DSWD SATELLITE WAREHOUSE. A satellite warehouse was established in Allen, Northern Samar by the Department of Social Welfare and Development for easy and fast distribution of relief goods in the province in times of disaster. Among those present during the August 6 event were Vice Gov. Clarence Dato and DSWD assistant regional director for administration Clarito Logronio.(DSWD-8)
DSWD SATELLITE WAREHOUSE. A satellite warehouse was established in Allen, Northern Samar by the Department of Social Welfare and Development for easy and fast distribution of relief goods in the province in times of disaster. Among those present during the August 6 event were Vice Gov. Clarence Dato and DSWD assistant regional director for administration Clarito Logronio.(DSWD-8)
TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the region has opened a new satellite warehouse in Allen, Northern Samar, a move expected to significantly strengthen disaster preparedness and response operations in Eastern Visayas.
The ceremony, held on August 6, 2025, marked a milestone in the agency’s ongoing efforts to decentralize relief storage and speed up the delivery of emergency aid.
Located strategically in Allen—a key gateway between Luzon and the Visayas—the facility will serve as a vital hub for storing and distributing relief goods and essential supplies, enabling faster mobilization during calamities.
Among those present at the ceremony were Atty. Jun Eso, chief administrative officer of the Visayas Disaster Response Cluster; Vice Governor Clarence Dato; Director Clarito Logronio, assistant regional director for administration; Sher Rysiah Saises, chief of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Service of the Office of Civil Defense; and other key officials and humanitarian partners.
In his keynote address, Eso underscored the warehouse’s role in enhancing DSWD’s readiness and efficiency during emergencies, particularly in geographically challenging areas of Northern Samar.
With the new facility operational, DSWD regional office will be able to preposition goods closer to communities prone to typhoons, flooding, and other natural disasters—reducing response time and ensuring that affected families receive assistance without delay.
The DSWD emphasized that the project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of local government units, national agencies, and humanitarian partners committed to improving disaster resilience in the region.
Photo shows the extent of mining operations in Barangay Casuguran, which has prompted residents to intensify their opposition, saying their homes—and even their lives—are now at risk. Photo by Fr. James Abella during the July 28 visit to the historic island. (FR. JAMES ABELLA)
Homonhon mining activities
Photo shows the extent of mining operations in Barangay Casuguran, which has prompted residents to intensify their opposition, saying their homes—and even their lives—are now at risk. Photo by Fr. James Abella during the July 28 visit to the historic island. (FR. JAMES ABELLA)
TACLOBAN CITY – In a powerful show of pastoral and environmental solidarity, the three Catholic bishops of Samar Island visited Homonhon Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, lending their voices to local communities opposing the continued expansion of large-scale mining operations on the historically significant island.
Bishops Nolly Buco of the Diocese of Catarman, Isabelo Abarquez of the Diocese of Calbayog, and Crispin Varquez of the Diocese of Borongan made the visit on July 28 as part of the 50th general assembly of the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD), a multi-sectoral network advocating sustainable development and environmental justice.
The decision to hold the milestone assembly on Homonhon was deliberate, organizers said, aiming to refocus attention on the enduring struggles of island residents against environmental degradation and threats to livelihood brought about by decades of mining.
“Holding the SIPPAD Assembly on Homonhon Island was not by chance. We wanted to return to the very heart of why SIPPAD exists—our love for our people and our sacred duty to care for the land that gives us life,” said Fr. James Abella, director of the Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace of the Diocese of Borongan.
Fr. Abella said the bishops’ presence on the island signaled not just spiritual care but an unequivocal stance against further destruction. Residents say ongoing mining has led to severe soil erosion, siltation of waterways, deforestation, and loss of farmland and water sources.
Homonhon, where Ferdinand Magellan first landed in the Philippines over 500 years ago, is now home to over 4,000 residents spread across eight barangays. The island has hosted large-scale mining since the 1980s. At present, four mining firms operate there: Global Min-Met Resources, Verum Terra Geosciences Inc., TelcIron Resources Inc., and Emir Mineral Resources Corp.
A fresh wave of opposition erupted this July after Emir Mineral Resources began clearing land for a proposed 25-hectare expansion in Barangay Casuguran—an area close to homes, farms, and a secondary school.
