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DEPDev VIII champions innovations, calls for submissions to Filipinnovation Awards

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TACLOBAN CITY – Across the country, a new wave of Filipino innovators is proving that technology and creativity can go hand in hand with inclusive growth ensuring that progress reaches not just urban centers, but also far-flung and underserved communities.

From climate-resilient farming tools that help smallholder farmers boost productivity, to mobile applications connecting micro-entrepreneurs with digital markets, projects that address climate change challenges while creating economic opportunities for marginalized sectors, these innovations share a common goal which is bridging gaps in access, income, and opportunity.

These and other innovations by great and pioneering minds in Eastern Visayas are being called by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development in Region 8 (DEPDev VIII) to submit their best innovations to the 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards (PFA).
The PFA is a national competition recognizing breakthrough products and services with high potential for commercialization and impact. The initiative was established under Executive Order No. 99 of 2025 and is considered the country’s premier innovation recognition program.

Now in its second year, the awards aim to spotlight Filipino-owned innovations that are ready for early-stage commercialization and have the potential to address national development challenges.

According to DEPDev VIII Assistant Regional Director Jam Colas Villaber the awards provide a platform for individuals, startups and enterprises to showcase their solutions and gain support in scaling their ideas to market.

“The Filipinnovation Award provide more than trophies and cash prizes. They offer mentoring, business development support, and connections to financing institutions, helping promising ideas grow into sustainable enterprises,” Villaber said.
She believes Eastern Visayas abound in talented innovators with their remarkable innovations just waiting to be tapped.

Participants to the Filipinnovation Awards must be Filipino citizens or Filipino-owned registered enterprises, and entries must feature innovative products or services supported by functional prototypes and intellectual property filings.

The call for entries is open until March 15, 2026, with interested applicants encouraged to register and submit required documents through the official PFA portal https://filipinnovation.depdev.gov.ph/.

The competition is structured in two stages: subnational contests grouped into four geographic clusters, National Capital Region, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao followed by a national level showdown where up to 16 finalists compete for top honors. The subnational contest for the Visayas will be hosted by DEPDev VIII.

Entries will be judged on innovativeness, sustainability and scalability, marketability, and potential impact.

Winners of the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards will receive cash prizes and post-competition support, including mentoring, networking opportunities and assistance in accessing financing and market opportunities.

DEPDev shares that as the Philippines continues to pursue balanced and inclusive growth, recognizing and supporting socially responsive innovations signals a broader commitment, that progress must benefit many and not just a few.

With continued collaboration among government, private sector, and communities, innovation is becoming not just a driver of economic growth but a pathway toward shared prosperity.

(AHLETTE C. REYES, PIA-LEYTE)

DOT equips Marabut lifeguards with safety kits, certifications

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LIFEGUARDS TRAINING. The Department of Tourism (DOT) distributed 27 safety kits to trained lifeguards from Marabut, Samar as part of its campaign of a beach safety. (DOT-EASTERN VISAYAS)
LIFEGUARDS TRAINING. The Department of Tourism (DOT) distributed 27 safety kits to trained lifeguards from Marabut, Samar as part of its campaign of a beach safety. (DOT-EASTERN VISAYAS)

TACLOBAN CITY — In a move to strengthen beach safety in Samar, the Department of Tourism (DOT) distributed 27 safety kits to trained lifeguards stationed at the Sabang Seaside Center in Barangay Tinabanan, Marabut.

The beneficiaries included members of the local community-based tourism organization, accredited lifeguards, and representatives from the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police.

Each recipient received a safety kit designed to boost emergency response capabilities in the town’s coastal areas. The lifeguards were also awarded licenses and certificates from the Philippine Life Saving Association, marking the completion of their training and qualification to render professional lifesaving services.

Local officials and tourism stakeholders attended the distribution activity, which forms part of broader efforts to enhance emergency preparedness and promote safer beach destinations in the municipality.

Among the certified lifeguards was Christian Ruiz, who previously put his training into action by rescuing a four-year-old child from drowning in December 2025.
Officials said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring safer shorelines for both residents and tourists while supporting sustainable tourism development in the area.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Motorcycle crash in Kananga leaves rider injured

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ORMOC CITY— A motorcycle rider was injured early Thursday morning, February 19, after his vehicle was bumped from behind by another motorcycle along the National Highway in Sitio Naghalin, Barangay Naghalin, Kananga, Leyte.

