PALO, Leyte— Several local government units in Eastern Visayas were recognized for outstanding implementation of population and development initiatives during the Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Award (RMSKPA) regional awarding ceremony held at the Leyte Provincial Capitol mini-theater, this town.

In the municipal category, Merida, Leyte took first place, followed by Gandara, Samar, in second and Mapanas, Northern Samar in third.

For the city category, Tacloban City emerged as the lone awardee.

In the provincial category, Leyte placed first, while Northern Samar finished second with it’s town of Palapag receiving special citation.

Cash incentives were awarded to the top LGUs: P50,000, P30,000, and P20,000 for the first, second and third municipal winners; P70,000 for the city awardee; and P100,000 and P70,000 for the first and second placers in the provincial level.

CPD-8 Regional Director Elnora Pulma, who led the awarding rites, praised the LGUs for their continued commitment to addressing population issues through responsive and data-driven planning.

Among those who received the awards on behalf of their respective LGUs were Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, Tacloban City Councilor Bryan Granados, Mapanas Vice Mayor Dr. Ma. Luisa Barbara Tejano , and several municipal population officers.

First-place awardees will advance to the national selection for the RMSKPA.

The RMSKPA, jointly implemented by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), honors provinces, cities, and municipalities with innovative and effective programs promoting responsible parenthood, reproductive health, gender equality, and sustainable human development.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Government and partner institutions in Borongan City have finalized a development roadmap aimed at strengthening the local bamboo industry following a three-day Bamboo Industry Development Roadmap Writeshop held from November 19 to 21 at Boro Bay Hotel.

The activity was jointly organized by the Department of Trade and Industry–Eastern Samar, Eastern Samar State University, and the Borongan City Environment and Natural Resources Office. Participants included officials from the Borongan City LGU and collaborating agencies.

Workshop sessions focused on planning tools such as situational analysis, stakeholder analysis, SWOT analysis, and action planning, covering the full supply chain from bamboo production to market development.

Sessions on budgeting and LGU plan integration ensured that strategies would align with the city’s development agenda and funding priorities.

Resource speakers also discussed the ecological and economic value of bamboo.

Felly Cervantes noted bamboo’s contribution to environmental protection, citing its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and help prevent soil erosion and flooding.

Mark William Gonzales described bamboo as the “grass of hope,” referring to its cultural value and livelihood-generating potential.

The writeshop concluded with the crafting of a unified roadmap that positions bamboo as a key component of Borongan’s sustainability, climate resilience, and economic development goals.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — A firefight between government troops and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members in Barangay Geregangan, Gandara, Samar prompted the evacuation of 88 residents from nearby communities, local authorities confirmed.

Soldiers from the 46th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division were conducting operations in the upland area of Geregangan when they encountered about 15 armed individuals believed to be members of Squad 2, Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee Browser.

The exchange of gunfire lasted around 30 minutes, after which the armed group retreated, leaving behind an M16A1 rifle, an M4 rifle, and several personal items.

A rebel was killed in the encounter.

Lt. Col. Marvin Inocencio, 46IB commanding officer, described the encounter as a successful operation and encouraged remaining members of the group to surrender and take advantage of government reintegration programs.

8ID Commander Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio said the continuing security operations are part of efforts to maintain peace and stability in Eastern Visayas.

Although no residents from Barangay Geregangan were displaced, nearby areas evacuated as a precaution.

Data from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) showed that 29 families, or 88 individuals, fled their homes.

In Barangay Marcos, eight families (24 individuals) sought refuge at the Barangay Minda covered court, while 21 families (64 individuals) from Barangay San Miguel were assisted by local authorities.

Mayor Warren Aguilar, together with the AFP, MSWDO and MDRRMO, convened an emergency meeting to plan additional security measures and ensure continuous provision of food and basic needs to displaced families whose livelihoods were disrupted by the skirmish.

Support to affected residents will continue as military operations in the hinterlands of Gandara remain underway.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)