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EVSU rolls out livelihood program for women farmers in Tacloban

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TACLOBAN CITY-The Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) has launched a new community-based initiative aimed at empowering women farmers and residents in Barangay 101, New Kawayan, this city, through livelihood and cooperative development programs.

Dubbed “Livelihood Empowerment and Values Enrichment for Ladies in the Urban Poor” (LEVELUP), the initiative is being implemented by EVSU’s School of Accountancy, Management, and Entrepreneurship (SAME) in partnership with the City Cooperative Development and Livelihood Assistance Office and the Cooperative Development Authority.
The program seeks to organize local farmers into a cooperative to strengthen community collaboration, promote sustainable livelihoods, and provide access to government assistance programs.

Darwin Navarossa, head of SAME, said the initiative aims to help residents establish a formal cooperative that can qualify for development opportunities and support from government agencies.

Under the program, EVSU faculty members and students will assist beneficiaries in preparing project proposals and livelihood plans that may qualify for funding support from agencies such as the Department of Agriculture.

If approved, the proposals may receive financial assistance for agricultural enterprises and community-based businesses.

The initiative forms part of EVSU’s continuing extension and regional development efforts. Founded in 1907, EVSU is considered the oldest higher education institution in Eastern Visayas and is mandated to provide instruction, research, and extension services in agriculture, technology, entrepreneurship, and related fields.

The LEVELUP project also builds on previous youth-led agricultural initiatives supported by the university, including student-led agri-based enterprises funded under the Young Farmers Challenge program.

(LANCE GABRIEL ENTERESO, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

DSWD appeals for relatives of abandoned infant found in Leyte resort

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TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Eastern Visayas (DSWD-8) is seeking the relatives of an infant girl who was found abandoned near a beach resort in Palo, Leyte earlier this year.

The child, identified as Maria Niña Panubio, was discovered on January 17, 2026 near the embankment area of Boranday Beach Resort in Barangay Baras.

According to reports, two concerned citizens found the infant lying on the grass near a fishpond and wrapped in cloth before authorities took custody of the child.

Since then, no parent, guardian, or relative has come forward to claim the infant, prompting the DSWD-8 Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) to issue a public appeal for information regarding the child’s identity and family.

The agency said it continues to ensure the welfare and temporary care of the infant while efforts to trace her biological family remain ongoing.

The RSCC urged anyone with information about the child’s relatives to coordinate with Social Welfare Officer III Myla Banasta through mobile number 0908-288-7470 to discuss arrangements that would prioritize the infant’s best interests and long-term welfare.

DSWD also warned that if no family member or relative surfaces within the prescribed period, the agency may proceed with filing a petition declaring the child legally available for adoption under Republic Act No. 11642.

(BLUE REUGINE RUTHIELLE LIM NICOLAS, Student Intern, Leyte Normal University)

Calbiga showcases culture and eco-tourism through “PAMATRON: The Samar Fiesta Experience”

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PAMATRON HA CALBIGA. Participants and locals take part in the colorful street dancing and cultural presentations during the Pahoy-Pahoy Festival, the highlight of the “PAMATRON: The Samar Fiesta Experience” in Calbiga, Samar. (CALBIGA MUNICIPAL TOURISM OFFICE)
PAMATRON HA CALBIGA. Participants and locals take part in the colorful street dancing and cultural presentations during the Pahoy-Pahoy Festival, the highlight of the “PAMATRON: The Samar Fiesta Experience” in Calbiga, Samar.
(CALBIGA MUNICIPAL TOURISM OFFICE)

CALBIGA, Samar – The municipality of Calbiga has highlighted its cultural heritage, strong faith, and natural attractions through the launch of “PAMATRON: The Samar Fiesta Experience,” a four-day immersive tourism program anchored on its annual Pahoy-Pahoy Festival and fiesta in honor of Our Lady of the Annunciation.

The provincial government of Samar described PAMATRON as more than a tourism activity, calling it a “homecoming of spirit” that allows visitors—referred to as “Patronizers”—to experience the traditions, hospitality, and daily life of Calbiganons.

The program reflects Calbiga’s identity as an agricultural and resilient community, while also promoting its eco-tourism destinations such as Lulugayan Falls and the Langun-Gobingob Cave System, one of the largest cave systems in the country.

Calbiga Mayor Red Nacario said the initiative is a way of sharing the town’s heritage and way of life with visitors.

Through PAMATRON, guests are immersed in a structured four-day experience featuring cultural, culinary, ecological, and religious activities.

The highlight is the Pahoy-Pahoy Festival, a thanksgiving tradition rooted in farming history, originally honoring “pahoys” or scarecrows that protected rice fields from birds and has since evolved into a vibrant celebration with street dancing, giant scarecrows, and music.
Activities include a civic parade, street dancing, food-sharing, local games, youth night, market visits, cooking demonstrations, eco-tourism trips, and religious events such as processions and Holy Mass in honor of Our Lady of the Annunciation.

The program also features community immersion activities such as visits to Lulugayan Falls and a send-off event showcasing local delicacies and cultural tokens for participants.
Tourism officials said PAMATRON is being developed as a packaged tour product in coordination with operators, allowing visitors to choose three-day, five-day, or seven-day experiences depending on arrangements and schedules.