Police identified the injured driver as alias “Sonnie,” 27, a construction worker from Purok 2, Brgy. San Pablo, Ormoc City, who was riding a gray-and-black Suzuki Raider 150 without presenting a valid driver’s license. The other motorcycle involved was a black Honda Click driven by alias “Vin,” 23, a resident of Sitio Laray, Brgy. Naghalin.

Initial investigation revealed that both motorcycles were traveling toward Kananga town proper when the Suzuki Raider 150 accidentally struck the rear of the Honda Click. The impact caused Sonnie to fall onto the concrete road, sustaining injuries, while the Honda Click rider maintained control of his vehicle.

Emergency responders immediately transported the injured rider to Ormoc District Hospital for treatment. Both motorcycles and the Honda Click driver were brought to Kananga Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.

(ROBERT DEJON)

MIPC pulls dredger in MacArthur amid farmers’ protests, reassesses mining plan

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TEMPORARY PULLOUT. The massive cutter suction dredger will be temporarily withdrawn by the mining company following strong protests from residents, mostly farmers, in MacArthur, Leyte. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TEMPORARY PULLOUT. The massive cutter suction dredger will be temporarily withdrawn by the mining company following strong protests from residents, mostly farmers, in MacArthur, Leyte. (PHOTO COURTESY)

TACLOBAN CITY— Following weeks of protests from farmers and residents, the MacArthur Integrated Processing Corporation (MIPC) has temporarily withdrawn its massive cutter suction dredger from the town’s coastline, citing concerns over community welfare and environmental impact.

The dredger, roughly the size of a six-story building at 30 meters wide and 150 meters long, had been stationed in Barangay Maya, just 150 meters from the proposed black sand mining site. Locals feared that full-scale operations could damage rice fields, irrigation systems, and other critical agricultural areas.

“In light of local sensitivities, we have decided to withdraw the dredger and coordinate with authorities while reassessing our work plan,” MIPC said in a statement on Thursday, February 19. The company emphasized its commitment to balancing mining activities with environmental protection and community welfare.

The black sand mining project, which involves extracting magnetite-rich sands under a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) covering more than 7,000 hectares, is seen by the company as a major economic driver.

MIPC estimates that the project could generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boost household incomes, energize local businesses, and attract new investments. Annual contributions in mineral resource taxes and regulatory fees are projected to exceed P100 million, potentially funding programs in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and rural development.

MIPC also highlighted environmental safeguards, including a P56-million rehabilitation bond posted with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to restore mined-out areas before returning them to landowners. A five-year community development program covering health, education, livelihood, and infrastructure is planned to benefit host and neighboring communities.

Despite the withdrawal decision, protesters, led by farmer representative Jesus Cabias Jr., remained vigilant. “We will see their sincerity if the dredger is removed from here,” Cabias said, noting that while the group does not oppose mining outright, they demand strong assurances that farmlands and irrigation systems will be protected.

The protests, which began in January, prompted Mayor Ruden Babante to call on MIPC on February 15 to voluntarily withdraw the dredger and appeal for residents to suspend demonstrations, stressing that any local government action would follow due process.

(JOEY A. GABIETA,LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

EV provinces get share of P321-M ‘Basyang’ aid

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BOOSTING PRO-8 EMERGENCY RESPONSE. PRO-8 personnel undergo hands-only CPR training at the Multipurpose Hall of Camp Kangleon in Palo, Leyte on February 16, 2026, as part of efforts to boost emergency response capability. The activity, led by PRO-8 Regional Director Jason Capoy through the Regional Medical and Dental Unit 8 headed by Col. Ma. Cristina Rebellion, was conducted in partnership with the Philippine Heart Association–Eastern Visayas, represented by Leyte Chapter president Dr. Ryan Mambulao, equipping officers with essential life-saving skills for cardiac emergencies. (PRO-8 FACEBOOK)
BOOSTING PRO-8 EMERGENCY RESPONSE. PRO-8 personnel undergo hands-only CPR training at the Multipurpose Hall of Camp Kangleon in Palo, Leyte on February 16, 2026, as part of efforts to boost emergency response capability. The activity, led by PRO-8 Regional Director Jason Capoy through the Regional Medical and Dental Unit 8 headed by Col. Ma. Cristina Rebellion, was conducted in partnership with the Philippine Heart Association–Eastern Visayas, represented by Leyte Chapter president Dr. Ryan Mambulao, equipping officers with essential life-saving skills for cardiac emergencies.
(PRO-8 FACEBOOK)

