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P37.6M debts of EV agrarian beneficiaries condoned

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Some 899 agrarian reform beneficiaries across Eastern Visayas received certificates of condonation with release of mortgage (COCROMs) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), freeing them from debt, during the conduct of Handog ng Pangulo Serbisyong Sapat para sa Lahat held in every province of Region 8. (JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA)
Some 899 agrarian reform beneficiaries across Eastern Visayas received certificates of condonation with release of mortgage (COCROMs) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), freeing them from debt, during the conduct of Handog ng Pangulo Serbisyong Sapat para sa Lahat held in every province of Region 8. (JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA)
PALO, Leyte – More than P37.6 million of unpaid land amortizations, including interests, of 899 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) across Eastern Visayas were condoned with the distribution of 924 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROMs) covering an aggregate area of 1,367.76 hectares during Saturday’s “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat para sa Lahat.”
This event, in line with the 68th birthday of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., gathered government agencies in one venue for each province nationwide, where the public can avail of their services.
In Leyte, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Assistant Secretary, Vinci Araullo Beltran, led the distribution of 501 COCROMs, at the Leyte Convention Complex, which discharged P24.3 million of debts of 500 ARBs from the towns of Abuyog, Alangalang, Barugo, Baybay, Calubian, Capoocan, Dulag, Jaro, La Paz, Leyte, Merida, Pastrana, San Miguel, Sta. Fe, Tunga, Villaba and the City of Tacloban. DAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director, Atty. Robert Anthony Yu and Leyte’s fifth district board member, Atty. Carlo Loreto, assisted Beltran.
ARB Allan Murillo, 50, from Alangalang, Leyte, was overwhelmed to learn that he is no longer going to pay his remaining P43,320.96 unpaid land amortization. He expressed gratitude to President Bongbong Marcos for this development, and greeted him a happy birthday.
On July 7, 2023, the President signed Republic Act No. 11953, otherwise known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which condoned P57.557 billion principal debts of 610,054 ARBs across the country incurred from the land awarded to them under agrarian reform programs.
Meanwhile, Yu disclosed that 300 COCROMs were handed on the same day to 280 ARBs from Southern Leyte at the Southern Leyte Provincial Capitol Gym in Maasin City condoning P5.8 million of debts.
In Biliran, Yu added, 123 COCROMs were likewise handed at the Naval Municipal Gymnasium to 119 ARBs, erasing P2.1 million of unpaid land amortization.
Yu stressed that this condonation of amortizations for the awarded lands under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), contributes largely to the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), a whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace in the countryside.
(JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA)

GCash and InvestaTrade partner to make investing easier for every Filipino

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GCash and InvestaTrade launch an upgraded GStocks platform for an easier investing experience within the GCash app.

Redefining how first-time investors enter the market, GCash upgrades its GStocks feature with new partner InvestaTrade, the stock trading arm of Investa, known for its beginner-friendly approach to financial education and stock market awareness.

While the level of Filipinos’ interest and adoption toward investing has grown in recent years, participation in the stock market is still not widespread. According to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), the number of stock market accounts in the PSE reached 2.86 million, with 99% belonging to local investors as of June 2024. For perspective, this represents only about 4.1% of the country’s roughly 70 million adult population.

The new partnership aims to change that. Powered by InvestaTrade, GStocks introduces a simplified investing experience within the GCash app, allowing Filipinos to easily register, fund their accounts, and start investing in local stocks—all in just a few minutes.

The upgraded GStocks experience also aims to drive stronger literacy and ease stock selection with a more intuitive platform that features built-in educational content. The platform is also designed to be as user-friendly and accessible as possible, even to first-time investors.

“Financial tools only work if people actually feel ready to use them. This partnership is about meeting people where they are and giving them room to grow at their own pace,” General Manager for Wealth Management at GCash, Arjun Varma, said.

The partnership with InvestaTrade brings additional credibility and community-based learning to the platform. Since 2015, Investa has built a reputation for offering accessible tools, market insights, and educational content aimed at helping everyday Filipinos make sense of the stock market.

“We’ve always believed that investing should be made accessible for every Filipino. This has been our mission since day one. This collaboration allows us to take what we’ve built at Investa—tools, education, and a supportive community—and make it available to a wider audience through GCash,” Investa CEO and co-founder JC Bisnar said.

“This collaboration also highlights the importance of technology in making investing more accessible. By leveraging the seamless experience and advanced features of the InvestaTrade platform, in synergy with GCash, we aim to simplify the learning curve and equip first-time and experienced users alike with reliable tools,” said Investa CTO and co-founder Airwyn Tin.

