ORMOC CITY — An 82-year-old man died after being accidentally electrocuted late Sunday morning, November 23, 2025, in Sitio Basad, Brgy. Hinabuyan, Villaba, Leyte.
The victim, identified only as alias “Yos”, a widower and resident of the said barangay, was cutting grass behind their house at around 11:30 a. m. when he reportedly came into contact with a live wire.
According to his son, alias “El”, 54, a construction worker and also a resident of Sitio Basad, his father had been using a long-bladed tool when the incident occurred.
At about 11:55 a. m. , the son personally reported the incident to the Villaba Municipal Police Station, prompting responders from the Villaba Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) to rush to the scene. The victim was immediately brought to the Villaba Community Hospital for medical attention but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
PHILIPPINES’ PRIDE. With poise and confidence, Atisha Manalo earns the Miss Universe 2025 3rd Runner-Up title, marking another remarkable milestone for the Philippines in the prestigious international competition.
(PHOTO: MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES)
PHILIPPINES’ PRIDE. With poise and confidence, Atisha Manalo earns the Miss Universe 2025 3rd Runner-Up title, marking another remarkable milestone for the Philippines in the prestigious international competition. (PHOTO: MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES)
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Located inside a protected watershed
TACLOBAN CITY — The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Calbayog City has taken a firm stand against the proposed construction of wind turbines inside the Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape (CPHPL), warning that the project threatens the city’s main watershed and could trigger long-term ecological damage.
In a resolution adopted on November 5, 2025 — but made public only on Wednesday, November 19 — the city council modified an earlier measure and vehemently opposed the plan of Gemini Wind Energy Corporation (GWEC) to install wind turbines within the protected area. The council urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to order GWEC and its affiliates to permanently stop all construction works inside the CPHPL.
The resolution also demanded the restoration of the original “strict protection zone” of the protected landscape before it was reclassified by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) into a “multiple-use zone,” which opened the door for renewable energy development.
The measure received a unanimous vote from Vice Mayor Rex Daguman and all attending councilors.
According to the city council, findings from public hearings held on October 2 and October 17 showed broad opposition from residents, civil society organizations, and people’s organizations, all expressing concern that the construction of wind turbines in the protected watershed could lead to biodiversity loss, increased greenhouse gases, soil erosion, agricultural disruption, and water scarcity.
During the October 17 hearing, Calbayog Mayor Raymund Uy reiterated his strong opposition to the project and denied supporting PAMB’s zoning reclassification that allegedly enabled GWEC’s entry.
The proposal has been a divisive issue in Calbayog since it was revealed that 37 wind turbines are planned within city territory, 13 of which fall inside the CPHPL. The P20-billion Gemini Wind Power Project, led by Singapore-based Vena Energy through its subsidiary GWEC, intends to install 38 turbines across 13 barangays in Calbayog and two barangays in San Isidro, Northern Samar to generate 304 megawatts.
Opposition groups — including Save Calbayog Rivers Foundation Inc. (SACRIFICE), Region 8 Media Citizen Council, religious organizations, heritage advocates, medical professionals, and civic groups — filed written objections warning of irreversible environmental and social consequences.
Vena Energy, in a press statement issued on October 15, asserted that the project “fully adheres to laws, policies, and scientific principles governing renewable energy and protected areas,” citing the E-NIPAS law that permits environmentally sound renewable energy projects within Multiple-Use Zones subject to evaluation and PAMB approval.
The CPHPL is considered an ecologically critical area with dense forests, abundant freshwater sources, and diverse wildlife. It includes the Pan-as Falls and Hayiban Watershed — the main source of potable water for Calbayog City and nearby towns — and serves as a key eco-tourism destination.
The city council ordered the immediate distribution of the resolution to DENR, ERC, GWEC, Malacañang, the House Speaker, and the Senate President. Copies will also be provided to groups that opposed the project for information and monitoring.
With the resolution now in effect, the Calbayog local government indicated that it will pursue “all lawful means available” to protect the watershed and ensure the long-term security of the city’s water supply.
NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL MONUMENT. The stunning rock formations of Biri Island, Northern Samar have now been officially declared as a national geological monument. (Photo taken on Sept. 26, 2024 by BiyaHero.ph)
NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL MONUMENT. The stunning rock formations of Biri Island, Northern Samar have now been officially declared as a national geological monument. (Photo taken on Sept. 26, 2024 by BiyaHero.ph)
TACLOBAN CITY — For the first time in more than 20 years, the Philippines has added a new site to its roster of national geological monuments, with the iconic Biri Rock Formations in Northern Samar securing the coveted distinction—a major boost to the province’s campaign for UNESCO Global Geopark recognition.
The formal declaration was received on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, by Northern Samar Representative Edwin Ongchuan (1st district), Governor Harris Ongchuan, and Biri Mayor Antonio de los Reyes Jr. during a ceremony held months after the province launched its Global Geopark campaign on June 4.
According to Jhon Allen Berbon, head of the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO), supervising geologist Kevin Garas of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) led the presentation of scientific findings that served as the basis for the declaration. Garas emphasized the site’s exceptional research value, uniqueness, and remarkable natural beauty, describing the rock formations as a preserved record of Northern Samar’s geological history.
The National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS), under the supervision of the MGB, issued the official declaration. Research led by Dr. Allan Gil Fernando of the University of the Philippines–NIGS revealed that the Biri Rocks are composed of tilted marine sedimentary sequences of conglomerates, sandstones, siltstones, and shales formed 15 to 20 million years ago.
Sculpted by tectonic uplift and constant wave erosion, the massive formations created the iconic seven-islet landscape known today. One of the defining features identified by the NCGS is the presence of phonolite and analcime clasts embedded within the sandstone layers—an extremely rare geological occurrence in the Philippines that offers deeper insight into the magmatic evolution of alkaline rocks in the region.
