TACLOBAN CITY – Four individuals, including a baby, miraculously survived after a landslide buried their home under boulders and sand in La Paz, Leyte, on Monday, February 10.
The incident occurred at around 10 a.m. in Barangay Bocawon, a mountainous village near Mahagnao Lake, following continuous heavy rains since Sunday, according to village chairman Jerry Pamat.
“The family managed to run outside just in time, but they were unable to save any of their belongings,” Pamat said in a media interview. The survivors sustained only minor injuries.
The house was owned by the family of Domingo Ero, Jr.
In addition to their home, the landslide also buried their family’s “koprahan” (coconut processing area) and several vehicles under debris.
The displaced family is now taking shelter with relatives in the nearby village of Mag-aso as authorities assess the situation.
Since Sunday, Eastern Visayas has been experiencing moderate to heavy rains spawned by shearline which has resulted in flooding and cancellation of classes.
Several main roads have been rendered not passable like the Catarman-Laoang Road in Northern Samar, and the Arteche-Jipapad(Eastern Samar side)- Las Navas – Rawis Road(Northern Samar).
WELCOME HOME. Senator Imee Marcos is welcomed with a serenade from children during her visit to Tolosa, Leyte, on Sunday, Feb. 9, where she led the inauguration of a three-story evacuation center. (JAG)
WELCOME HOME. Senator Imee Marcos is welcomed with a serenade from children during her visit to Tolosa, Leyte, on Sunday, Feb. 9, where she led the inauguration of a three-story evacuation center. (JAG)
TACLOBAN CITY – Senator Imee Marcos has reiterated that she does not support the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing her stance against political instability.
“I never said I would block the impeachment. What I said was, I don’t want chaos, I don’t want impeachment, I don’t want the ICC, I don’t want destabilization… especially against Bongbong,” Marcos said, referring to her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
The senator added that the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, is set to deliberate on the complaint starting June 3, following an agreement among senators.
Marcos also revealed that discussions about impeaching Duterte had been circulating since 2023. “But we senators have agreed to tackle it in June when we reconvene,” she said.
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon earlier urged President Marcos Jr. to call for a special session to begin the impeachment trial. The President has said he is open to doing so if requested by a senator.
Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives for reportedly committing culpable violation of the Constitution, for graft, and for making a threat to the lives of the President, his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The presidential sister was in Tolosa, the hometown of their mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, on Sunday, Feb.9, to lead the inauguration of a P45-million evacuation center.
She was welcomed by town officials led by Mayor Erwin Ocaña who she endorsed as her candidate for the mayor of Tolosa. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
AIMING FOR 3 SEATS. The Tingog party-list kicks off its reelection bid in a three-day summit attended by more than 500 of its organizers and staff across the country beginning Thursday, Feb. 6 as they aim for three seats in the May 12, 2025 elections. Photo shows Rep. Jude Acidre, the group’s second nominee, in a huddle with their supporters. (TINGOG CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Aiming for 3 congressional seats
AIMING FOR 3 SEATS. The Tingog party-list kicks off its reelection bid in a three-day summit attended by more than 500 of its organizers and staff across the country beginning Thursday, Feb. 6 as they aim for three seats in the May 12, 2025 elections. Photo shows Rep. Jude Acidre, the group’s second nominee, in a huddle with their supporters. (TINGOG CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
PALO, Leyte – The Tingog party-list reaffirmed its commitment to public service and legislative action as it formally launched its bid for additional seats in this year’s midterm elections under the party-list system.
On Thursday, February 6, the party-list, founded by Leyte Congressman and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, began its three-day summit at the Leyte Academic Center. The event gathered more than 500 staff and local organizers from across the country.
Tingog officials expressed confidence that, given its strong performance in recent years, the party can secure at least three congressional seats in the May 12, 2025 elections.
The official campaign period for Senate and party-list candidates begins on February 11.
Rep. Jude Acidre, the party’s second nominee, highlighted Tingog’s transformation from a grassroots movement in Eastern Visayas into a national political force focused on governance and social service.
“Tingog started as a small voice from our region, but today, it has become a nationwide movement that listens, serves, and empowers the Filipino people,” Acidre said.
Since winning a seat in Congress in 2019, Tingog has expanded its reach, establishing 210 Tingog Centers across the country to deliver essential services. These centers have provided medical, educational, and financial assistance to thousands of Filipinos.
“From Ilocos Sur to Davao del Sur, Tingog Centers ensure that no Filipino is left behind. We have helped students stay in school, provided financial aid for medical emergencies, and made government services more accessible,” Acidre emphasized.
Beyond social services, the party has played a key role in shaping national policies.
In the past three years, Representatives Acidre and Yedda Romualdez, the party’s first nominee and wife of Speaker Romualdez, have authored nearly 500 bills and resolutions, 40 of which have become laws.
These include the SIM Registration Act, the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, and the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers Act, among others.
As Congress resumes sessions after the elections, Acidre stressed that Tingog remains focused on pushing for critical measures, including the Magna Carta of Children and other legislative initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalized communities.
“Legislation should not just be about making laws but ensuring that every Filipino has a voice in shaping policies that directly impact their lives,” Acidre stated.
Apart from legislative work, Tingog is also committed to disaster response and healthcare initiatives.
The party has spearheaded relief operations in disaster-stricken areas and launched the Kalusugan Karavan, a mobile healthcare program that has served nearly 50,000 Filipinos across 50 locations.
