SUPER HEALTH CENTER. Tanauan Mayor Ma. Gina Merilo, local officials, representatives from the office of Senator Bong Go, and Department of Health personnel lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly completed Tanauan Super Health Center in Barangay Malaguicay on June 4, 2026. The facility is expected to enhance access to quality healthcare services for residents of Tanauan and neighboring communities. (Photo Courtesy)
SUPER HEALTH CENTER. Tanauan Mayor Ma. Gina Merilo, local officials, representatives from the office of Senator Bong Go, and Department of Health personnel lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly completed Tanauan Super Health Center in Barangay Malaguicay on June 4, 2026. The facility is expected to enhance access to quality healthcare services for residents of Tanauan and neighboring communities. (Photo Courtesy)
TACLOBAN CITY — Residents of Tanauan, Leyte are set to benefit from improved healthcare services following the official opening of the municipality’s new super health center in Barangay Malaguicay on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
The facility was formally inaugurated through a ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony attended by local government officials, representatives from the office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, and officials from the Department of Health (DOH).
Leading the event was Tanauan Mayor Ma. Gina Merilo, joined by members of the Sangguniang Bayan headed by Vice Mayor Archie Lawrence Kapunan, along with representatives from the DOH Leyte Provincial Office and DOH Regional Office 8.
In her message, Mayor Merilo described the opening of the super health center as a major step forward in strengthening healthcare delivery in the municipality. She said the facility will help bring accessible and quality medical services closer to residents, particularly those in underserved communities.
The mayor also expressed gratitude to Senator Bong Go for supporting the establishment of the health center, as well as to the DOH provincial and regional offices for their assistance in implementing the project.
A Holy Mass and blessing of the facility were officiated by Rev. Fr. Francis Anthony Borja. The event was attended by guests, health workers, and personnel of the Rural Health Unit headed by Dr. Arlene Santo.
The Tanauan super health center is expected to play a vital role in enhancing primary healthcare services and improving access to essential medical care for residents of Tanauan and nearby areas.
INCLUSIVE.Department of Education (DepEd) Eastern Visayas Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez and Assistant Regional Director Marilyn Siao emphasize the agency’s commitment to inclusive education, ensuring that Indigenous Peoples, learners with disabilities, Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners, and other vulnerable groups have equal access to quality learning opportunities across the region. (Photo: PIA Eastern Visayas)
INCLUSIVE.Department of Education (DepEd) Eastern Visayas Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez and Assistant Regional Director Marilyn Siao emphasize the agency’s commitment to inclusive education, ensuring that Indigenous Peoples, learners with disabilities, Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners, and other vulnerable groups have equal access to quality learning opportunities across the region. (Photo: PIA Eastern Visayas)
GOVERNMENT CENTER, PALO, Leyte– Eastern Visayas is ramping up efforts to bring Indigenous Peoples (IP), learners with special needs, Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners, and disadvantaged children into the classroom as classes open for School Year 2026-2027.
The initiative reflects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to inclusive education, ensuring that every Filipino learner—regardless of background or circumstance—has access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed.
For many children in Eastern Visayas, going to school is not simply a matter of showing up in class.
For IPs living in geographically isolated communities, learners with disabilities who require specialized support, and out-of-school youth seeking a second chance through alternative education, access to learning often comes with unique challenges.
This school year, however, the Department of Education (DepEd) in Eastern Visayas is strengthening its campaign to ensure that education remains accessible to all sectors, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
During the Oplan Balik Eskwela 2026 Interagency Meeting, DepEd Regional Planning Officer Hydelyn Cinco said all 13 Schools Division Offices in the region have been directed to encourage enrollment among IP learners, Special Needs Education (SNED) learners, and ALS learners.
The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push for inclusive education, anchored on the principle that every Filipino child deserves the opportunity to learn and succeed regardless of background, location, or circumstance.
In Eastern Visayas, DepEd expects about 647 IP learners to enroll for School Year 2026-2027.
DepEd Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez emphasized that education plays a vital role in empowering Indigenous communities while preserving cultural identity.
He said ensuring IP learners remain in school equips them with knowledge and skills, allowing them to participate more actively in nation-building while safeguarding their traditions for future generations.
