TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office 8 is spreading holiday cheer this December with outreach programs for various communities in Eastern Visayas.
On December 2, DPWH-8, led by Regional Director Edgar Tabacon and his assistant, Ma. Margarita Junia, launched their Yuletide celebration by providing gifts and relief goods to families affected by the November 26 fire in Barangay 80, Marasbaras, and Tacloban City. The fire destroyed 15 houses and displaced 24 families.
The agency distributed essentials such as rice, hygiene kits, cooking supplies, kitchen utensils, and water jugs.
Junia emphasized the significance of aiding fire victims due to the extensive property damage caused by such incidents, making them the chosen beneficiaries this year.
The office will also conduct gift-giving activities for orphans, elderlies, and children, in collaboration with charity groups across Region 8.
“This season is about hope, generosity, and fostering connections through shared traditions while understanding the essence of serving the public,” the DPWH-8 leaders said in a statement. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
More than 1,500 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from Western and Northern Samar receive their Certificate of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROM) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), while 532 receive land titles during distribution rite at the Calbayog Sports Center.
(JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA)
More than 1,500 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from Western and Northern Samar receive their Certificate of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROM) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), while 532 receive land titles during distribution rite at the Calbayog Sports Center. (JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA)
CALBAYOG CITY– Agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB) Gary Rubante from this city was so happy to receive from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) his Certificate of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROM) on Sunday, December 8, which relieved him from financial burden over the farmland awarded to him under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
“Maraming-maraming salamat po kay Secretary Conrado Estrella III ng DAR at kay Pangulong Bongbong Marcos dahil ipinagkaloob nya po ito. Sa wakas ay wala na po kaming babayarang ganito kalaking halaga, P111,842,” Rubante exclaimed.
Rubante is one of the 1,504 ARBs from the provinces of Western Samar and Northern Samar who are the first recipients of COCROM distributed in Eastern Visayas, held at the Calbayog Sports Center.
Presidential sister, Senator Imee Marcos, was supposed to hand the 2,140 COCROMs that will erase P41,333,397.65 of unpaid amortizations and debts incurred from the 2,813-hectare lands awarded to them under agrarian reform programs. But due to the inclement weather, she was not permitted by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to depart from the Tacloban City airport.
The distribution rites proceeded with DAR Assistant Secretary Rene Colocar alongside DAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director Robert Anthony Yu, Samar First District Representative Stephen James Tan, Vice Governor Arnold Tan, and City Mayor Raymund Uy, leading the distribution.
On July 7 last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act that will condone P57.557 billion principal debts of 610,054 ARBs nationwide.
Aside from the COCROMs, 592 electronically generated individual titles under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project and 10 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) covering an aggregate area of 1,127.1534 hectares were likewise given to 532 ARBs from the above mentioned provinces on the same occasion.
Meanwhile, Marcos instead sent a video message which was shown during the said event. (JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA/PR)
PAROL CAPITAL. The town of Can-avid continues its parol(lantern) making contest, reinforcing its hold as the Christmas capital of Eastern Samar. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
CAN-AVID, Eastern Samar– The annual ‘Lamrag’ Giant Lantern Festival has solidified this town’s reputation as the Christmas capital of Eastern Samar, showcasing creativity and unity among its barangays.
This year, 13 entries joined the festival, a reduction from previous years due to barangay clustering to address budget constraints, according to Tourism Officer Sebastian Pomarejos.
The giant lanterns, crafted using recyclable and indigenous materials like plastic bottles, dried leaves, and abaca, are displayed at the Can-avid Plaza and public market compound to ensure visitor safety.
Mayor Vilma Germino expressed gratitude to barangay officials for sustaining this beloved tradition. “Through our unity, we strengthen and sustain this activity, showcasing how we celebrate and love the birth of our Lord,” she said.
The competition offers generous prizes: P200,000 for first place, P150,000 for second, and P100,000 for third, sponsored by Rep.Ma. Fe Abunda, Governor Ben Evardone, and the 4Ps party-list. Additional consolation and special prizes are supported by the LGU and Vice Governor Maricor Sison-Goteesan.
Tourism Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes commended Can-avid for sustaining the festival, calling it a reminder of the joy and unity brought by the Christmas season.
