In Samar

TACLOBAN CITY—Sta. Margarita town in Samar province is the latest municipality to be declared as having Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status.

The declaration was made on Thursday (May 16) by the 43rd Infantry Battalion and the 803rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, led by Mayor Felix Panganoron.

The event was attended by Vice Governor Arnold Tan, 802nd Brigade Commander BGen Efren Morados, LtCol Nasser Do Arojo, and Samar Police Provincial Office Deputy Director for Operation LtCol Edwin Barbosa.

The town received the SIPS status due to the absence of recorded non-violent activities and sightings of the New People’s Army for over a year, successful local peace engagements, and the surrender and disaffiliation of former rebel members and supporters from the armed struggle.

“May this declaration pave the way for creating a conducive environment filled with opportunities for further growth and development in the municipality,” said LtCol Arojo in his message.

He expressed confidence that any attempts at local terrorism resurgence would be severely rejected, with the delivery of government programs and services remaining a top priority.

Mayor Panganoron emphasized the importance of maintaining the peace achieved with the help of uniformed forces and other government agencies like the Department of Interior and Local Government.

“The declaration of SIPS is not the end of our journey but the beginning of a new chapter. Let us continue to work together, support one another, and strive for continuous improvement,” he added.

Sta. Margarita is the third municipality in Samar province to be granted SIPS status, joining Tarangnan and Pagsanghan.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The city government of Borongan has launched the “Libreng Sakay” program, fulfilling Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda’s promise to make transportation more accessible, especially for those who cannot afford regular fares.

Launched on Monday (May 20), the Libreng Sakay program is available for senior high school and college students, persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and government and barangay health workers.

An ordinance, the “Borongan City Libre Sakay Ordinance of 2024,” was enacted on May 15 of this year by the Sangguniang Panlungsod to support the program.

Beneficiaries of the free ride will receive an e-card from the city government. The application for this e-card was developed by students of the Eastern Samar State University College of Information Technology with assistance from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The e-card is for exclusive use by the registered beneficiary and cannot be transferred to others. Violators will face fines ranging from P500 to P5,000 or imprisonment, at the court’s discretion, and will lose their privileges.

Students who drop out of school or transfer to institutions outside Borongan City, residents who transfer their voter registration elsewhere, and health workers not employed by the government will be disqualified from the program.

“We, the LGU of Borongan, are truly dedicated to providing convenient transportation for our beneficiaries, offering it to them for free,” Mayor Agda said, explaining that the initiative aims to help Borongan residents by providing free transportation without the burden of costly fees.

“Through the efforts of stakeholders like ESSU and DOST, we can offer free rides and help bridge the gap between different communities, promoting a more inclusive and cohesive city today and in the future,” the city mayor added.

The free rides will operate from Barangay Camada to Brgy. Bugas from 5 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday.

The city government explains that the limited number of sectors benefiting from the program ensures minimal impact on the transportation industry, such as tricycle drivers who earn modest incomes.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Now on its 2nd year

TACLOBAN CITY—Lope De Vega town clinched the top prize, besting 22 other towns in the second edition of the 2024 Ibabao Festival Float Parade held in Catarman town.

Located around 30 kilometers from Catarman, Lope De Vega, which primarily depends on coconut and other farming products, won a P50,000 cash prize.

In 2023, Lope De Vega secured second place among 19 participating municipalities during the inaugural Ibabao Festival Float Parade.

This year, San Roque town took second place, winning P250,000, while Pambujan secured third place with a P150,000 prize.

Each colorful float showcased and reflected the unique history, identity, culture, heritage, products, livelihood, and tourist attractions of the participating towns using indigenous materials.

The parade route started from the provincial capitol grounds in Catarman, proceeded to the town proper, and returned to the starting point, attracting an estimated 18,000 spectators along the main street of Northern Samar’s capital.

The strong support from the people highlighted the festival’s role in fostering unity and cultural pride, reinforcing the province’s reputation as a vibrant and welcoming destination for both tourism and investment.

This year’s 23 float participants exceeded the 19 participants from 2023 when San Jose town won the title in the inaugural run.

The float parade marked the beginning of the month-long Ibabao Festival, celebrating the 59th founding anniversary of the province.

“The previous years have been good to us, and we have every reason to celebrate the 59th founding anniversary of our beloved province,” said Governor Edwin Ongchuan during the float parade awards ceremony and the opening program for the 2024 Ibabao Festival.

“Through the Ibabao Festival, we hope to foster cultural awareness and a deeper appreciation of the history, cultural heritage, and development of our province,” Ongchuan added.

He noted that this year’s festival activities span an entire month, compared to only two weeks last year, to attract more visitors and promote the province’s tourism potential.

The preparation for the month-long festival, to culminate on June 19, was headed by Vice-Governor Clarence Dato.

Other activities for the 2024 Ibabao Festival include a business conference, cultural exhibits, local history lectures, a trade fair, the Mutya san Ibabao beauty pageant, a concert, the Ibabao Festivals of Festival, the State of the Province Address, and the 59th founding anniversary program. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)