“Education opens opportunities while strengthening cultural awareness and identity among Indigenous Peoples,” Jimenez said, noting that schools continue to work closely with communities to make learning more accessible and culturally responsive.
The region is also preparing to serve 14,074 learners under the SNED program.
For these learners, access to education goes beyond classrooms and textbooks. It requires specialized instruction, adaptive learning materials, trained teachers, and supportive learning environments that recognize diverse needs and abilities.
DepEd officials said inclusive education ensures that children with disabilities and other special educational needs are given equal opportunities to develop their potential and become productive members of society.
Meanwhile, the ALS is expected to accommodate 33,188 learners across the region.
The program provides flexible learning opportunities for out-of-school youth, adults, workers, and other individuals who were unable to complete basic education through the formal school system.
Education officials described ALS as a crucial pathway toward lifelong learning, employment opportunities, and social inclusion, particularly for learners seeking a second chance at education.
Complementing DepEd’s efforts are interventions from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which continues to support school participation among beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Eastern Visayas has 106,688 learners under the 4Ps program.
DSWD Regional Director Grace Subong said the conditional cash transfer program remains one of the government’s most effective tools in helping poor families keep their children in school.
Through education grants and regular monitoring of school attendance compliance, the program helps reduce financial barriers that often prevent children from completing their studies.
Subong said the assistance enables families to allocate resources for school-related expenses, including transportation, supplies, and other educational needs, ultimately encouraging learners to stay in school and finish their education.
As government agencies prepare for the opening of classes, DepEd officials emphasized that inclusive education is not merely about increasing enrollment figures but ensuring that every learner receives the support needed to thrive.
From indigenous communities and children with special needs to out-of-school youth and learners from low-income households, the message remains clear: education is a right that must be accessible to all.
In Eastern Visayas, that commitment is reflected in a shared goal among government agencies, educators, and communities—to ensure that no learner is left behind.
TOURISM OFFICERS.Newly elected officers and members of the Eastern Visayas Tourism Officers Association (EVTOA) pose for a group photo following the organization’s election held during the Eastern Visayas Tourism Officers Assembly at Summit Hotel Tacloban on June 4, 2026.
(CATARMAN TOURISM, CULTURE AND THE ARTS OFFICE FACEBOOK)
TOURISM OFFICERS.Newly elected officers and members of the Eastern Visayas Tourism Officers Association (EVTOA) pose for a group photo following the organization’s election held during the Eastern Visayas Tourism Officers Assembly at Summit Hotel Tacloban on June 4, 2026. (CATARMAN TOURISM, CULTURE AND THE ARTS OFFICE FACEBOOK)
TACLOBAN CITY — Tourism officers from across Eastern Visayas have elected a new set of leaders tasked with strengthening regional collaboration and advancing sustainable tourism development during the Eastern Visayas Tourism Officers Assembly held on June 4, 2026, at Summit Hotel Tacloban.
Elected as president of the Eastern Visayas Tourism Officers Association (EVTOA) was Neil Alejandro Pinarok, tourism officer of Eastern Samar. He will head the organization and lead efforts to promote tourism growth and foster stronger partnerships among local tourism stakeholders throughout the region.
Arnie Vina, tourism officer of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte was elected executive vice president. Ador Hurtado, tourism officer of Catbalogan City, was chosen as area vice president for Samar Island, while Jescyn Ramos, tourism officer of Leyte province, was elected area vice president for the Leyte-Biliran-Southern Leyte cluster.
Completing the executive board are Nathan Abinguna of Daram, Samar as secretary general, Javin Naval of Javier, Leyte as treasurer, Nuyen Borgueta of Caibiran, Biliran as auditor, and Chammy Comillas of Abuyog, Leyte as public relations officer.
The newly elected board of directors includes Mario Piczon representing Samar province, Ma. Josette Doctor for Northern Samar, and Dionisio Oliva Jr. for Biliran province. Representatives for Eastern Samar and Leyte are yet to be named.
The association also elected provincial representatives to further strengthen coordination among local tourism offices.
Chosen for the posts were Randy Tobias of Catarman for Northern Samar, Sarah Afable of Arteche for Eastern Samar, Justo Morabor of Jiabong for Samar, Sharmaine Inalisan of Carigara for Leyte, Rhena Mecaydor of Almeria for Biliran, and Jonathan Estrella of Silago for Southern Leyte.
