TACLOBAN CITY — Students in Eastern Samar may soon have greater access to college education closer to home after the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a bill converting the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) extension units in Arteche and Balangiga into regular campuses.

House Bill No. 9464, principally authored by Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, seeks to upgrade and expand the existing ESSU extension units in the two municipalities into full-fledged campuses of the province’s lone state university.

The measure is expected to strengthen higher education opportunities in Eastern Samar by bringing more degree programs and academic services closer to students in remote communities.

“This measure will significantly expand access to state-subsidized higher education across Eastern Samar. Students in and around Arteche and Balangiga will no longer have to travel far from home to pursue the college degree programs they want,” Gonzales said.

The lawmaker reiterated his commitment to making higher quality education more accessible to Eastern Samar residents.

“We remain committed to promoting greater access to high-quality, state-subsidized college education throughout Eastern Samar,” he said.

Gonzales emphasized the role of education in improving economic opportunities and uplifting families.

“There’s no question that higher learning opens more opportunities for gainful employment and gives families a better chance to improve their quality of life,” he added.

Under the proposed measure, the new campuses will offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs, technical-vocational courses, and research and extension services. Each campus will be headed by a full-time campus director.

ESSU currently serves nearly 25,000 students and employs 721 faculty members across its campuses.

Once the measure becomes law, the university’s campus network will expand to seven, including its main campus in Borongan City and existing regular campuses in Can-avid, Guiuan, Maydolong, and Salcedo.

The creation of the new campuses is expected to further strengthen ESSU’s role in delivering affordable and accessible higher education to students throughout Eastern Samar.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

ALANGALANG, Leyte-In response to the request of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Alangalang, Leyte, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Leyte Provincial Statistical Office participated in the Munisipyo ha Barangay 2026 held at Brgy. Aslum and Brgy. San Vicente, Alangalang, Leyte on 2-3 June 2026, respectively.

The activity aimed to bring government services closer to the people, particularly residents with limited access to registration centers and other public services. Through the National ID Mobile Registration Team, PSA Leyte provided various National ID-related services to ensure wider accessibility and convenience for the community such as National ID Registration, Issuance of National ID in paper form, and Updating or correction of demographic.

During the two-day activity, PSA Leyte successfully accomplished the following:
32 individuals successfully registered for the National ID System, 122 National IDs in paper form issued to registered individuals, and 11 demographic information updates and corrections processed.

The successful conduct of the activity highlights the continuing commitment of PSA Leyte and the LGU of Alangalang, Leyte to promote inclusive and accessible government services. Through collaborative efforts, more Filipinos are given the opportunity to register, update their records, and avail themselves of the benefits and services associated with the National ID System. PSA Leyte extends its gratitude to the Local Government Unit of Alangalang, Leyte for its support and partnership in bringing public services faster and closer to the people. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — Residents of Tanauan, Leyte are set to benefit from improved healthcare services following the official opening of the municipality’s new super health center in Barangay Malaguicay on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

The facility was formally inaugurated through a ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony attended by local government officials, representatives from the office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, and officials from the Department of Health (DOH).

Leading the event was Tanauan Mayor Ma. Gina Merilo, joined by members of the Sangguniang Bayan headed by Vice Mayor Archie Lawrence Kapunan, along with representatives from the DOH Leyte Provincial Office and DOH Regional Office 8.

In her message, Mayor Merilo described the opening of the super health center as a major step forward in strengthening healthcare delivery in the municipality. She said the facility will help bring accessible and quality medical services closer to residents, particularly those in underserved communities.

The mayor also expressed gratitude to Senator Bong Go for supporting the establishment of the health center, as well as to the DOH provincial and regional offices for their assistance in implementing the project.

A Holy Mass and blessing of the facility were officiated by Rev. Fr. Francis Anthony Borja. The event was attended by guests, health workers, and personnel of the Rural Health Unit headed by Dr. Arlene Santo.

The Tanauan super health center is expected to play a vital role in enhancing primary healthcare services and improving access to essential medical care for residents of Tanauan and nearby areas.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

GOVERNMENT CENTER, PALO, Leyte– Eastern Visayas is ramping up efforts to bring Indigenous Peoples (IP), learners with special needs, Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners, and disadvantaged children into the classroom as classes open for School Year 2026-2027.

The initiative reflects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to inclusive education, ensuring that every Filipino learner—regardless of background or circumstance—has access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed.

For many children in Eastern Visayas, going to school is not simply a matter of showing up in class.

For IPs living in geographically isolated communities, learners with disabilities who require specialized support, and out-of-school youth seeking a second chance through alternative education, access to learning often comes with unique challenges.

This school year, however, the Department of Education (DepEd) in Eastern Visayas is strengthening its campaign to ensure that education remains accessible to all sectors, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

During the Oplan Balik Eskwela 2026 Interagency Meeting, DepEd Regional Planning Officer Hydelyn Cinco said all 13 Schools Division Offices in the region have been directed to encourage enrollment among IP learners, Special Needs Education (SNED) learners, and ALS learners.

