ORMOC CITY– The rank No. 3 most wanted person at the provincial level was arrested by local police and operatives from the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Biliran Provincial Police Office at around 8:40 pm on December 8, 2024, in Barangay Balaquid, Cabucgayan, Biliran.
Authorities identified the suspect as alias “Bani,” 21, single, a student, and a resident of Barangay Balaquid.
The arrest was made by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued on December 4, 2024, by Judge Constantino Esber, executive judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 37, Naval, Biliran.
The suspect faces charges of statutory rape, a non-bailable offense, and rape through sexual assault in relation to Republic Act 7610, with a recommended bail of P120,000.
The accused was informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine in a language he understood. He was subsequently brought to the Cabucgayan Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition before being turned over to the issuing court. (ROBERT DEJON)
Seventy-two agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from Eastern Samar received condonation certificates freeing them from financial burden, while 203 received individual electronically generated land titles (E-Titles) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). (JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA)
Seventy-two agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from Eastern Samar received condonation certificates freeing them from financial burden, while 203 received individual electronically generated land titles (E-Titles) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). (JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA)
BORONGAN CITY– It was still 14 days before Christmas but Pancho Bayben from Maydolong town considered the Certificate of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROM) he received on December 11 this year an early Christmas gift from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
The COCROM relieved Bayben from his remaining P26,495.89 debt with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) which he incurred from the amortization of the land awarded to him under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
“Nalilipay ako kan (President) Bongbong Marcos nga ginhatag ini nga maaga nga pamasko ha am nga waray na namon babayaran han am nabibilin nga utang ha Land Bank (I am happy for this early Christmas gift (President) Bongbong Marcos had given to us that we are no longer going to pay our remaining debt with the Land Bank.),” exclaimed Bayben at the Provincial Capitol Gym.
On Wednesday, Atty. Robert Anthony Yu, DAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director, alongside Marian June Libanan Ganzon, who represented Marcelino Libanan, House Minority Leader and 4Ps Partylist Representative, and Alfonso Catorce, Eastern Samar Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) led the distribution of 90 COCROMS to 72 ARBs from this city and from the towns of Can-avid, Dolores, Hernani, Lawaan, Maydolong and Salcedo.
Catorce disclosed that a total of P438,929.26 unpaid debts based on the 90 COCROMS were remitted by virtue of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act (Republic Act No. 11953) which President Marcos signed on July 7 last year.
On the same occasion, 280 individual electronically generated land titles (e-titles), under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project were handed to 203 ARBs. These e-titles covered an aggregate area of 381 hectares of farm lots situated in the towns of Balangiga, Balangkayan, Can-avid, Dolores, Giporlos, Lawaan, Quinapondan, San julian and Taft.
Yu explained that by providing ARBs with individual titles, property right over their awarded lands is strengthened.
He added that providing land to the landless where they can derive livelihood is DAR’s contribution to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), a whole-of-nation approach in addressing insurgency problems in the country.
Further, DAR likewise turned over various farm machineries and equipment with a combined amount of P900,000.00 to Lalawigan Progressive Farmers’ Association, President Roxas ARB Association, Inc. and the Sagkaray Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative. (JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA)
TACLOBAN CITY—The Northern Samar provincial government’s Kauswagan Caravan was honored at the Parangal: Gawad ng Kahusayan sa Komunikasyong Pampubliko, held on Monday, December 16, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
The program was named runner-up in the Public Service Campaign category, a flagship recognition by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) that celebrates outstanding communication campaigns and strategies by government agencies and local government units.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally awarded the province a P50,000 grant, which will be used to further develop the Kauswagan Caravan and expand its reach to more communities.
The recognition underscores the Kauswagan Caravan’s role as a transformative platform that unites municipal, provincial, and national government agencies with private organizations and non-government organizations (NGOs).
The program allows the private sector to fulfill their corporate social responsibilities while integrating government services to provide a cohesive and impactful public service approach.
A flagship initiative of the Northern Samar provincial government, the Kauswagan Caravan brings essential government services directly to communities, aligning with Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach to ending local communist armed conflict.
Since its inception, the caravan has served nearly 50,000 families or approximately 190,000 individuals across 179 barangays.
Currently, the program collaborates with 113 stakeholders, including 45 private sector businesses and 10 non-government organizations, demonstrating a strong model for public-private cooperation and inter-agency partnerships.
The recognition affirms the Kauswagan Caravan’s significant impact on the lives of Northern Samar residents, making it a benchmark for innovative and inclusive public service. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
PROJECTS. A farm-to-market road and bridge construction are two of the projects that are expected not only to boost the economy and transportation of the locals of Maslog and Jipapad but also address the insurgency problem on these areas. The Dec.16 groundbreaking was attended by OPAPRU Sec. Carlito Galvez, and Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group, among others. (ROEL T.AMAZONA)
PROJECTS. A farm-to-market road and bridge construction are two of the projects that are expected not only to boost the economy and transportation of the locals of Maslog and Jipapad but also address the insurgency problem on these areas. The Dec.16 groundbreaking was attended by OPAPRU Sec. Carlito Galvez, and Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group, among others. (ROEL T.AMAZONA)
MASLOG, Eastern Samar-Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) led the groundbreaking ceremony for a more than P90-million Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) project in this town.
Joining Galvez at the event were Pamana Director J. Anthony Peña, House Minority Floor Leader Marcelino Libanan, Maslog Mayor Heracleo Santiago, Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Commander Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, 801st Brigade Commander Lenart Lelina, and OPAPRU Eastern Visayas Area Manager Emilda Calagos Bonifacio.
The project includes over P163 million for road concreting and nearly P29 million for bridge construction to connect the town of Maslog to Jipapad.
