BFAR 8 urges Eastern Visayas to turn ‘White Gold’ into local prosperity

By SAMAR NEWS.COM
May 29, 2026

CATBALOGAN CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 8 is calling on coastal communities across Eastern Visayas to stop being passive consumers of imported salt and instead become active producers, leveraging the region’s abundant seawater, land, and labor force.

The appeal was made during the Regional Orientation and Stakeholders Consultation on the Development of Salt Industry Project (DSIP) held on May 25–26, 2026 in Tacloban City. The two-day event gathered private salt producers, traders, and fisherfolk associations from the six provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar.

“We are here today because we possess the land, the sand, the sea, and the labor. It is time to transition from passive consumers to salt-reliant producers,” said Loreginia P. Briones, DSIP Regional Focal Person for BFAR Region 8.

National Salt Program Management Office (NSPMO) Head Dr. Hannibal Chavez framed the initiative in more evocative terms.

“Ang asin o ‘white gold’ ay hindi lamang simpleng produkto – ito ay simbolo ng oportunidad, kabuhayan, at pag-asa,” Chavez said.

Participants expressed strong optimism, particularly small-scale fisherfolk who see the project as a lifeline for coastal livelihoods. Ruel Inoc, a fisherfolk representative from Dawahon Island in Bato, Leyte, said he was pleased to learn that even island communities with limited space could establish salt production facilities.

“Ako naman natutuwa dahil di pala imposibleng magkaroon din kami ng pagawaan maski sa maliit na lugar lang gaya ng isla. Malaking kapakinabangan ito lalo pa sa mga organisasyon, asosasyon at kooperatiba,” Inoc said.

The consultation focused on the implementation of Republic Act No. 11985, the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act, which seeks to revitalize and modernize the local salt sector. Resource speakers presented the Philippine Salt Industry Development Roadmap 2025–2040, an overview of the DSIP, the Salt Information Management System (SIMS), and sustainable production technologies including solar crystallization modules, improved post-harvest handling, quality enhancement measures, and salt convergence mapping.

The activity also served as a venue for participants to voice concerns, share best practices, and explore ways to make Eastern Visayas salt more competitive in the market. It was attended by key officials including Regional Fisherfolk Director Jesus Patilla, Farmer Regional Executive Director Engr. Miguel Pedroso, DSIP National Planning Focal Charmaine Buitre, and representatives from BFAR regional and provincial offices. Partner agencies from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and DENR-Environmental Management Bureau also showed support.

The push for self-reliance comes after decades of decline in the Philippine salt industry. Following the passage of the ASIN Law, which mandated iodization, the sector received little government support. As a result, the country now imports roughly 90% of its annual salt requirements, primarily from Australia and China, with additional supplies from Thailand and New Zealand

Cheap imported salt flooded the market, driving down prices and forcing many local producers to scale down or shut down operations. This led to widespread loss of livelihood, heavy foreign exchange spending on imports, and greater vulnerability to global supply disruptions. Salt-dependent industries such as fish processing and food manufacturing have also been affected.

Organizers hope the DSIP will reverse this trend by empowering coastal communities, introducing modern and climate-resilient production methods, and rebuilding a robust local salt industry that can once again serve as a pillar of economic and food security in Eastern Visayas.

1st ESPMFC celebrates harvest time through “Gulayan sa Kampo” Program

Press Release
May 28, 2026

DOLORES, Eastern Samar – The personnel of the 1st Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st ESPMFC), under the leadership of PMAJ MARVAL S DIAZ, Officer-In-Charge, celebrated the harvest season of its “Gulayan sa Kampo” project within the camp premises on May 24, 2026.

Through the collective effort, dedication, and teamwork of the 1st ESPMFC personnel, led by PSSg Benedick R Quiloña, the camp’s vegetable garden successfully produced fresh and healthy crops, particularly pechay, which will help support the nutritional needs of the personnel while promoting self-sufficiency and sustainable living.

The “Gulayan sa Kampo” initiative highlights the commitment of the 1st ESPMFC not only to maintaining peace and order but also to promoting environmental awareness, productivity, and food sustainability within both the organization and the community.

PMAJ DIAZ commended the personnel for their hard work and cooperation in maintaining the “Gulayan sa Kampo,” emphasizing that patience, unity, and perseverance truly bring fruitful results.

The successful harvest serves as a reminder that through teamwork and continuous effort, every seed planted today can lead to a better and more productive tomorrow.

PSA brings faster and closer National ID and Civil Registration Services to the people of San Miguel, Leyte

By PSA Leyte
May 27, 2026

SAN MIGUEL, Leyte – The Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA RSSO 8) successfully brought its fast and convenient services closer to the Leytenos through the “Barangayan-PSA Caravan” held at Brgy. Sta. Cruz Gym in San Miguel, Leyte, bringing essential National ID (NID) and civil registration services directly to the community. The activity is part of the government’s effort to improve accessibility and efficiency of frontline services.