The program was first launched in Matuguinao before being introduced in Calbiga as part of efforts to promote Samar’s cultural and eco-tourism destinations.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Statement on the execution of a search warrant against the Sanjia Complex

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The Department of National Defense commends the unified efforts of the PAOCTF especially the NBI, PNRI, PNP, and supporting AFP units in the recently conducted execution of a Search Warrant against the Sanjia complex in the PHIVIDEC compound in Tagaloan, Misamis Oriental.

The operation unearthed grave crimes committed against Filipinos by the Chinese principals of Sanjia under the notorious Tony Yang and his dummies.

For our part we are conducting a serious and thorough investigation of PHIVIDEC and shall take steps to ensure that this incident is not repeated, and will hold all those responsible by actual cooperation or by negligence or omission accountable.

The OCD Region X is coordinating targeted interventions by line government agencies to safeguard the health and welfare of the community and to assist the displaced exploited workers of Sanjia.

Again, we warn all those who wish to intervene or meddle and frustrate the ends of justice, whether foreigners or otherwise, of whatever affiliation, that serious legal efforts shall be taken against them.

(Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. Secretary Department of National Defense, PR)

6 nabbed in manhunt ops in Leyte

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TACLOBAN CITY– POLICE arrested six wanted persons in separate manhunt operations across various towns in Leyte and Tacloban City on Friday, May 22, 2026.

“These operations demonstrate Leyte Police Provincial Office’s unwavering commitment to intensifying our manhunt campaign and ensuring that wanted persons are held accountable before the law,” said Colonel Celerino Sacro Jr., officer-in-charge of the Leyte Police Provincial Office.

“We will continue to sustain aggressive operations to uphold peace and order across Leyte,” he added.

The arrested persons were from Dagami, Mahaplag, Villaba and Barangay Nula-tula in Tacloban.

The six individuals were wanted for various violations including unlawful cockfighting operations, and violations of city/municipal ordinances.

They are now in the custody of their respective operating units for proper disposition prior to turnover to the courts of origin.

(RONALD O. REYES)

DOT-8 pushes balance between marine conservation and livelihood in Sogod Bay dive talks

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DIVE TOURISM IN SOGOD BAY. Department of Tourism–Eastern Visayas Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes speaks during the closing of the dive conversation under the Sogod Bay Underwater Experience in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte, highlighting the need to balance marine conservation and local livelihoods. (DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM-EASTERN VISAYAS)
DIVE TOURISM IN SOGOD BAY. Department of Tourism–Eastern Visayas Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes speaks during the closing of the dive conversation under the Sogod Bay Underwater Experience in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte, highlighting the need to balance marine conservation and local livelihoods.
(DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM-EASTERN VISAYAS)

PADRE BURGOS, Southern Leyte – The Department of Tourism in Eastern Visayas (DOT-8) has emphasized the need to balance marine conservation with the protection of local livelihoods during the closing of the dive conversation under the three-day Sogod Bay Underwater Experience.

DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes thanked local government units, barangay officials, fisherfolk, dive resort owners, tourism stakeholders, environmental groups, the academe, media, and national government agencies for taking part in the dialogue aimed at strengthening cooperation in protecting Sogod Bay’s marine resources.
She said dive tourism depends heavily on healthy marine ecosystems.

“Dive tourism and marine conservation are closely connected. Divers come from far places because they want to experience healthy reefs and thriving marine life. This is why protecting our seas also supports tourism and local income,” Tiopes said.

The DOT-8 chief said the forum served as an open platform where stakeholders were encouraged to share experiences, concerns, and ideas on the future of Sogod Bay and its growing dive tourism industry.

She acknowledged that coastal communities have long depended on the sea for food, income, culture, and survival, with fishing sustaining families for generations.
However, she noted the continuing challenge of balancing economic needs with environmental protection to ensure marine resources remain sustainable for future generations.

Tiopes stressed that dialogue among communities, tourism operators, and government agencies is key to building shared responsibility in protecting marine ecosystems.
She also expressed hope that lessons from other dive destinations could guide Sogod Bay in promoting both conservation and livelihood through stronger cooperation between stakeholders.

Sogod Bay, she said, remains ecologically important due to its rich marine biodiversity, healthy coral reefs, and diverse dive sites that continue to attract visitors.
At the same time, she underscored that fishing remains a vital source of livelihood in Southern Leyte, stressing that the goal is not to choose between conservation and livelihood but to achieve a sustainable balance.

“This is why what we are really aiming for is balance — making sure that our seas continue to provide for our needs today, while still being healthy enough to provide for us in the years to come,” she said.

Tiopes urged stakeholders to take part in simple but meaningful actions such as responsible fishing, reef protection, improved tourism practices, and stronger environmental governance.

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Councilor Atty. Sedfrey Cabaluna, a guest speaker at the event, called for stronger cooperation among local governments, communities, and the dive industry.

He stressed the need for greater community understanding of reef protection and its link to livelihoods and future generations.

“Kailangan ang local government and ang community and the dive community to work hand-in-hand in this matter,” Cabaluna said.

He added that marine conservation messages must be made more understandable to local communities so they can fully appreciate the long-term benefits of protecting coral reefs.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

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