TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Visayas played host to the 2025 Central Philippines Tourism Expo (CPTEx) from June 20 to 22, drawing hundreds of participants from across the country to Robinsons Place in Marasbaras for three days of cultural celebration, collaboration, and promotion of sustainable tourism.

Organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), CPTEx is a flagship program aimed at showcasing the diverse cultural heritage, natural wonders, and emerging tourism destinations across Central and Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and parts of Mindanao.
Participating regions included Calabarzon, MIMAROPA, Bicol, Western and Central Visayas, Negros Island Region, and the host region, Eastern Visayas.

“Tourism is not just about attracting visitors; it’s about building pride, creating livelihoods, and bringing every region into the spotlight,” said Tourism Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano during the opening ceremony on June 20.

He emphasized that CPTEx is more than a display of destinations—it’s a dynamic platform to forge partnerships, promote sustainability, and ignite interest in lesser-known local gems.

Tamano encouraged stakeholders to view tourism as a unifying force, stating, “May this event ignite new ideas, foster collaboration, and bring fresh energy to our shared goal of promoting our local treasures to the whole country and the world.”

Over 200 exhibitors and tourism stakeholders participated in the event, with booths featuring regional delicacies, handicrafts, cultural performances, and travel packages. Notably, delegations came not just from Central Philippines but also from Northern Luzon and Mindanao, underscoring the event’s expanding reach and inclusivity.

Among the guests was Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre, who reaffirmed legislative support for the tourism sector.

“Let this expo be a powerful reminder that every investment in tourism is an investment in our people,” he said. Acidre pledged support for laws that empower local tourism workers, boost collaboration between government and the private sector, and promote inclusive growth across all regions.

In her closing remarks, DOT Region VIII Director Karina Rosa Tiopes expressed gratitude to the national and regional partners, local government units, and private sector participants who made the event a success. “CPTEx 2025 is a testament to the strength of collaboration in building a thriving and resilient tourism industry,” she said.

A highlight of the closing day was the CPTEx 2025 Best Booth Awards, which recognized outstanding presentations for creativity, interactivity, and storytelling:

Best Luzon Booth: Ilocos Region; Best Central Philippines Booth: MIMAROPA; Best Mindanao Booth: Zamboanga Peninsula; Best Eastern Visayas Booth: Province of Samar; Overall Best Booth – CPTEx 2025: Province of Samar.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY– An elderly American national and his Filipina wife were found dead with multiple stab wounds inside their home in Sitio Talong, Barangay Liloan, Ormoc City, in what authorities believe to be a robbery-homicide.

The victims, identified only by their aliases “Jack,” 81, a US citizen, and “Jean,” 65, were discovered around 9:30 am on Tuesday, June 18, 2025.

According to the police, the sister of the female victim came to visit the couple and found them lifeless inside their house. She immediately sought help from a local vendor, alias “Sef,” who then reported the incident to Ormoc City Police Station 3 (OCPS3) around 9:40 am.

Responding officers confirmed both victims had sustained multiple stab wounds. The house was found in disarray, with belongings scattered throughout, indicating robbery as a possible motive.

Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) from the Ormoc City Forensic Unit have since processed the scene and collected forensic evidence.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify and arrest the suspects. Police have yet to disclose additional details pending further developments.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Catarman Mayor Francisco Aurelio Rosales III met with residents of Barangay Yakal and nearby communities to discuss the upcoming implementation of a P150-million flood control project set to begin this July in Catarman, Northern Samar.

The project, spearheaded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), will run through five barangays—Casoy, Molave, Yakal, Narra, and Ipil-ipil—along the Marondoyon and Caglangkoy creeks, both prone to severe flooding during the rainy season.
During the community dialogue, Mayor Rosales acknowledged the disruption the project may cause but emphasized its necessity and long-term benefits.

“I ask for your understanding because this project can no longer be stopped as it is mandated by the national government. However, we will find a way to make your relocation less burdensome,” he said, addressing to the concerned villagers.

At least 19 households are expected to be displaced by the construction of the Trapezoidal Canal, a major infrastructure component of the flood control system. While most residents admitted they do not hold legal rights to the land they currently occupy, they appealed to the municipal government for assistance in relocation, ideally near the town center where their livelihoods are based.

The flood control project is designed to reduce flooding in Catarman’s low-lying communities, safeguard private property, and protect essential government infrastructure from damage during extreme weather events.

Of the total P150 million budget, P100 million is being provided by the provincial government of Northern Samar, while P50 million comes through the efforts of the 1st Congressional District of the province.

Before full implementation, the DPWH conducted dredging activities in 2024 along the Marondoyon and Caglangkoy creeks as part of the project’s preparatory phase.

The initiative underscores the growing urgency for disaster resilience and climate-adaptive infrastructure in Northern Samar, one of the provinces frequently impacted by typhoons and heavy rainfall.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)