TACLOBAN CITY – House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan has rejected calls to scrap the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), insisting that the conditional cash transfer scheme has consistently delivered results in reducing poverty and improving health and education among poor households.

“The program works. We just need to give our poorest families a stronger push so they can stand on their own permanently,” said Libanan, a 4Ps Party-list representative, in a statement issued on Monday, August 11.

His remarks came after Senator Erwin Tulfo suggested replacing the program with livelihood capital assistance. Libanan agreed on providing skills training and livelihood support but stressed these should complement—not replace—the cash grants tied to education, health, and family development requirements.

Launched in 2008 and institutionalized in 2019, the 4Ps will receive P64.2 billion in the 2025 budget, benefitting millions of families. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently reported that 1.5 million households have “graduated” from poverty under the program.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Police Brigadier General Jason Capoy, newly installed regional director of Police Regional Office 8, led his first Monday flag-raising ceremony on Monday, August 11 recognizing outstanding PNP personnel for exemplary service.

Awardees included PMAJ Janel Regato, PSMS Raquiel Hernandez Jr., and NUP Eda Salceda, who received the PNP Efficiency Medal, while PCPT Sheila Rea Dagami and Pat John Paul Mamita were conferred the PNP Merit Medal.

Capoy urged vigilance against criminal tactics and stressed daily firearm drills and a strong defensive posture to ensure public safety.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Eastern Visayas (BFAR-8) has achieved its annual bangus fry production target in just the first half of 2025, marking a significant boost for the region’s aquaculture sector.

According to BFAR-8, a total of 3.8 million pieces of bangus (milkfish) fry were produced from January to June 2025 by the Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development Center (GMFDC) in Eastern Samar and the Laoang Multi-Species Hatchery (LMSH) in Northern Samar. This figure represents 131 percent of the agency’s annual target of 2.9 million fry, accomplished six months ahead of schedule.

The produced fry have been distributed to the Jiabong Aquaculture Production Technology Center (JAPTC) in Samar and the Regional Brackishwater Aquaculture Production Center (RBAPC) in Northern Samar, which will serve as nurseries until the fry reach the 75-day fingerling stage.

Once grown into quality fingerlings, the bangus will be turned over to fish cage beneficiaries under BFAR-8’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, the regular livelihood projects of the Provincial Fisheries Offices, and private sector operators through the Stock Now, Pay Later scheme.

“This accomplishment is a big step toward ensuring a stable supply of quality bangus fingerlings for our fish farmers in Eastern Visayas,” BFAR-8 said in a statement. “It will directly support local aquaculture, improve fish cage productivity, and strengthen the livelihoods of fisherfolk and fish cage operators in the region.”

BFAR-8 emphasized that the early attainment of the production target was made possible through the close collaboration between its technology stations, which have been working to scale up hatchery operations and improve breeding efficiency.

The agency expects the increased supply of fingerlings to help meet the growing demand from fish cage operators, reduce reliance on fry sourced outside the region, and expand the reach of its aquaculture development programs across Eastern Visayas.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Kyrus Babon of Sta. Margarita town was crowned Mutya han Samar 2025, winning over the judges not only with her beauty and poise, but also with her heartfelt advocacy for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health among the youth.
In the final question-and-answer round, Babon was asked how society can help address the stigma on mental health, particularly among young people.

“I think what we can do is to create a conversation where it is normalized. Mental health is a hard problem, and it faces a lot of people, and I feel that we need to normalize it. And use it in our everyday conversation because if we do so, I believe we can make a safe environment but also a safe world,” she said.

Her thoughtful response and confident delivery sealed her victory, besting candidates from various local government units across the province.

Babon also took home special awards including Miss Professionalism and Miss Lara.
Joining her in the royal court were 1st runner-up – Christina Vanhefflin (Mutya han Marabut), who also won Miss Eloquence, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Gown, and Best in Production Outfit; 2nd runner-up – Rechelle Monton (Mutya han Matuguinao), who also earned Best in Tourism Video; 3rd runner-up – Barbara Sarcida (Mutya han Calbayog); and 4th runner-up – Hannah Llauderes (Mutya han Pinabacdao).

The Mutya han Samar 2025 pageant was hosted by the municipal government of Sta. Margarita, with the preliminary competition held in Catbalogan City.

The event is part of the 184th provincehood anniversary of Samar, commemorating the royal decree signed by Queen Isabella II of Spain on August 11, 1841, officially establishing Samar as a province.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The province of Samar marked its 184th founding anniversary on Monday, August 11, 2025, with the ‘Adlaw han Samar’ commemorative program at the provincial capitol grounds in Catbalogan City, gathering leaders, employees, and residents in a celebration of history, culture, and community spirit.

Governor Sharee Ann Tan led the event, joined by provincial officials, employees, representatives from national government agencies, academic institutions, and civic groups.

The program began with a flag-raising ceremony and a wreath-laying tribute, followed by a short program highlighting Samar’s historic journey since its creation as a province in 1841.

In her anniversary message, Governor Tan underscored the importance of solidarity in overcoming challenges and driving progress.

“Let us be united always, because that will be our main strength in the province of Samar,” she said, calling on Samareños to continue working together for inclusive development.

The annual Samar Day celebration not only commemorates the province’s founding but also serves as a reminder of the resilience, resourcefulness, and cultural pride of its people.

Organizers said this year’s activities aim to inspire both older and younger generations to preserve the province’s heritage while embracing innovation and economic growth.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)