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.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

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)