The new GStocks PH powered by InvestaTrade officially launches September 15 as part of GCash’s broader mission to make investing a stronger habit and a part of everyday life for all Filipinos.
Through this, GCash is helping turn what was once an intimidating topic into a practical step toward financial growth, empowering more Filipinos to build a stronger, more secure future.(PR)

Leyte unveils 18 candidates for Miss Universe Philippines 2025 pageant

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MISS U. The organizers of the Miss Universe Philippines- Leyte entered an agreement with the provincial government of Leyte for the holding of the said pageant with tourism-related programs of the province, among others, will be promoted during the conduct of the pageant. Frances Anne Petilla, wife of Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla, who serves as provincial tourism consultant, welcomed the group.(PHOTO COURTESY)
MISS U. The organizers of the Miss Universe Philippines- Leyte entered an agreement with the provincial government of Leyte for the holding of the said pageant with tourism-related programs of the province, among others, will be promoted during the conduct of the pageant. Frances Anne Petilla, wife of Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla, who serves as provincial tourism consultant, welcomed the group.(PHOTO COURTESY)

TACLOBAN CITY — Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) Leyte has officially unveiled the 18 candidates vying for this year’s highly anticipated provincial pageant, with each contestant representing their respective towns and cities. The winner will carry Leyte’s banner at the national Miss Universe Philippines competition.

The candidates are Alexandra Juanillo (Merida), Fathe Margaretti Ali (Inopacan), Claire Mascariñas (La Paz), Sheena Margarette Abayabay (Baybay), Alyssa Taala (Dulag), Julia Tiarra (Kananga), Denise Armamento (Tacloban), Alexandra Bianca Creer (Tanauan), Joana Marie Casuela (Mayorga), Rhealei Amarilla (Abuyog), Liza Corazon Lehren (Calubian), Jammie Dorothy Astorga (Barugo), Shaan Morata (Ormoc), Princess Miller (Capoocan), Diane Kornikuva Dacalos (Isabel), Tsina Dadios (Albuera), Gieselle Viador (San Miguel), and Kareyl Mae Cabahug (Javier).

This year’s pageant, which has a theme, “Anyag Leyte: Ani ngan Kauswagan” (Beauty of Leyte: Harvest and Progress), aims to go beyond beauty and competition, highlighting Leyte’s vibrant tourism and agriculture industries. Now under the management of IM Travel and Tours, the organizers promise to transform the event into a platform for community development by showcasing the province’s scenic destinations and agricultural abundance.
“We want to emphasize not only tourism but also agriculture,” said Rochelle Alfonso, president of MUPH Leyte. “This aligns with the provincial government’s goal to support farmers and showcase Leyte’s true treasures.”

This week, the MUPH Leyte organization signed a memorandum of agreement with Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla, representing the provincial government.
Under the partnership, the provincial government will integrate MUPH Leyte’s initiatives into its tourism and cultural campaigns, while MUPH Leyte will promote the province’s heritage, products, and destinations throughout the national pageant and related events.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Rep. Libanan retains post as House minority leader after unanimous vote

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4Ps Party-list Representative Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan
4Ps Party-list Representative Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan

TACLOBAN CITY — 4Ps Party-list Representative Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan has been re-elected as House Minority Leader after receiving a unanimous vote from the 27-member minority bloc of the House of Representatives.

Libanan’s re-election was decided in a caucus held shortly after Isabela Rep. Faustino Dy III was chosen as the new House Speaker, following the resignation of Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez from the country’s fourth-highest elective post.

The minority bloc is composed of House members who did not support Dy’s election as Speaker.

Among those who voted for Libanan were Representatives Arlene Bag-ao (Dinagat Islands), Edgar Erice (Caloocan City), Cielo Krisel Lagman (Albay), Jesus Suntay (Quezon City), Audrey Kay Zubiri (Bukidnon), Christopher Sheen Gonzales (Eastern Samar), Stephen James Tan (Samar), Reynolds Michael Tan (Samar), Niko Raul Daza (Northern Samar), Leila de Lima (Mamamayang Liberal), Jose Manuel Diokno (Akbayan), Percival Cendaña (Akbayan), Dadah Kiram Ismula (Akbayan), Paolo Henry Marcoleta (Sagip), Jonathan Clement Abalos II (4Ps), Presley de Jesus (Philreca), Sergio Dagooc (Apec), Antonio Tinio (ACT-Teachers), Renee Louise Co (Kabataan), Roberto Gerard Nazal Jr. (Bagong Henerasyon), Jernie Jett Nisay (Pusong Pinoy), Allan Ty (LPGMA), Terry Ridon (Bicol Saro), Elijah San Fernando (Kamanggagawa), Arlyn Ayon (Swerte), and Iris Marie Montes (4K).

