The Philippines’ leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continue to empower micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Tacloban City through digital training and ramped-up network expansion.

“As we remain committed to providing the best customer experience for our subscribers, including local businesses, our network enhancements in Tacloban City provide MSMEs opportunities for growth, allowing them to stay connected and reach more clients outside of the region,” said Debbie M. Hu, FVP and Wireless Network Head at Smart.

Being one of the most progressive cities in Eastern Visayas, Tacloban City’s over 8,000 MSMEs from various industries play a vital role in development. The city government strives to provide training, resources, and access to technology and innovation to its local MSMEs, helping them explore the opportunities brought about by digitalization.

Marjorie Go, an online seller from Barangay 104 (Salvacion) in Tacloban City, is among the local entrepreneurs benefiting from the Group’s network enhancements. Go started to sell beauty products online in 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Online selling has been very convenient for me, especially during the pandemic. It has allowed me to earn while staying at home and keeping myself and family safe,” she shared.

In four years, she was able to grow her online business and continued to sell via e-commerce platforms. One of her priorities has always been to effectively promote their products online to widen their customer base.

“A fast and reliable network is crucial in our business to help us seamlessly connect with our clients at any time and from any location. It has been essential in boosting the promotion of our products online, allowing us to attract more customers nationwide,” she said. “It is great to know that Smart is expanding its network in our city to reach and enable more local businesses in Tacloban,” Go added.

Go also joined PLDT and Smart’s recent eBizNovation BuyLocal Bazaar held in Tacloban City, which is a digital upskilling initiative designed to provide MSMEs with essential information on adopting digital tools to boost their productivity and expand their market reach by selling online. The training was conducted in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Leyte Province, the City Government of Tacloban, and TikTok Shop Philippines.

The PLDT Group’s investments in their network infrastructure and innovative products and services highlight their commitment to providing all Filipinos with access to technology and connectivity. These are also aligned with the Group’s efforts to help the country attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and reinforce the Group’s support for the Government’s overall digitalization thrust. (PR)

ORMOC CITY– A furniture shop was engulfed by flames early Thursday morning, December 5, in Purok Santolan, Brgy. Ichon, Macrohon, Southern Leyte.

Authorities identified the shop owner as “Bong,” 64, a local businessman and resident of the same barangay.

The local police reported to the regional police headquarters that they received a call from a concerned citizen about the fire at around 1 am.

Responding officers and personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) arrived to find the fire already under control.

Initial investigations revealed that a neighbor, identified as “Maritess,” heard three successive explosions before discovering that the fire originated from the furniture shop.
The fire, which was declared under control at 1:45 am and fully extinguished by 2:33 am, caused an estimated P380,000 in damages.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY– Government troopers recovered two firearms during their military operations against members of the New People’s Army in Northern Samar.

On Wednesday, November 12, troops from the 20th Infantry Battalion under the 803rd Infantry Brigade, engaged six rebel members of the Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU) operating under the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Arctic of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

The encounter occurred in a remote area of Barangay Manering, Catubig, Northern Samar.
The 15-minute firefight led to the seizure of one Bushmaster M4 rifle, one M16 rifle, and various war materials and personal belongings.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Villaflor, commanding officer of the 20IB, attributed the operation’s success to the support of the local community.

“Our troops remain steadfast in maintaining peace and security in Catubig, Northern Samar. This achievement underscores the vital role of community cooperation in combating insurgency,” he said in a statement.

He added, “We thank the public for their trust and timely support. Let us continue working together to achieve lasting peace and development in Northern Samar.”

Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, the commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, lauded the troops for their consistent efforts to weaken the CTG through sustained combat operations.

“Our continued successes have disrupted the morale of the remaining CTG members and caused internal discord within their ranks,” he said.

Orio urged the remaining rebel members to surrender, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting those who choose to reintegrate into society.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY— The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office is intensifying dredging operations in key waterways across Samar and Leyte to reduce the risk of flooding during the rainy season.

These ongoing efforts by DPWH regional office aim to address the persistent threat of flooding in Eastern Visayas, ensuring safer and more resilient communities during adverse weather conditions

According to reports from the DPWH RO8 Equipment Management Division (EMD), multiple amphibious excavators have been deployed to address siltation in various major rivers and creeks.

DPWH Regional Director Edgar Tabacon emphasized the importance of these operations in preventing rivers from overflowing.

“With the weather conditions here in our region, these dredging operations are crucial to mitigating flooding, especially during the rainy season,” he said.

This include the Maroyondoyon and Kaglangkoy Creek in Catarman, Northern Samar; Bangon River in Palo, Leyte; Taytayan River in Baybay City, Leyte; and Calbiga River in Calbiga, Samar.

Six waterways in Hilongos, Leyte, are also being subjected to dredging operation, the DPWH said.

Meanwhile, desilting activities in Tacloban City have already been completed. The Burayan Creek saw the removal of 53,958.39 cubic meters of silt, while 49,653.39 cubic meters of silt were cleared from the Mangonbangon River.

The Pagsanga-an River in Ormoc City, also in Leyte, is also slated for dredging, pending the issuance of a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the DPWH Leyte 4th District Engineering Office.
(LIZBETH A. ABELLA, ROEL T. AMAZONA)