Following his election, Pinarok expressed gratitude to fellow tourism officers for their confidence and support, emphasizing the importance of unity in promoting the region’s tourism industry.
“Thank you, my dear fellow tourism officers, for your trust and confidence. Here’s to a more vibrant, interactive, and resilient EVTOA. Let’s work together to make Eastern Visayas the next big thing in tourism,” he said.
Association members said the election reflects their collective commitment to unified leadership and continued cooperation in enhancing the region’s tourism sector.
The newly elected officers are expected to spearhead programs and initiatives that promote sustainable tourism development, improve destination marketing, and strengthen partnerships among local government tourism offices across Eastern Visayas.
The resumption of classes in the elementary and secondary levels under the Department of Education marks the beginning of another academic year filled with both opportunities and challenges. It is a development that deserves public support because education remains one of the strongest foundations of national progress. At the same time, the reopening of schools demands serious preparation and shared responsibility from all sectors of society.
For students, the return to school signals a renewed commitment to learning, discipline, and personal development. Months away from the classroom often create learning gaps that teachers must address during the opening weeks of instruction. The classroom remains the primary environment where children acquire not only academic knowledge but also values, social skills, and habits that prepare them for adulthood. Parents should expect an adjustment period as children return to structured schedules, assignments, examinations, and school activities after the break.
Families likewise face significant responsibilities during the opening of classes. Household budgets must accommodate school supplies, uniforms, transportation expenses, projects, and daily allowances. Parents and guardians are expected to provide guidance, monitor academic performance, and maintain communication with teachers. Mentors, educators, and school administrators, on the other hand, carry the burden of ensuring that learning environments remain safe, organized, and conducive to quality education despite persistent concerns regarding classroom shortages, learning resources, and student performance.
The reopening of schools also produces substantial effects on the broader community and the economy. Public transportation systems experience increased demand as thousands of students travel daily to and from schools. Traffic congestion becomes more noticeable near educational institutions, requiring patience and cooperation from motorists and commuters. Businesses benefit from heightened economic activity as bookstores, school supply stores, food establishments, printing shops, transport operators, and small vendors experience increased demand for their goods and services. Communities should likewise anticipate greater activity around schools and participate in maintaining safety, cleanliness, and order in areas frequented by learners.
The return of students to classrooms should remind citizens that education is not solely the concern of schools but of the entire nation. Parents must strengthen support at home, teachers must remain committed to effective instruction, local governments must address infrastructure and safety concerns, and communities must help create environments where learning can flourish. The success of the new school year will depend not only on what happens in classrooms but also on the willingness of families, institutions, and citizens to work together to shape a generation capable of meeting the demands of the future.
The flood-control scandal has once again put the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee in the national spotlight. At a time when Filipinos are demanding answers about how billions of pesos meant to protect communities from floods were spent, questions have also emerged about who should lead the investigation. For me, if a senator’s name has surfaced in the controversy—even if the allegations remain unproven—that senator should voluntarily step aside from heading the hearings.
I have always believed that public investigations are not merely about finding facts; they are also about convincing the public that the search for truth is fair. A Senate hearing is not a courtroom, yet it carries enormous influence over public opinion. The chairman directs the proceedings, decides who gets recognized, and shapes the tone of the inquiry. Because of that power, even the appearance of a possible conflict of interest can cast a long shadow over the entire process. A referee does not have to be guilty of cheating for spectators to question a game; sometimes, the mere perception of partiality is enough to make people doubt the outcome.
What troubles me most is that the flood control issue is not just another political controversy. It involves projects funded by taxpayers who expect roads to remain passable, bridges to stand firm, and communities to stay dry when heavy rains arrive. In a country repeatedly battered by typhoons and floods, flood-control funds are not just abstract numbers in government documents. They represent homes spared from destruction, crops saved from ruin, and lives protected from danger. When questions arise about such funds, the investigation must be beyond reproach from the very beginning.
I do not say this because I presume anyone’s guilt. Allegations are not convictions, and fairness requires that every accused person be presumed innocent until proven otherwise. In fact, that principle is exactly why voluntary inhibition makes sense. Stepping aside from leading an investigation is not an admission of wrongdoing. It is often the clearest way of saying, “Let the facts speak for themselves without my presence becoming a distraction.”