“Let us cherish and maximize this gift from the government,” said Sec. Galvez, emphasizing that infrastructure development in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) addresses social issues often exploited by insurgent groups.
“Roads bring mobility, and mobility sparks economic activity,” he added.
Maslog Mayor Heracleo Santiago expressed gratitude to OPAPRU and Pamana for securing funding for the project, which he said is expected to spur economic growth, improve access to education, and help farmers transport their goods to market more efficiently.
The project will traverse three interior barangays of Maslog, benefiting over 900 residents upon completion.
“This road project, located near the tri-boundary of the three Samar provinces, will not only boost development but also help address the insurgency problem,” Santiago said. “It will encourage individuals who have yet to surrender and weaken, if not eliminate, insurgency in the area.”
Pamana NPMO representative Armenia Balanay commended Maslog’s local government for its ability to implement infrastructure projects efficiently and within national standards.
“They have consistently delivered Pamana-funded projects on time, ensured proper liquidation, and met the quality standards set by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),” she noted.
The road project, which will be implemented by the Maslog LGU, is set to be completed within 262 days.
House Minority Floor Leader Marcelino Libanan assured his continued support to secure sufficient funding from the national government, ensuring the project’s timely completion.
“This is a vital step toward improving the lives of our constituents and fostering peace and development in the region,” the solon said.
The Pamana program, a key initiative of OPAPRU, focuses on providing development in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities, contributing to the government’s goal of lasting peace and prosperity.
TOURISM AND INVESTMENT PROMOTIONS.The provincial government of Northern Samar and the Island Living Channel, a lifestyle television channel, are to forge an agreement with the latter promoting the province’s stunning tourist attractions like the Biri Rock Formations. The agreement is also expected to boost the province’s economic potentials. (FILE PHOTO)
TOURISM AND INVESTMENT PROMOTIONS.The provincial government of Northern Samar and the Island Living Channel, a lifestyle television channel, are to forge an agreement with the latter promoting the province’s stunning tourist attractions like the Biri Rock Formations. The agreement is also expected to boost the province’s economic potentials. (FILE PHOTO)
TACLOBAN CITY– Northern Samar is setting its sights on the global tourism map as the province eyes a groundbreaking partnership with the Island Living Channel (ILC) to showcase its still largely but natural beauty and investment potential.
The initiative, driven by ILC Chairman and CEO Radjie Caram Jr. and endorsed by Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan, seeks to harness the power of media to highlight the province’s natural wonders, rich culture, and untapped investment opportunities.
Governor Ongchuan, who met the ILC official last Thursday, Dec.12, expressed excitement over the collaboration, describing it as a strategic step toward transforming Northern Samar into a top-tier destination.
“This partnership with ILC is a pivotal opportunity for Northern Samar to showcase our stunning natural landscapes, cultural richness, and welcoming communities,” Ongchuan said in a statement on Monday. Dec. 16.
“By promoting our province to a global audience, we aim to boost tourism, attract investors, and create sustainable opportunities for our people.”
Nestled in the heart of the Philippines, Northern Samar is a province brimming with pristine beaches, magnificent rock formations, vibrant marine biodiversity, and a community known for its resilience and hospitality.
Despite its natural treasures, Northern Samar remains relatively unexplored, making it a hidden gem for adventurers, nature lovers, and even investors.
Through its proposed collaboration with ILC, Northern Samar envisions unveiling its treasures to a global audience.
ILC, the largest lifestyle cable network in Southern Philippines, has been a pioneer in promoting Philippine destinations since 2006.
Broadcasting 24/7 in 75 major cities and towns—including airport and seaport terminals—ILC captivates travelers with immersive tourism content, positioning itself as a powerful platform for Northern Samar’s narrative.
The network’s impressive reach and award-winning programming are expected to spotlight Northern Samar’s tourism potential while attracting investors in sectors like agriculture, real estate, and eco-tourism.
By featuring the province on its platform, ILC will help Northern Samar present itself not only as a travel destination but also as a thriving economic hub.
Among the province’s standout features are its Biri Rock Formations, massive limestone sculptures shaped by nature’s elements located in Biri town, and the enchanting Pink Beach in San Vicente, a rare gem with pinkish sands derived from crushed red corals. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in the region announced that Eastern Visayas has exceeded its National ID registration target.
As of October 31, 2024, a total of 4,164,406 individuals have registered, surpassing the regional target of 4,151,168, achieving an impressive 100.3% accomplishment.
Based on the latest data, four provinces in the region—Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, and Biliran—have reached and even exceeded their registration targets.
Meanwhile, Southern Leyte and Eastern Samar are nearing full completion, achieving 97.9% and 96.7%, respectively.
The PSA is intensifying registration campaigns in Southern Leyte and Eastern Samar to achieve 100% coverage. These efforts include targeted outreach programs and localized campaigns, focusing on individuals aged one year old and above who have yet to register.
The National ID program is a cornerstone initiative aimed at streamlining government and private sector services, fostering financial inclusion, and promoting national development.
With a nationwide target of 92 million registrants by the end of 2024, the achievement in Eastern Visayas significantly contributes to this goal.
PSA Regional Director Wilma Perante lauded the collaborative efforts of local governments, partner agencies, and communities that played a key role in surpassing the target.
“We are proud of Eastern Visayas’ performance in the National ID registration. Our work continues to ensure that everyone in the region is included,” she stated.
The PSA encourages residents in remaining unregistered areas to take part in the process, highlighting the benefits of having a National ID for easier access to government services, financial assistance programs, and identity verification.
For further updates and registration schedules, residents are advised to contact their local PSA offices or visit the PSA official website. (JOEY A. GABIETA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