As committed by Pres. Marcos

TACLOBAN CITY — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the release of P321 million in financial assistance to provinces and cities affected by Tropical Storm Basyang (international name: Penha), with several provinces in Eastern Visayas included among the beneficiaries.

The funding will be distributed to 35 provinces and eight cities nationwide that suffered from heavy rains, flooding, and landslides triggered by Basyang and an accompanying shear line earlier this month.

In Eastern Visayas, the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar are set to receive allocations from the assistance package.

The directive was issued to Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, who said the funds would be released immediately in compliance with the President’s order.

Last week, Marcos met with governors of severely affected provinces, including Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla, Eastern Samar Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone, Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado, and Northern Samar Governor Harris Ongchuan. During the meeting, the President assured them of national government support in response to the devastation caused by Basyang.

In a memorandum, Marcos cited widespread displacement, reported casualties, and significant damage to infrastructure as basis for the financial aid.

According to the Office of Civil Defense, at least 12 people died and 36 were injured during the first week of the storm’s impact.

Nationwide, 182,352 families — or 645,612 individuals — were affected across Western Visayas, Negros Island, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and Caraga Region.

Recto said recipient local government units are required to submit utilization reports detailing how the funds are spent. “The assistance will allow these communities to recover as expeditiously as possible from the recent weather events. It forms part of the President’s initiatives to support LGUs and their constituents,” he said.

Other provinces identified to receive aid include Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Negros Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Bohol, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Aklan, Cebu, Catanduanes, Iloilo, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Sorsogon, Misamis Occidental, Masbate, Lanao del Norte, Antique, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Camarines Norte, Bukidnon, Siquijor, Zamboanga del Norte, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro.

The cities of Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Butuan, Cebu, Zamboanga, Iloilo, and Mandaue are also included in the assistance package.

Basyang battered parts of the Visayas and Mindanao with intense rainfall, compounded by a shear line that triggered floods and landslides and caused extensive agricultural and infrastructure damage, particularly in storm-prone areas such as Eastern Visayas.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

Southern Leyte’s Miss Universe PH candidate resigns, reinstated a day later

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LABAN,BAWI. Feeling abandoned, Renee Rose Patual of Southern Leyte dropped the Miss Universe-Philippines 2026 beauty pageant. (RENE ROSE PASCUAL PATUAL FACEBOOK)
LABAN,BAWI. Feeling abandoned, Renee Rose Patual of Southern Leyte dropped the Miss Universe-Philippines 2026 beauty pageant.
(RENE ROSE PASCUAL PATUAL FACEBOOK)

TACLOBAN CITY — A brief shake-up marked Southern Leyte’s participation in the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 pageant after its official candidate, Renee Rose Pascual Patual, announced her resignation on Sunday, Feb.15, only to reverse her decision a day later and resume her post.

Patual, who holds the title of Miss Universe Southern Leyte 2026, initially stepped down on February 15, just a day before the national press conference formally introducing this year’s candidates.

The Anahawan native cited lack of organizational support, along with emotional stress, mental exhaustion, financial strain, and communication issues during her preparations for the competition.

In her statement, Patual said she felt unsupported by her team, prompting her to prioritize her health and well-being and withdraw from the pageant.

Her sudden decision surprised pageant followers, particularly because it came on the eve of the national media launch.

However, on Monday, February 16, Patual announced through social media that she would resume her role as Southern Leyte’s official bet.

She said discussions with the provincial pageant committee led to a mutual understanding, with organizers assuring her of full support moving forward.

“I am back, stronger and more determined than ever,” she wrote.

Patual is set to represent Southern Leyte in the national tilt, which selects the Philippines’ delegate to the prestigious Miss Universe competition.

JOEY A. GABIETA

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