Carmi Macapagao, president of the Homonhon Environmental Advocates and Rights Defenders (HEARD), said residents began a peaceful barricade on July 14 to stop the expansion.
“The visit of the bishops came at a very crucial time,” she said. “They’ve already begun clearing operations. In the process, three vegetable and calamansi farms were destroyed, and around 60 mancono trees were felled.”
The mancono, or Philippine ironwood (Xanthostemon verdugonianus), is a rare and endangered tree species endemic to the Philippines.
Macapagao warned that the proposed expansion area is part of the community’s agricultural zone and could affect the water supply and the only public high school on the island.
Fr. Abella added that the bishops are planning to return to Barangay Casuguran in September to lead a tree-planting activity as part of the Catholic Church’s annual Season of Creation, observed from September 1 to October 4.
The tradition, rooted in Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, calls on Christians worldwide to engage in ecological conversion and take action to protect the environment.
Efforts to get a comment from Emir Mineral Resources Corp. about the protests and their planned expansion remained unanswered as of press time.
RISING NUMBERS. Leyte Rep. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez said that his vastly improved trust and performance ratings will push him more to do for the country.
(FILE PHOTO)
RISING NUMBERS. Leyte Rep. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez said that his vastly improved trust and performance ratings will push him more to do for the country. (FILE PHOTO)
TACLOBAN CITY– House Speaker and Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez welcomed the results of the latest OCTA Research “Tugon ng Masa” survey, showing a significant increase in both his trust and performance ratings, which he attributed to the public’s growing confidence in ongoing reforms at the House of Representatives.
According to the survey, Romualdez’s trust rating rose to 57%, while his performance rating climbed to 59%, a development he described as both encouraging and humbling.
“I welcome the results of the latest OCTA Tugon ng Masa survey with gratitude and a clear sense of responsibility,” Romualdez said in a statement. “These gains are broad-based, cutting across all major regions and socioeconomic groups. That tells me one thing: people are paying attention. They want honest leadership and tangible results.”
Romualdez credited the improvement to the House’s legislative focus on transparency, budget integrity, and efficient delivery of public services—priorities he has pushed since assuming the speakership in 2022.
Under his leadership, the House has passed key measures aimed at improving fiscal accountability, streamlining public spending, and ensuring that national funds benefit priority sectors, especially those most in need.
The Speaker, however, stressed that the survey results are not a time to celebrate, but rather a call to double down on efforts to ensure good governance.
“This is not a victory lap. It’s a reminder to stay focused, stay grounded, and stay accountable,” he said. “We will continue to work quietly but decisively. There is still much to be done to ensure that public funds are spent efficiently, that infrastructure projects are free from corruption, and that basic services reach those who need them most.”
Romualdez also underscored the importance of public trust in sustaining democratic institutions and advancing the government’s broader reform agenda. He pledged that the House will continue to prioritize legislation that directly impacts the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
The OCTA Tugon ng Masa survey is conducted quarterly and gauges public perception of national leaders, institutions, and social issues. The most recent results reflect sentiments gathered during the second quarter of 2025.
Romualdez, currently serving his third term as congressman of Leyte’s 1st district, plays a key role in steering legislative priorities aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.
SINP AS A UNESCO NATURAL PARK. Governors of Samar Island,(from left) Harris Ongchuan of Northern Samar, Sharee Ann Tan of Samar, and Ralph Vincent Evardone of Eastern Samar are joining forces to ensure successful bid of making the Samar Island Natural Park into world heritage park under Unesco.(SAMAR PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)
SINP AS A UNESCO NATURAL PARK. Governors of Samar Island,(from left) Harris Ongchuan of Northern Samar, Sharee Ann Tan of Samar, and Ralph Vincent Evardone of Eastern Samar are joining forces to ensure successful bid of making the Samar Island Natural Park into world heritage park under Unesco.(SAMAR PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY – The provinces of Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar have united in a renewed push to have the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site—a move aimed at securing global recognition and stronger protection for one of the country’s most ecologically significant areas.
This united effort underscores the provinces’ shared commitment to preserving Samar Island’s rich biodiversity, vast old-growth forests, and critical habitats.