There is also a practical reason. The moment a chairman becomes part of the story, attention shifts away from the evidence and toward the chairman himself. Questions that should focus on contracts, budgets, project implementation, and accountability become mixed with questions about the investigator. The hearing then risks turning into a mirror facing another mirror—an endless reflection of accusations and counteraccusations. Meanwhile, the public is left waiting for the answers it sought in the first place.
I find it ironic that many of the strongest investigations in history gained credibility not because investigators possessed extraordinary powers, but because they maintained a visible distance from the subjects they examined. The public is often willing to accept painful conclusions when it trusts the process that produced them. But even the most carefully documented findings can struggle for acceptance when doubts linger about the independence of those conducting the inquiry. Truth may stand on its own feet, but credibility gives it a stronger voice.
Filipinos have become highly sensitive to issues involving public funds, and understandably so. They have watched too many scandals erupt, too many promises made, and too many inquiries fade into political theater. That is why I believe leaders should hold themselves to a higher standard than what the law strictly requires. The law may not compel a senator to inhibit himself under these circumstances, but public service is not measured solely by legal compliance. Sometimes integrity is demonstrated by what one willingly chooses not to do.
What matters most is not who occupies the chairman’s seat but whether the nation receives a thorough, credible, and impartial accounting of what happened to the flood control funds. I would rather see the investigation led by someone whose independence is beyond question, so that every finding stands on solid ground. When public confidence is already fragile, the wisest course is often the simplest one: remove every unnecessary doubt and let the truth take center stage.
GIVEN the obvious fact that we are easily trapped in our worldly condition, practically unmindful of the ultimate spiritual and supernatural dimensions of our life, we should feel the need for a daily reset so as to be properly anchored and directed to the ultimate goal of our life.
Yes, we are meant for keep a spiritual and supernatural bearing in our life here on earth. This is not only for some people. It is for everyone. We just have to help one another to develop this spiritual and supernatural bearing, since this is what is proper to us.
As persons with intelligence and will, we cannot help but have a spiritual character in our life. With these natural endowments, we are meant to enter into the spiritual world of ideas and rationality, of cognition and love that goes beyond the material and sensible aspects of our life.
And as children of God, created in God’s image and likeness, we are meant to enter into an intimate relation with him, which cannot be other than supernatural, since God is beyond our nature.
This is always possible since God gives us his grace, and we, on our part, with our spiritual endowment of intelligence and will, are enabled to be elevated to the supernatural order of God when we, with the proper disposition of humility, faith and charity, correspond to God’s grace. That’s when we enter into the supernatural world of God.
This basic truth of our life should always be on our mind, and should animate all our thoughts, words and deeds. We need to pause from time to time to allow this truth to take hold of our mind and heart, and of our life, in general, using the appropriate means.
We really have to learn how to deal with our spiritual and supernatural world because that is where the real action is and where our ultimate goal is. That’s where we are truly defined, where our radical dignity is established. That’s where we can have our encounter with God.
For us, the material and natural world is nothing if not related to the spiritual and the supernatural world. Our material and natural world can only have meaning and purpose if related to the spiritual and the supernatural, that is, if related ultimately to God.
In this regard, we should have some working plan and strategy, consisting of some practices of piety, like prayer, presence of God, recourse to the sacraments, etc., so that we can keep that spiritual and supernatural bearing even as we immerse ourselves in the things of this world, as we should.
To be sure, there is some kind of awkwardness involved at the beginning of this effort. In this, we should not be surprised, since what is involved requires us to go beyond, but not against, our natural self. We have to train our natural powers to align themselves or to correspond properly to the spiritual and supernatural means that are needed.
Again, a lot of humility is needed here so that the powers of the divine gifts of faith, hope and charity can operate and lead us to where God himself wants us to go. Let’s remember that as creatures of God, let alone, adopted children of his, meant to share his life and nature, we are supposed to follow the guidance of God through his providence.
This daily reset can be done right at the beginning of the day, as we wake up, when we remind ourselves of who we really are, what our ultimate goal in life is, what means we can use, and always reminding ourselves that God is constantly guiding us.
