ORMOC CITY– A high-value drug personality, ranked No. 5 in the regional priority target list of the Philippine National Police (PNP), was arrested in an early morning buy-bust operation on Sunday, March 2, in Barangay Alegria, Julita, Leyte.
The Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Leyte Provincial Police Office, together with the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of Julita Police, led the successful operation at 5:19 AM.
Five sachets of suspected shabu were recovered during sting operation against the suspect.
The suspect was informed of his arrest and constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine in a language he fully understood.
He now faces charges for violating Sections 5 (selling illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The case has already been filed with the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
The suspect is currently detained at the Julita Municipal Police Station, as authorities continue their intensified campaign against illegal drugs in the region.
PAPAL NUNCIO VISITS CATARMAN. Archbishop Charles John Brown, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, visited Catarman, Northern Samar, on Sunday, March 9, to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of the Diocese of Catarman. He was welcomed by provincial officials, led by Governor Edwin Ongchuan (behind him). Bishop Nolly Buco (not in photo) was also present during the event.
(Photo courtesy of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar.)
PAPAL NUNCIO VISITS CATARMAN. Archbishop Charles John Brown, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, visited Catarman, Northern Samar, on Sunday, March 9, to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of the Diocese of Catarman. He was welcomed by provincial officials, led by Governor Edwin Ongchuan (behind him). Bishop Nolly Buco (not in photo) was also present during the event. (Photo courtesy of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar.)
To alleviate poverty, end insurgency
TACLOBAN CITY – Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara, who is the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Eastern Visayas, has expressed full support for the ‘unity roads’ project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at interconnecting the three provinces of Samar Island.
Speaking during the Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC) meeting on March 6, 2025 in Catbalogan City, Angara commended the province of Samar for its proactive efforts in promoting peace and development.
He pledged to advocate for funding and national support for the project, emphasizing that improved road interconnectivity would enhance security, boost economic growth, and improve the quality of life in Region 8.
According to Angara, infrastructure is the key to peace and progress.
Thus, the unity roads project will not only connect communities but also dismantle barriers that have long hindered development and made people vulnerable to insurgency, he added.
As chair of the Provincial Task Force-ELCAC, Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan formally endorsed the unity roads project, which aims to link Northern Samar, Samar, and Eastern Samar through an expanded network of roads and bridges.
With Secretary Angara’s commitment to push for national support and funding, the project moves closer to realization, bringing hope for a more connected and prosperous Samar Island, Tan said.
The initiative seeks to address two major challenges in the region: poverty and insurgency.
Last February 11, Tan, together with Governors Edwin Ongchuan of Northern Samar) and Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar met in Calbayog City to discuss priority infrastructure projects that would improve access to remote areas and promote economic development.
Among the key projects identified were E. Duran to Macatingog (Bobon) Road in Northern Samar – Estimated budget of P350 million, providing a direct link between Bobon and Calbayog City in Samar; Silvino Lubos-Matuguinao Road (Samar-Northern Samar) – An 18-kilometer road with four planned bridges, costing P3.2 billion, designed to open trade routes and curb insurgent movement; and Catumsan-Jipapad-Las Navas-Catubig-Rawis Road (Las Navas-Jipapad Road) – Currently 72% complete, connecting Northern Samar and Eastern Samar.
All three governors emphasized that these road networks are essential for improving access to health, education, and social services while also ensuring the efficient delivery of government programs to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
The unity roads project aligns with the broader goal of sustained peace-building in Samar Island. By linking remote communities to economic centers, local leaders hope to create new opportunities for trade, tourism, and agriculture—ultimately weakening the root causes of insurgency.
TACLOBAN CITY – The Tingog Kabataan Incorporated, Tacloban Chapter, in partnership with the People’s Federal Reform Movement for Justice and Reconciliation, Inc. (PFRMJR, Inc.) and the Political Officers League of the Philippines, Inc. (POLPhil. Inc.), has officially launched the 2025 Search for the Most Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Barangay Council here in the city.