The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push for inclusive education, anchored on the principle that every Filipino child deserves the opportunity to learn and succeed regardless of background, location, or circumstance.

In Eastern Visayas, DepEd expects about 647 IP learners to enroll for School Year 2026-2027.

DepEd Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez emphasized that education plays a vital role in empowering Indigenous communities while preserving cultural identity.

He said ensuring IP learners remain in school equips them with knowledge and skills, allowing them to participate more actively in nation-building while safeguarding their traditions for future generations.

“Education opens opportunities while strengthening cultural awareness and identity among Indigenous Peoples,” Jimenez said, noting that schools continue to work closely with communities to make learning more accessible and culturally responsive.

The region is also preparing to serve 14,074 learners under the SNED program.

For these learners, access to education goes beyond classrooms and textbooks. It requires specialized instruction, adaptive learning materials, trained teachers, and supportive learning environments that recognize diverse needs and abilities.

DepEd officials said inclusive education ensures that children with disabilities and other special educational needs are given equal opportunities to develop their potential and become productive members of society.

Meanwhile, the ALS is expected to accommodate 33,188 learners across the region.

The program provides flexible learning opportunities for out-of-school youth, adults, workers, and other individuals who were unable to complete basic education through the formal school system.

Education officials described ALS as a crucial pathway toward lifelong learning, employment opportunities, and social inclusion, particularly for learners seeking a second chance at education.

Complementing DepEd’s efforts are interventions from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which continues to support school participation among beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Eastern Visayas has 106,688 learners under the 4Ps program.

DSWD Regional Director Grace Subong said the conditional cash transfer program remains one of the government’s most effective tools in helping poor families keep their children in school.

Through education grants and regular monitoring of school attendance compliance, the program helps reduce financial barriers that often prevent children from completing their studies.

Subong said the assistance enables families to allocate resources for school-related expenses, including transportation, supplies, and other educational needs, ultimately encouraging learners to stay in school and finish their education.

As government agencies prepare for the opening of classes, DepEd officials emphasized that inclusive education is not merely about increasing enrollment figures but ensuring that every learner receives the support needed to thrive.

From indigenous communities and children with special needs to out-of-school youth and learners from low-income households, the message remains clear: education is a right that must be accessible to all.

In Eastern Visayas, that commitment is reflected in a shared goal among government agencies, educators, and communities—to ensure that no learner is left behind.

(RLA/PIA Eastern Visayas)

TACLOBAN CITY — Tourism officers from across Eastern Visayas have elected a new set of leaders tasked with strengthening regional collaboration and advancing sustainable tourism development during the Eastern Visayas Tourism Officers Assembly held on June 4, 2026, at Summit Hotel Tacloban.

Elected as president of the Eastern Visayas Tourism Officers Association (EVTOA) was Neil Alejandro Pinarok, tourism officer of Eastern Samar. He will head the organization and lead efforts to promote tourism growth and foster stronger partnerships among local tourism stakeholders throughout the region.

Arnie Vina, tourism officer of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte was elected executive vice president. Ador Hurtado, tourism officer of Catbalogan City, was chosen as area vice president for Samar Island, while Jescyn Ramos, tourism officer of Leyte province, was elected area vice president for the Leyte-Biliran-Southern Leyte cluster.

Completing the executive board are Nathan Abinguna of Daram, Samar as secretary general, Javin Naval of Javier, Leyte as treasurer, Nuyen Borgueta of Caibiran, Biliran as auditor, and Chammy Comillas of Abuyog, Leyte as public relations officer.

The newly elected board of directors includes Mario Piczon representing Samar province, Ma. Josette Doctor for Northern Samar, and Dionisio Oliva Jr. for Biliran province. Representatives for Eastern Samar and Leyte are yet to be named.

The association also elected provincial representatives to further strengthen coordination among local tourism offices.

Chosen for the posts were Randy Tobias of Catarman for Northern Samar, Sarah Afable of Arteche for Eastern Samar, Justo Morabor of Jiabong for Samar, Sharmaine Inalisan of Carigara for Leyte, Rhena Mecaydor of Almeria for Biliran, and Jonathan Estrella of Silago for Southern Leyte.

Following his election, Pinarok expressed gratitude to fellow tourism officers for their confidence and support, emphasizing the importance of unity in promoting the region’s tourism industry.

“Thank you, my dear fellow tourism officers, for your trust and confidence. Here’s to a more vibrant, interactive, and resilient EVTOA. Let’s work together to make Eastern Visayas the next big thing in tourism,” he said.

Association members said the election reflects their collective commitment to unified leadership and continued cooperation in enhancing the region’s tourism sector.

The newly elected officers are expected to spearhead programs and initiatives that promote sustainable tourism development, improve destination marketing, and strengthen partnerships among local government tourism offices across Eastern Visayas.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)