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.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

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.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Tacloban City has recorded the highest number of voter registrants in Eastern Visayas during the first two days of the ongoing voter registration period, according to City Election Officer Atty. Ramon Dadulla Jr.

The surge in turnout is being seen as a strong indication of growing voter engagement in the city. The registration drive, now on its third day, is currently being held at the Tacloban City Convention Center (Astrodome) after its initial run at Robinsons North Tacloban for the first two days.

“Tacloban has so far registered the highest number of applicants in the region. We’re averaging more than 600 registrants daily,” Dadulla said, citing figures from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

This early influx marks a continuing trend from last year when Tacloban exceeded its voter registration target, recording a total of 5,467 registrants in 2023. Of these, 96 registered under the “Register Anywhere Project.”

Dadulla noted that the strong turnout in Tacloban contrasts with other areas in Leyte, including the cities of Ormoc City and Baybay, and nearby municipalities, where registration figures on the first day were relatively low, averaging just over 100 registrants.

Comelec officials are urging the public not to wait until the last minute, as the registration period ends on August 10. They emphasized the importance of registering early to avoid long lines and last-minute crowding as the deadline approaches.

“We are appealing to the public to take advantage of the current momentum and register as soon as possible,” Dadulla added.

Comelec is ensuring the smooth conduct of the registration process in preparation for future electoral exercises, including the 2025 midterm elections.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Eleven cultural contingents from various towns and cities in Samar province are set to compete in the much-awaited Tandaya Festival of Festivals on August 5, to be held in Calbayog City as part of the province’s 184th founding anniversary celebration.

Headlining the lineup is the Hadang Festival of Calbayog City, which will defend its title after being crowned champion in last year’s competition.

The full list of participating contingents includes Hadang Festival – Calbayog City, Karabaw Festival – municipality of Gandara, Alimango Festival – municipality of Sta. Margarita, Tinago Festival – municipality of Tarangnan,Pahoy-Pahoy Festival – municipality of Calbiga, El Viajedor Festival – municipality of Sto. Niño,Manaragat Festival – Catbalogan City,Parag-Uma Festival – municipality of San Jorge,Makarato Festival – municipality of Matuguinao, Kalinayan Festival – municipality of San Jose de Buan, and Padaraw Festival – municipality of Tagapul-an.

Winners will receive P1 million for first place, P500,000 for second, P350,000 for third, and P150,000 as consolation prizes for non-winners.

Before the ritual dance showdown at the Calbayog City Sports Complex, a street dance competition will be held along Calbayog’s city proper from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The local government is advising motorists to use the Calbayog Diversion Road to avoid traffic congestion.

This marks the third consecutive year Calbayog City is hosting the provincial festival. Previously, most Samar Day activities were concentrated in the capital, Catbalogan City, but the provincial government opted to rotate hosting to allow broader participation and celebration across the province.

The Tandaya Festival of Festivals commemorates the founding of Samar as a province on August 11, 1841, following a Royal Decree issued by Queen Isabella II of Spain.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)