Maxine Allyssa “Max” Roseño, secretary general of Tingog Kabataan Incorporated and SK chairperson of Brgy. 109-A, the competition aims to recognize exceptional youth leadership and governance at the barangay level.
“This is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity for SK councils to showcase their impact and commitment to their communities. We want to celebrate those who go beyond their mandates and truly make a difference,” Roseño said in a statement.
With this initiative, Tacloban’s youth leaders are encouraged to take an active role in shaping their communities, proving that good governance starts at the grassroots level.
The search will highlight SK councils that demonstrate innovative programs, effective governance, and strong community engagement.
Several major awards will be given, including top 10 most outstanding SK barangay councils; 10 competent awards (consolation prizes; early bird award (first 50 attendees); and SK council unity and support achievement award, recognizing councils with high participation rates and strong youth sector representation (ages 18-30) during the awarding ceremonies.
The deadline for submission of selection and evaluation forms is March 22, 2025 (Saturday). Interested SK councils must email their documents to tingogkabataan@gmail.com for consideration.
Roseño also clarified that she is disqualified from joining the contest, as she is part of the secretariat overseeing the selection process.
For further details, SK officials may visit the official Tingog Kabataan Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tingogkabataanofficial.
TACLOBAN CITY – The Bureau of Fire Protection(BFP) reports there remain twelve municipalities in Region 8 with no fire stations and manpower; however, they are steadily closing the gap as many of these areas have started to build their firefighting facilities and are currently in various stages of construction.
The construction of more fire stations and the purchase of fully modernized fire-fighting tools and lifesaving equipment are part of the strategic move towards BFP modernization.
Fire Senior Supt. Randy Mendaros, Assistant Regional Director for Operations of BFP 8, said in a forum Samar province has the number municipalities which have no fire stations.
These are Almagro, Daram, Sto. Nino, Tagapul-an, and Zumarraga, all island towns off the Samar Sea.
In Northern Samar, Biri town still has no fire station as its construction has been suspended due to permits needed to be acquired from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; in Lapinig and Victoria, fire station construction is 50% and 37% complete respectively; and the remaining is in San Vicente.
In Eastern Samar, Maydolong and Mercedes continue to await the start of the construction of their fire stations while in Biliran province, only the island of Maripipi is without a fire station, however, its construction is now at 37%.
Concerns were raised among island towns having no fire station that in times of conflagration, fire responders will not be readily at hand.
“It will be quite dangerous when the conflagration occurs in an island. It may take time for neighboring firefighters to respond due to the distance of the waters,” Mendaros added.
He otherwise assured the remaining 12 areas in the region are being prioritized for the fire station projects. Common problem among these LGUs is the unavailability of appropriate land for such a construction and the permit requirements to be secured.
The BFP regional office announced this information during a forum conducted to formally open the Fire Prevention Month observance this March.
BFP-8 has lined up various activities regionwide for the month-long observance. These activities are set to reinforce fire safety awareness and strengthen the bureau’s community relations with the general public.
This year’s theme for the Fire Prevention Month is “Sa Pag-iwas ng Sunog, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa”, reinforcing the collective responsibility of fire prevention.
FIGHT ON CLIMATE CHANGE. Leyte Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon (3rd district) emphasized the critical need for climate action and disaster preparedness. The lady solon made this during her speech during the annual provincial congress of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas – Leyte Provincial Chapter held in Cebu City. Also present during the event were Board Member Marie Kathryn Veloso-Kabigting, and Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog party-list, among others. (PHOTO COURTESY)
CEBU CITY– Leyte Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon(3rd district)and Board Member Marie Kathryn Veloso-Kabigting underscored the urgency of climate action and disaster preparedness in barangay governance during the Annual Provincial Congress of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas – Leyte Provincial Chapter.
