TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the region is collaborating with Leyte Normal University (LNU) and Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) to expand the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program (TBTP) next year.

As the program extends to Tacloban and Ormoc cities, college students from low-income families will be trained as tutors and Youth Development Workers (YDWs) to support struggling and non-reader pupils. They will also lead ‘Nanay-Tatay’ sessions for parents, focusing on topics such as effective parenting and children’s rights.

In return, tutors and YDWs will receive daily compensation equivalent to the regional minimum wage for 20 days of service. Parents attending the sessions will also receive a daily allowance of P235.

During a strategic planning meeting on Monday, Dec. 9, EVSU and Tacloban’s social welfare office set targets to serve 8,000 learners, 8,000 parents, and 2,400 tutors and YDWs in the coming year.

This year’s pilot program, conducted in two cities and 19 municipalities in Samar, deployed 375 tutors and YDWs from Samar State University and Northwest Samar State University. It reached 1,981 learners and 1,977 parents.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

CATARMAN, Northern Samar– The Provincial Government of Northern Samar (PGNS), through the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), launched on Tuesday, Dec.10, a significant environmental campaign aimed at combating marine litter in the 24 coastal municipalities of the province.

The event took place at the Capitol Gym, gathering local leaders, including the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Presidents, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Chairpersons of the Committee on Environment, and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officers (MENROs).

In his welcome remarks, Board Member Gilbert F. Layon, chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Adaptation, highlighted the urgent need for collaboration across the province to address marine pollution, which directly impacts both the environment and the livelihood of local communities.

The event featured an orientation on the “Localization of the National Plan of Action on the Prevention, Reduction, and Management of Marine Litter” led by Sharlene Ramos from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region VIII.

Ramos provided a detailed discussion on how the national framework for managing marine litter could be localized to suit the specific needs of each municipality in Northern Samar, stressing the role of local government units (LGUs) in reducing waste and protecting marine ecosystems.

The event concluded with a closing message from Jesus S. Acebuche, president of the Local Environment and Natural Resources Officers (LENRO)-Northern Samar, who emphasized the importance of ongoing cooperation among local officials, youth leaders, and environmental officers in addressing the growing challenge of marine pollution.

This campaign marks an important step in the Provincial Government’s ongoing efforts to protect the province’s coastal resources and foster environmental stewardship among residents.

By engaging the 24 municipalities, the initiative aims to reduce marine litter and preserve the health of Northern Samar’s marine ecosystems for future generations.
(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Tacloban Astrodome Convention Center roared with excitement as the National Youth Basketball League (NYBL) Eastern Visayas Region 8 3×3 Basketball Tournament captivated fans and showcased the region’s young basketball talent on November 29-30, 2024.

Under the dynamic leadership of Regional Commissioner Mark Anthony E. Ochea, the event was a testament to the enduring spirit and camaraderie of Eastern Visayas’ youth. In collaboration with the Tacloban City Sports Office, led by Mike Dela Peña, and the unwavering support of Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and Liga ng mga Barangay President Raymund Romualdez, the tournament was a remarkable celebration of sportsmanship.

The two-day tournament brought together teams from across the region, turning the courts into arenas of thrilling competition and jaw-dropping moments. From buzzer-beaters to electrifying plays, the tournament embodied the passion and determination of young athletes.

“This event aimed to inspire and empower our youth through basketball, and it exceeded expectations,” said Commissioner Ochea. “The talent and unity displayed here demonstrate the bright future of basketball in Region 8.”

The tournament featured three divisions, with outstanding performances from teams across Eastern Visayas:

Under 14 Division: Champion: Star Hoopsters (Calbayog City, Samar);2nd Runner-Up: Zystems Basketball (Tacloban City, Leyte); and 3rd Runner-Up: Oasis Ballers (Borongan City, Eastern Samar)

Under 16 Division: Champion: Oasis Ballers (Borongan City, Eastern Samar); 2nd Runner-Up: JSC Abuyog (Abuyog, Leyte); and 3rd Runner-Up: E&G Salcedo Ballers (Salcedo, Eastern Samar)

Under 18 Division: Champion: Grinhard Basketball (Tacloban City, Leyte); 2nd Runner-Up: Giporlos Blue Knights (Giporlos, Eastern Samar); and 3rd Runner-Up: E&G Salcedo Ballers (Salcedo, Eastern Samar)

Beyond the intense matches, the event served as a platform to inspire young athletes, proving that hard work, teamwork, and dedication can turn dreams into reality. The support of family, friends, and local leaders created an atmosphere that highlighted the community’s love for the game.

The NYBL 3×3 Regional Tournament was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of the transformative power of sports. It united communities and gave young athletes a stage to shine, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s basketball legacy.

As the tournament concluded, the cheers and energy lingered, promising an exciting future for basketball in Eastern Visayas. With champions crowned and unforgettable memories made, the NYBL continues to inspire the next generation of basketball stars.(PR)

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)