The festival opened on December 10, with the final judging set before New Year. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
HEALTH AWARD. For its implementation of ‘Libre Medisina’or free medicine program, the city government of Borongan under Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda received recognition from the Department of Health during a health summit and awards on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
(BORONGAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
HEALTH AWARD. For its implementation of ‘Libre Medisina’or free medicine program, the city government of Borongan under Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda received recognition from the Department of Health during a health summit and awards on Tuesday, Dec. 10. (BORONGAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY – Borongan City’s Libre Medisina (Free Medicine) program was honored by the Department of Health (DOH) during the Eastern Visayas Health Summit and Awards 2024 on Tuesday, Dec.10, for its impact on healthcare accessibility.
Launched in 2021 through Executive Ordinance No. 153, Libre Medisina provides essential medicines to eligible residents, easing the financial burden of medical expenses for over 35,000 individuals to date.
Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda emphasized that the initiative reflects the city’s commitment to ensuring healthcare access for all, regardless of social status or political affiliation.
To address accessibility issues for residents outside the city proper, the local government opened satellite pharmacies in five barangays: Sta. Fe, San Jose, Lalawigan, Benowangan, and Maypangdan, beginning in 2022.
Beneficiaries, like senior couple Oliver and Dorenda Cervantes, expressed gratitude for the program, which also provides free vitamins alongside maintenance and prescription medicines.
The health summit, held December 10-11, recognized the efforts of local government units, government hospitals, and health stakeholders across Eastern Visayas for their contributions to improving the region’s healthcare system.
SGLG AWARDEES. The provincial capital of Samar, headed by Gov. Sharee Ann Tan, together with several municipalities in the province, received the seal of good local governance, considered the highest award bestowed to local government units by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
(SAMAR PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)
SGLG AWARDEES. The provincial capital of Samar, headed by Gov. Sharee Ann Tan, together with several municipalities in the province, received the seal of good local governance, considered the highest award bestowed to local government units by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. (SAMAR PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY – The province of Samar, led by Governor Sharee Ann Tan, has once again earned the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Samar has received same recognition in 2016, 2019, and 2023, underscoring its commitment to effective governance and quality public service.
The SGLG honors local government units excelling in financial transparency, disaster preparedness, social protection, health services, peace and order, environmental sustainability, and business-friendliness. Samar’s repeated success reflects its consistency in meeting these standards.
Governor Tan accepted the award during a ceremony at the Manila Hotel, attributing this achievement to the collective efforts of the provincial government and the people of Samar.
“This recognition proves that we are on the right path. Together, we will continue transforming Samar into a province every Samarnon can be proud of,” she said in a statement.
Samar’s journey to this milestone includes implementing initiatives to enhance education, healthcare, and infrastructure, even amid challenges like natural disasters and the pandemic.
The SGLG award was also given to seven Samar LGUs, namely, Motiong, Calbiga, Marabut, Paranas, Basey, Jiabong and Catbalogan City. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
ATHLETES SUPPORT. Young athletes from Leyte’s third district participating in this year’s provincial meet got the support from Rep. Anna Tuazon and her sister, board member Marie Kabigting.
(PHOTO COURTESY)
Leyte Provincial Meet kicks off
ATHLETES SUPPORT. Young athletes from Leyte’s third district participating in this year’s provincial meet got the support from Rep. Anna Tuazon and her sister, board member Marie Kabigting. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — The Leyte Provincial Meet began on December 9 with a vibrant opening ceremony at the Leyte Sports Center, uniting athletes, supporters, and local leaders from across the province.
Board Member Marie Kathryn “Chinggay” Veloso Kabigting of Leyte’s 3rd District attended to express strong support for the district’s athletes, who are competing for spots in regional and national events, including the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) games and Palarong Pambansa.
Kabigting highlighted the contribution of her sister, Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, who sponsored uniforms for all 709 athletes representing District 3. “This collective effort empowers our athletes to proudly represent our district,” she said.
The Provincial Meet, a key component of Leyte’s sports development program, features athletes from five districts vying for a place on the provincial team that will compete in the EVRAA games. While LGUs and municipal mayors primarily support district-level teams, provincial-level contingents often rely on congressmen’s funding.
However, disparities in financial support emerged. District 3 athletes enjoyed full sponsorship, while other districts, such as the 4th District, faced funding gaps.
Parents and teachers from the Department of Education stepped in to cover costs, with a 500-athlete contingent reportedly requiring over P1.3 million for four days of competition.
Representing Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla, Provincial Administrator Cora Alvero reaffirmed Leyte’s commitment to nurturing athletic talent.
As the games unfold, District 3’s well-supported athletes are early favorites, but the uneven resource distribution highlights the need for equitable backing across all districts to ensure fair competition. (RGA)