FIGHT ON CLIMATE CHANGE. Leyte Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon (3rd district) emphasized the critical need for climate action and disaster preparedness. The lady solon made this during her speech during the annual provincial congress of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas – Leyte Provincial Chapter held in Cebu City. Also present during the event were Board Member Marie Kathryn Veloso-Kabigting, and Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog party-list, among others. (PHOTO COURTESY)
Rep. Veloso-Tuazon delivered an in-depth discussion on integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into barangay development plans, emphasizing that climate action (SDG 13) is the defining crisis of our time.
“Our barangays serve as the gauge—measuring what matters and translating plans into reality,” she stated.
She highlighted that Eastern Visayas, despite Leyte and Biliran being excluded from the list of climate-vulnerable provinces, remains highly susceptible to climate impact drivers such as extreme temperatures, sea level rise, heavy rainfall, and stronger typhoons.
She urged barangays to recognize their critical role in data collection and project implementation, emphasizing that climate change exacerbates food security, education, and gender equality.
To institutionalize climate action across local government units (LGUs), she proposed the establishment of Climate Change Committees in every barangay. These committees would facilitate access to climate financing mechanisms, such as the People’s Survival Fund. She also cited the passage of the Low Carbon Economy Bill, which institutionalizes decarbonization strategies.
“Changes on a global scale begin with local buy-in. We must shift consumer behavior and disincentivize business-as-usual conduct that hinders our climate ambitions,” she added.
For her part, Board Member Marie Kathryn Veloso-Kabigting reinforced the need for barangays to be proactive in disaster preparedness, outlining key measures necessary for safer and more resilient communities:
1) Strengthening Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction
Plans Mapping hazards such as floods, earthquakes, and fires Establishing early warning systems and evacuation routes
Conducting community-wide information drives on disaster risks
2) Enhancing Community Involvement
Organizing volunteer response teams for food, water, search-and-rescue, and cleanup
Utilizing technology, such as Facebook Messenger emergency chat groups
Conducting continuous workshops on first aid and CPR
Equipping barangay health centers with first aid kits
3) Investing in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
Proposing barangay-specific projects such as seawalls, flood control systems, and multipurpose buildings that double as evacuation centers
Implementing small-scale solutions like rainwater catchments and solar-powered streetlights
4) Promoting Mangrove and Bamboo Planting
Advocating mangrove reforestation for its ability to reduce wave height and storm surges while boosting marine life and eco-tourism
Promoting bamboo cultivation as a carbon-sequestering, fast-growing resource that enhances land stability and provides sustainable livelihood opportunities
In closing, Board Member Veloso-Kabigting expressed gratitude to Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla, Congresswoman Veloso-Tuazon, and Tingog party-list for their leadership in climate and disaster resilience. She also commended her sister, Congresswoman Veloso-Tuazon, for championing climate action beyond Leyte’s 3rd District and advocating for nationwide sustainable development.
The event reinforced the collective responsibility of barangay officials in addressing climate change and disaster preparedness, emphasizing that resilience begins at the grassroots level.
TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Northern Samar, led by Governor Edwin Ongchuan, met with Asian Development Bank (ADB) officials on March 5 to discuss investment facilitation and blue economy development.
Governor Ongchuan outlined his vision for sustainable development, highlighting the province’s geographic and economic potential. Discussions included positioning Northern Samar as a model local government unit (LGU) for ADB-led initiatives in coordination with national agencies.
A key focus was Northern Samar’s potential selection as a pilot LGU for the Business Environment Performance-Based Loan (PBL), an initiative backed by the Board of Investments (BOI) and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
The program aims to streamline investment processes through the publication of investor guidebooks and the review of regulatory procedures, particularly in renewable energy and other key sectors.
The ADB will facilitate follow-up discussions with stakeholders, including BOI and the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (PEDIPO), to define the scope of technical support and Northern Samar’s participation.
Another area of collaboration is the Agri-Aqua Innovation Pitch Fest (AIPF), a platform for technical support in blue economy initiatives.
The province plans to formally request ADB’s technical assistance through the Department of Agriculture, which may lead to Northern Samar’s endorsement as a contributing LGU in the AIPF.
