 Most Searched Tourist Attractions in the Philippines—a recognition that highlights the growing interest in Leyte’s historical significance.
Frances Anne Petilla, provincial tourism consultant and wife of Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla, welcomed the ranking as a testament to the province’s rich heritage and the ongoing efforts to promote its tourism sector.
“This recognition is heartwarming, as it reflects the growing interest in our province’s rich history and the collective efforts to enhance tourism in Leyte,” Petilla said in a post on her social media account.
“Seeing Leyte’s landmarks receive such recognition motivates us even more to preserve and promote our cultural and historical treasures.”
No data was provided as to the number of visitors at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park, a key historical site, commemorates the return of General Douglas MacArthur and Allied forces on October 20, 1944, during World War II, marking the beginning of the Philippines’ liberation from Japanese occupation.
The site has since become a major tourist attraction, drawing both local and international visitors.
The MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park is situated on a 6.78-hectare area in Barangay Candahug in Palo that features seven double-life-size bronze statues on a man-made pool depicting the return of Gen. Douglas MacArthur in Leyte province.
MacArthur Park was declared a national park on July 12, 1977, through Letter of Instructions No. 572 signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos.
Last year, the Leyte provincial government has allocated P40 million for the rehabilitation of the park which included the construction of a lagoon and restaurants.
Google Maps, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, has been instrumental in showcasing top destinations worldwide.
The platform’s Top 20 Most Reviewed Visitor Attractions in the Philippines features a mix of historical landmarks and natural wonders, with the Quezon Memorial Circle, Magellan’s Cross, and Temple of Leah leading the list.
With its inclusion in this prestigious ranking, the MacArthur Landing Memorial continues to stand as a symbol of bravery and freedom, reinforcing Leyte’s status as a must-visit historical destination in the Philippines.
TACLOBAN CITY – In a move to enhance the operational capabilities of law enforcement across Eastern Visayas, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8), led by Regional Director B/Gen. Jay Cumigad, conducted the ceremonial blessing and turnover of newly issued Philippine National Police (PNP) equipment at the PRO 8 Grandstand, Camp Kangleon, Palo, Leyte, on Monday, February 24.
The blessing of the new equipment was officiated by Major Rey Ibañez, regional pastoral officer, who led prayers for the safe and effective use of the newly procured personnel carriers, communication devices, and other essential gear.
Following the blessing, Cumigad, alongside the Command Group, officially turned over the equipment to representatives from Leyte Police Provincial Office, Samar PPO, Northern Samar PPO, Eastern Samar PPO, Ormoc City Police Office, Southern Leyte PPO, Biliran PPO, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8.
The distribution included 13 units of 4×4 Mitsubishi Triton personnel carriers; 36 units of VHF lowband handheld radios with accessories; 731 units of life vests; 731 units of hardhats; 433 units of raincoats; 450 PNP raincoats; and complete sets of search, rescue, and retrieval (SRR) equipment for the Tacloban City Police Office
In his speech, B/Gen. Cumigad emphasized the importance of equipping police forces with the necessary tools to carry out their duties effectively.
“These assets are critical in carrying out our duties with greater efficiency. Please ensure these are used properly so they may serve their purpose in the long run. These are not just tools or equipment but a symbol of our commitment to serving and protecting our communities,” he said.
The new equipment was funded through the Capability Enhancement Program (CEP) 2024, the Trust Receipts Fund, and the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2024.
