TACLOBAN CITY– The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office launched its information and advocacy caravan in the remote barangay of Langit, Alangalang, Leyte.

The caravan, held last week, is part of the field office’s advocacy project, “Panaringsing: Buhay at Balangkas ng Mamamayan ng Eastern Visayas” which aims to raise awareness about the DSWD’s programs and services while addressing the unique needs of communities in isolated areas.

As the project’s inaugural activity, the caravan highlighted the department’s services for older persons, focusing on their rights and privileges as a vulnerable sector.

Participants received vital information on programs supporting senior citizens, including access to social pensions, healthcare assistance, and community involvement opportunities.
“Through this initiative, (the DSWD) hope to empower residents in remote barangays by ensuring they are informed about the services and benefits available to them,” it said in a statement.

“Advocacy caravans like this bring our services closer to those who need them the most,” it added.

Community members expressed their gratitude for the activity, which provided not only information but also a platform for dialogue between residents and DSWD representatives.
The DSWD-8 plans to expand the caravan to other remote barangays across Eastern Visayas in the coming months, furthering its commitment to inclusivity and grassroots engagement.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY– A Europe-based Filipino Artificial Intelligence (AI) engineer and data scientist has been recognized as part of a winning multinational team at the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academy Public Policy Seminar, held at Fulbright University Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City.

The seminar explored the future of Southeast Asia’s technology landscape under the theme “Shifting the Tech Value Chain in Southeast Asia.”

Rex Albert Villahermosa, a University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman graduate in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and an alumnus of the Philippine Science High School-Eastern Visayas Campus, was among the 33 delegates competitively selected from across Southeast Asia. His team excelled in tackling complex policy issues related to the U.S.-China chip war and its implications for the region.

“This memorable experience provided an unparalleled opportunity to engage with fellow Southeast Asian innovators and policymakers on the complexities of the global chip ecosystem. Our collaborative discussions have shed light on how our region can strategically navigate the U.S.-China chip war and ensure sustainable technological advancement,” Villahermosa said in an interview with Leyte Samar Daily Express on December 20, 2024.

The seminar brought together delegates to explore strategic approaches to sustainable technological growth amidst the escalating U.S.-China chip conflict. Villahermosa emphasized the importance of fostering a resilient and inclusive tech landscape that benefits Southeast Asia.

Villahermosa, who pursued further studies in AI in the Netherlands with a focus on semiconductor technology and AI chips, was joined in the winning team by delegates Nithya Vysnavi Vadeveloo (Malaysia), Sukonphet Phonpradiitanon (Thailand), Aditya Pradana (Indonesia), Khin Kye Sin (Myanmar), and Korlakod Vannaly (Laos).

“Through collaborative dialogues, my teammates and I demonstrated the potential of innovative semiconductor solutions. Our work emphasized the critical need for cooperation and a shared commitment, especially amidst present geopolitical challenges,” he said.
During the seminar, the participants analyzed the geopolitical complexities of the chip war and its impact on Southeast Asia’s technological ecosystem. Villahermosa and his team presented innovative strategies for Southeast Asian countries to assert their role in global technology value chains.

“By fostering strategic partnerships and embracing cutting-edge technologies, we aim to drive forward the semiconductor landscape in Southeast Asia and beyond,” Villahermosa said, highlighting their team’s vision for the region’s technological progress.

The seminar culminated in a presentation that addressed crucial questions about how Southeast Asian countries can navigate the shifting geopolitical landscape and seize opportunities for sustainable innovation.

“As the chip war intensifies, we remain dedicated to informing policy decisions. We hope that our journey stands as an inspiration for other policymakers, scientists, and innovators aiming to shape the future of Southeast Asian technology,” Villahermosa added.
(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY – Ormoc Bay in Leyte, encompassing Ormoc City and the municipalities of Albuera, Merida, and Leyte, Leyte, has been declared free of toxic red tide, according to an advisory released by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Thursday, Dec. 19.

Shellfish and Acetes sp., locally known as “alamang,” harvested from these areas are now safe for human consumption.

However, BFAR reported that several bodies of water in Eastern Visayas remain positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) due to red tide toxin levels exceeding the regulatory limit. A shellfish ban remains strictly enforced in the following areas: Daram Island, Zumarraga Island, and Irong-Irong Bay in Catbalogan City, all in Samar; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, covering the towns of General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Salcedo; and Biliran Island, Biliran province.

Red tide is caused by blooms of harmful algae, including Pyrodinium bahamense, a dinoflagellate known to produce saxitoxin. This toxin can accumulate in shellfish and cause PSP in humans, a potentially fatal condition affecting the nervous system.
BFAR advises against harvesting, selling, or consuming shellfish and “alamang” from the affected areas to prevent poisoning.

Symptoms of PSP include numbness, tingling, dizziness, and in severe cases, respiratory paralysis.

Meantime, filtered seawater samples from these areas also remain positive for Pyrodinium bahamense, namely, Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City; Guiuan, Eastern Samar; and Calbayog City, Samar.

While shellfish and alamang from affected areas are unsafe, fish, squid, shrimp, and crab are safe to eat provided they are fresh and properly prepared.

BFAR advises removing internal organs such as intestines and gills and thoroughly cleaning the seafood before cooking.

Residents are strongly urged to comply with the advisory to avoid health risks.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)