The new recognition places Biri among the country’s elite geological sites such as the Montalban Gorge in Rizal, Taal Volcano in Batangas, the Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes, the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, the St. Paul Limestone Formation in Puerto Princesa, and the Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
A permanent geological marker will be installed at the Magasang Rock Formation—Biri’s most photographed islet—to illustrate the scientific evolution and significance of the formations.
The province views the NGM status as an important step toward full accreditation as a UNESCO Global Geopark, a long-term endeavor that began during the administration of then-Governor Edwin Ongchuan.
“We fully commit to helping the Provincial Government towards full UNESCO Global Geopark accreditation,” Rep. Ongchuan said during the ceremony, as he urged communities and institutions to embrace sustainable, heritage-based, and inclusive development.
Local leaders believe that a successful geopark certification would elevate responsible tourism, protect natural landscapes, generate livelihood opportunities, and strengthen environmental education across Northern Samar.
AGREEMENT. The provincial government of Northern Samar entered a partnership and agreement with the University of the Philippines as part of effort to make the Biri Rock Formations as a UNESCO global geopark. Among those who graced the signing of the memorandum of understanding were Northern Samar Rep. Edwin Ongchuan, Gov. Harris Ongchuan and UP chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II.(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
AGREEMENT. The provincial government of Northern Samar entered a partnership and agreement with the University of the Philippines as part of effort to make the Biri Rock Formations as a UNESCO global geopark. Among those who graced the signing of the memorandum of understanding were Northern Samar Rep. Edwin Ongchuan, Gov. Harris Ongchuan and UP chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II.(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
TACLOBAN CITY — As Northern Samar strengthens its aspiration to become the first UNESCO Global Geopark site in Eastern Visayas, the University of the Philippines (UP) and the provincial government of Northern Samar (PGNS) have formalized a strategic partnership to support geological conservation and sustainable development efforts in the province.
The collaboration was sealed through a memorandum of understanding signed by Northern Samar Representative Edwin Ongchuan(2nd district) and Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan on behalf of the province, and UP officials led by Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II.
The agreement institutionalizes cooperation on research, education, heritage preservation, and community-centered development — key pillars required for a UNESCO Global Geopark designation.
Chancellor Vistan emphasized UP’s commitment to providing its scientific and academic expertise, especially through the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS), which has been working closely with the province since last year.
“This collaboration aligns with UP’s mission to advance research and public service, especially in areas that can drive community development and environmental stewardship,” he said.
Northern Samar hosts geological formations considered nationally and internationally significant — a competitive advantage the province is working to maximize not only for heritage conservation but also for scientific research, geotourism, and livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Rep. Ongchuan, who first laid the groundwork for the geopark bid during his term as governor, said the partnership solidifies their long-term vision.
“This partnership with the University of the Philippines allows us to harness academic expertise in geology and environmental science which will not only focus on research and education but also tourism and, most importantly, community development,” he said.
Governor Ongchuan expressed gratitude to UP for helping ensure that the province’s geopark efforts are anchored on science-based planning and capacity building. He underscored the importance of protecting natural heritage while ensuring that benefits reach local communities.
Under the MoU, UP and PGNS will collaborate on joint research and development activities; capacity-building programs; scientific knowledge dissemination; and conservation and community-engagement initiatives
The agreement does not impose financial obligations on either party but encourages resource sharing and cooperation to advance their aligned missions.
The partnership marks a milestone not only for Northern Samar’s UNESCO Global Geopark bid but also for future collaborations between academic institutions and local governments — demonstrating how science-based governance can drive cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development.
Chairperson Jude Acidre and members of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education on Tuesday approved several higher-education reform measures, including proposals on LUC governance, digital learning access in SUCs, CHED development and oversight reforms, TESDA modernization, and the appointment of dual-citizen faculty members. Photos courtesy of TINGOG Party-list.
Chairperson Jude Acidre and members of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education on Tuesday approved several higher-education reform measures, including proposals on LUC governance, digital learning access in SUCs, CHED development and oversight reforms, TESDA modernization, and the appointment of dual-citizen faculty members. Photos courtesy of TINGOG Party-list.
TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog party-list reiterated its commitment to improving the country’s higher-education system after several priority reform bills gained approval at the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
Among the endorsed measures were the Local Universities and Colleges Governance Act (HB 4686), the Guidelines for the Establishment and Operation of LUCs (HB 4800), the Universal Access to Learning Resources Act (HB 4930), the Higher Education Development and Innovation Act of 2025 (HB 4958), the TESDA Modernization Act (HB 4798), and HB 5019 allowing qualified dual citizens to teach or serve in public higher-education institutions.
Tingog said these proposals address long-standing concerns on governance, access to learning materials, faculty development, and the alignment of programs with industry and global standards.
“These bills were not only endorsed once, but twice, because the problems they address have not disappeared,” said House Committee chair and Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre, stressing the urgency of building a credible and competitive higher-education system.
Catarman N. Samar– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) recently completed another phase of the access road project leading to Pink Beach in Brgy. Sila, San Vicente, Northern Samar.
Funded under the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the said phase received a P15-million allocation for the concreting of a 220-meter two-lane road, with design thickness of 0.23 meters and design width of 6.10 meters with drainage and slope protection features.
“This project will significantly improve access to one of Island’s top tourist spots,” said District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio
Once the entire access road project is completed, travel time to the beach will be significantly reduced and will encourage more tourists to visit the place, allowing economic activities to spur in the island.
Pink Beach is known for its pink sand which is a mix of white sand and pulverized red corals. The beach is famous for its natural beauty, clear waters, and marine life.
The project is implemented under the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP).