In a recent meeting, Samar Governor Ann Tan, Eastern Samar Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone, and Northern Samar Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan convened with heritage expert Dr. Eric Zerrudo, Beverly Bautista, and Samar State University president Redentor Palencia to coordinate their strategies for the bid.
The Samar Island Natural Park—covering more than 333,300 hectares—is the largest remaining contiguous tract of old-growth forest in the Philippines and serves as a vital biodiversity corridor.
Key features of SINP include diverse ecosystems: Six types of ecological forests, including lowland evergreen rainforests, swamp forests, beach forests, mangroves, forests over limestone, and forests on ultramafic soil; threatened species: habitat to numerous endangered and endemic species, such as the Philippine eagle, Philippine crocodile, and the Hopea samarensis, a tree species found only on the island; natural landmarks: home to iconic sites such as the Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge National Park, the Calbiga Cave System—one of the largest in Southeast Asia—and the 100-kilometer Ulot River, Eastern Visayas’ longest river.
If granted Unesco World Heritage status, SINP would benefit from increased international funding for biodiversity conservation, forest protection, and sustainable eco-tourism development; global recognition that could enhance sustainable tourism and further promote conservation awareness across local and international communities.
This joint initiative signals a strong regional commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable development, as leaders across Samar Island continue to champion the protection of their natural heritage for future generations.
PRAISE-WORTHY. Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos and the Social Security System (SSS) for approving a pension hike that will benefit nearly four million retirees without increasing contribution rates for active members.(FILE PHOTO)
PRAISE-WORTHY. Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos and the Social Security System (SSS) for approving a pension hike that will benefit nearly four million retirees without increasing contribution rates for active members.(FILE PHOTO)
TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre has lauded the Social Security System (SSS) and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for approving a historic multi-year pension hike that will benefit nearly four million retirees—without increasing contribution rates for active members.
Acidre praised the move as a reflection of the President’s compassionate leadership, addressing the long-standing concerns of pensioners struggling with rising living costs.
“This is a concrete and timely response that will uplift the lives of our retirees and their families,” he said in a statement.
He also acknowledged SSS president and CEO Rolando Macasaet, the Social Security Commission, and Finance Secretary Ralph Recto for supporting the implementation of the pension reform, made possible under the Social Security Act of 2018.
Tingog, Acidre added, remains committed to pushing policies that protect workers and improve the welfare of senior citizens across the country.
TACLOBAN CITY – The 8th Infantry Division (8ID) has confirmed the identities of seven out of eight suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) killed during twin encounters with government troops on July 31 in Barangay San Isidro, Las Navas, Northern Samar.
In a statement released Monday, August 4, the 8ID said it had been working closely with the local government unit of Las Navas to facilitate funeral arrangements, in accordance with cultural and legal protocols and respect for human dignity, as guided by International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
The following rebels, all affiliated with the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), were officially identified: Richard Jumadiao alias “Joban” – known Communist leader of the Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU) Laysan; alias “Berbon” – Vice Squad Leader, Independent Squad, Regional Guerrilla Unit (RGU); Edgar Baselga alias “Ali” – Squad Leader, Squad 1, RGU; Marciano Pecayo alias “Lakay”; Jinky Senobio alias “Sinag” – Member, Squad 1, RGU; alias “Desoy” – Member, RGU; and alias “Rico” – Member, RGU.
They were identified through the help of their former comrades while the identity of the eighth fatality is still being verified.
Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8ID which is based in Catbalogan City, Samar, said the military remains committed to upholding IHL even in conflict situations.
“While these individuals chose to take up arms and engage in acts of terror, we continue to uphold our duty to treat the dead with dignity,” Orio said. “We are working closely with LGUs to locate and inform the families of the deceased, ensuring proper notification and retrieval of the bodies.”
The clashes on July 31 came after troops from the 8ID acted on reports from concerned civilians about the presence of armed rebels threatening farmers in the area. The military recovered 10 high-powered firearms, including a K3 light machine gun and M16 rifles, at the scene of the encounter.
Orio again urged remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and return to civilian life through the government’s reintegration programs.
“Let this be a turning point,” he added. “There is still time to return home and start anew. The government is ready to help you.”
The military is coordinating with the local government to support the identification and turnover of the remains to their families.