As the party prepares for the upcoming elections, Acidre emphasized that Tingog’s mission remains steadfast.
“Tingog is not just a political party; it is a movement of service and change. Our goal is to ensure that every Filipino, regardless of status, has access to opportunities and a government that truly listens,” he declared.
He urged supporters to continue amplifying Tingog’s advocacy to ensure the party remains a strong voice in Congress and beyond.
“We have come a long way, but there is still more work to be done. Together, we will move forward in making the Philippines a better place for all.”
With its strong track record, the party is confident it can achieve its goal of securing three congressional seats in the May 12, 2025 elections.
Aside from Romualdez and Acidre, Tingog has named six other nominees, representing various regions across the country.
MORE FARMERS. Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan is set to launch a program offering scholarship for those taking agriculture-related courses in the hope of addressing food needs of the province. Photo shows Gov. Ongchuan during the latest Kauswagan Caravan in Laoang town.
(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
To address food insecurity, aging farmers
MORE FARMERS. Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan is set to launch a program offering scholarship for those taking agriculture-related courses in the hope of addressing food needs of the province. Photo shows Gov. Ongchuan during the latest Kauswagan Caravan in Laoang town. (THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
TACLOBAN CITY– In a bid to strengthen the province’s agriculture sector, the provincial government of Northern Samar is set to introduce a new policy offering full scholarships to deserving and indigent students pursuing agriculture-related courses.
Governor Edwin Ongchuan has directed the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), in collaboration with key government offices, to develop programs that will encourage more Nortehanons to engage in farming and agri-entrepreneurship.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns over the declining number of students entering agriculture-related fields and the aging farming population in the province.
Jose Luis Acompañado, PAO head, said that for the initial implementation of the agriculture scholarship program this incoming school year, they have provided 10 slots but will eventually be expanded to 30 scholars in succeeding years.
The provincial government would be allocating P3 million for the said scholarship program with the scholars to receive more than P30,000 per semester to cover their tuition fee and other school fees, stipends, book, and uniform allowances.
Those who will be accepted as scholars under the program are to enroll at the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), the lone government-run university in the province located at the provincial capital of Catarman.
It was learned from Acompañado, there are only 2,939 students from the province who are currently enrolled in agriculture-related courses which include veterinary medicine and fisheries at UEP.
Acompañado also disclosed that the provincial government will also help these young scholars to fully utilize their courses and ensure that they would turn successful.
This initiative aligns with Northern Samar’s broader efforts to achieve food sufficiency, promote sustainable farming, and address workforce shortages in the agriculture sector.
“We hope that this scholarship program will encourage our youths to take agriculture-related courses and eventually, help meet our food sufficiency,” he said Wednesday, Feb.5.
At present, there are more than 32,300 registered farmers across the province, many of them are ‘aging,’ he said.
Northern Samar, which has a population of more than 639,000 people, has rice production of 48,566.18 metric tons as of 2022 period and with rice consumption of 64,366.03 metric tons or a deficiency of about 15,799.95 metric tons.
ORMOC CITY-Authorities are investigating the killing of an ex-convict who was found dead along the national highway in Barangay Hibunawan, Baybay City.
The victim, identified only as alias “Garry,” 41, whose dead body was found along a national highway of Sitio Ceinda, Barangay Gabas last Jan. 24.
Police said he was a known member of the Batang Samar-Leyte (BSL) gang and was suspected of being involved in illegal drug activities.
According to the Baybay City Police, they received a report from the Baybay Emergency Rescue Unit (BERU) about a possible vehicular accident in the area. Barangay officials initially believed the incident was a road crash, but upon BERU’s arrival, responders discovered the victim had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
Police officers from Sub-Station 1 were immediately dispatched to verify the report and conduct an investigation. Upon arrival at the scene, authorities confirmed the presence of a lifeless body with visible gunshot wounds.
The victim was found wearing gray shorts, a black t-shirt, a helmet, and had a “BSL” tattoo.
A scene of the crime operatives (SOCO) team processed the area and recovered seven fired cartridge cases of an unknown caliber, which were taken for forensic examination.
The suspect and the motive for the killing remain unknown, and authorities are still pursuing leads in the case. The victim’s body is set to undergo an autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and assist in identifying the perpetrator.
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways-Tacloban City District Engineering Office (DPWH-TCDEO) extends the lifespan of Tacloban and Leyte buildings of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through its rehabilitation, completed on November 29, 2024
Located in Barangay 25, Kanhuraw Hill, Tacloban City, the project aimed to improve the buildings’ condition by repairing damages accumulated over time. It was funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act with a total budget of P1.2 million.
The rehabilitation included the removal and replacement of damaged ceilings and application of ceiling paint in key offices such as the city director’s office, provincial director’s office, budget/accounting office, Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) Leyte office, and conference room. Additionally, new interior wall paint was applied to various areas, including workspaces, the conference room, and the activity area. Exterior walls were also repainted to improve the building’s overall appearance.
Further, the project involved the removal and replacement of deteriorating fire exit stair railings, roof deck railings, and terrace railings, ensuring improved safety standards. To enhance the durability of the structure, a waterproofing membrane and additional floor topping were applied to the roof deck.
District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse of DPWH-TCDEO highlighted the importance of the project in maintaining government facilities. “The rehabilitation of the DILG Tacloban and Leyte Office ensures the building remains strong and provides a better environment for personnel and visitors. This project improved its condition and appearance, keeping it functional for years,” she said.