Libanan first assumed the House Minority Leader position in 2022 and has since been active in pushing for legislative measures on social welfare, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

 

Rep. Ongchuan moves transfer of tourism infra projects to DOT

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TOURISM ROAD. Northern Samar Rep. Edwin Ongchuan is urging the return of the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP) to the Department of Tourism (DOT) after it was transferred to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Shown in photo is the construction of an access road leading to Matikawol Falls in Mapanas town, Northern Samar, with a budget of P10 million. (Serbisyo Publiko News and Information Online)

Following DPWH’s flood control projects

TOURISM ROAD. Northern Samar Rep. Edwin Ongchuan is urging the return of the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP) to the Department of Tourism (DOT) after it was transferred to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Shown in photo is the construction of an access road leading to Matikawol Falls in Mapanas town, Northern Samar, with a budget of P10 million.
(Serbisyo Publiko News and Information Online)

TACLOBAN CITY – Northern Samar Representative Edwin Ongchuan(2ND district) has urged Congress to transfer the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP) back to the Department of Tourism (DoT), saying the shift would ensure better alignment with tourism priorities and reduce implementation problems that have hounded the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Speaking at the House committee on appropriations hearing on September 2, 2025, Ongchuan pressed for stronger funding and policy support for the DoT as Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco presented the agency’s proposed 2026 budget.

“Tourism is one of our strongest engines of job creation and regional growth. But without reliable infrastructure that’s planned and executed to serve tourism needs, we’re holding back our own potential,” the Northern Samar lawmaker said.

The lawmaker noted that while the DPWH currently handles the engineering and construction of tourism-related infrastructure, its track record has been marred by inefficiency and controversies—including alleged corruption and irregularities in flood control projects nationwide.

“Returning the program to the DoT would improve transparency and accountability, and more importantly, ensure that tourism road projects truly match the priorities of the tourism sector,” Ongchuan added.

The Tourism Road Infrastructure Program, launched in 2012, originally operated under a DoT-DPWH convergence setup but has gradually shifted more control to DPWH over the years.

Stakeholders and lawmakers have since raised concerns that projects under DPWH often prioritize roadworks disconnected from actual tourism development plans.

Tourism advocates in Northern Samar say the lack of adequate and well-maintained access roads remains a key barrier to unlocking the province’s potential as an eco-adventure destination. By transferring the TRIP back to the DoT, Ongchuan believes projects will be more targeted, less prone to abuse, and better aligned with the needs of local communities.

“Our goal is to make tourism a real pillar of inclusive growth for Northern Samar and the rest of the country,” Ongchuan said. “That means infrastructure must serve tourism—not the other way around.”

Ongchuan’s advocacy is part of his broader push to strengthen tourism in Northern Samar. He recently filed House Bill No. 605 seeking to declare the Pinusilan Blue Lagoon in Mapanas town an official ecotourism site—an initiative he says could spur local jobs, protect biodiversity, and put the province on the map for sustainable tourism.

JOEY A. GABIETA

Cuatro Islas shines as Visayas’ sole finalist in prestigious Para El MAR Awards

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FINALIST. The Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape and Seacape is the lone nominee from the Visayas for this year’s Para El MAR (For the Seas) 2025 Awards organized by the Marine Protected Area Support Network with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The awarding is slated on September 16 to 19 in Iloilo City.(PHOTO COURTESY)
FINALIST. The Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape and Seacape is the lone nominee from the Visayas for this year’s Para El MAR (For the Seas) 2025 Awards organized by the Marine Protected Area Support Network with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The awarding is slated on September 16 to 19 in Iloilo City.(PHOTO COURTESY)

TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Visayas’ very own Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape and Seascape (CIPLS) is making waves nationally after being named the lone finalist from the Visayas in the prestigious Para El MAR (For the Seas) 2025 Awards.

The CIPLS, which entered under the Outstanding National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) MPA Category, said it is thrilled to showcase its sustainable tourism, vibrant marine life, and strong community partnerships on the national stage.

“This milestone gives us a chance to share CIPLS’ best practices—from eco-tourism to scientific research and active stakeholder involvement,” the Protected Area Management Board said in a statement.

The Para El MAR Awards, set for September 16–19 in Iloilo City, recognize the country’s best-managed marine protected areas.

Organized by the Marine Protected Area Support Network with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other partners, the biennial program highlights excellence in marine conservation and community engagement.

Located in the fifth district of Leyte, Cuatro Islas—comprising Apid, Digyo, Mahaba, and Himokilan Islands—has become a favorite among local and foreign tourists for its pristine beaches, colorful reefs, and growing cruise ship stopovers.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

 

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