In support of the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to accelerate the delivery of public services and strengthen government presence in communities, especially in geographically isolated and under-served areas, the caravan provided National ID services including registration, printing of National ID in paper format, updating of demographic information, and assistance in accessing the Digital National ID. An information awareness campaign was also conducted highlighting the importance and acceptance of the various formats of NID and the call for everyone to register.

In addition, the PSA also deployed its Civil Registry System (CRS) Mobile Outlet which catered to requests and issuance of PSA-issued civil registry documents such as Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Death Certificates, and Certificates of No Marriage (CENOMAR). The mobile outlet provided convenience to residents who would otherwise need to travel to Tacloban City or nearby service centers to secure their documents. The activity also benefits neighboring communities, particularly senior citizens, students, solo parents, and low-income families.

Ms. Gemma D. Ponferada, Barangay Kagawad and Chairperson of the Committee on Social Services, expressed her gratitude to the PSA for bringing the services directly to their barangay.

“Maraming salamat po sa PSA! Para sa mabilis at abot-kamay na serbisyo sa aming mga kababayan. Malaking tulong po ito sa amin lalo na para mga senior citizens at mga kabataan na nangangailangan ng National ID at kopya ng mga civil registry documents. Nawa ay marami pa pong komunidad ang maabot at marating ng PSA Mobile Caravan.”

Meanwhile, Ms. Kyle P. Peña, a resident of Brgy. Sta. Cruz, also shared how the activity helped lessen the burden of securing important documents.

“Malaking ginhawa na hindi ko na kailangang lumayo at gumastos sa pamasahe. Salamat po PSA sa mabilis at taos-pusong serbisyo. Nakuha ko ang aking National ID at kopya ng Birth Certificate ng aking anak.”

The PSA reaffirmed its commitment to continue conducting mobile outreach activities to ensure that every Filipino has easier access to government services and vital documents.

Sta. Rita, Samar transitions from insurgency hotbed to town with Stable Internal Peace and Security

By DPAO, 8ID PA
May 26, 2026

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The municipality of Sta. Rita, Samar, formerly identified as one of the hotbeds of insurgency in the province, was officially declared under Stable Internal Security Condition (SIPSC) during a ceremony held on May 25, 2026 at Sta. Rita Municipal Covered Court, marking another major breakthrough in the government’s peace and development efforts in Eastern Visayas.

The SIPSC declaration signified Sta. Rita’s successful transformation from insurgency-affected area into a peaceful and more secure community where government services, economic activities, and public initiatives can now fully thrive.

For years, insurgency-related threats hampered development initiatives, discouraged investments and affected the daily lives of the residents in Sta. Rita. Through sustained military operations, strengthened collaborations among stakeholders, and continuous implementation of development programs, the municipality gradually achieved stable peace and secured environment.

With the declaration of the town’s improved peace and security condition, Sta. Rita is now poised to unlock greater opportunities for economic growth, tourism development, and influx of investors, generating employment opportunities that will help uplift the lives of the residents.

Mayor Jascha Mae Tiu of Sta. Rita, described the declaration as a shared victory among all Sta. Ritahanon who chose peace, unity and cooperation.

“Diri ini naton maaabot kon waray an pagburublig han ngatanan – an aton kasundalohan ngan pulis, an aton lokal nga lider, mga opisyales ha barangay ngan sugad man katawhan han Sta. Rita,” Mayor Tiu expressed.

[Hindi natin maabot ito kung hindi dahil sa pagtutulungan ng lahat – ang ating kasundaluhan at pulis, ang lokal na lider, mga opisyales ng barangay at maging ang mga residente ng Sta. Rita.]

Brigadier General Pompeyo Jason Almagro, the Commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade also described the declaration of Sta. Rita under SIPSC as a shared victory and a declaration of successful collaborative efforts of the government, security forces, peace partners and the community.

“Today, we honor not only the declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition but also the sacrifices, the courage, and determination of every individual who became part of this journey…Salamat han iyo dedikasyon ngan serbisyo,” Brig. Gen. Almagro expressed.

Meanwhile, the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army emphasized that the declaration is a significant victory in sustaining peace and development efforts in Samar.

“Ang deklarasyong ito ay hindi wakas ng pananagutan. Ito ay simula ng mas malaking pananagutan at pagkakaisa upang matiyak na hindi na muling magkaka-ugat ang karahasan sa ating mga komunidad. Tandaan natin na ang kapayapaang tinatamasa natin ngayon ay may katumbas na sakripisyo. May mga kawal, pulis, at sibilyan na nagbuwis ng buhay upang makamtan ang katahimikang tinatamasa natin sa kasalukuyan.”

The 8ID also assured the Local Government Units (LGUs) declared under SIPSC that the Stormtroopers will continue to support and assist them toward achieving socio-economic development and long-term progress.

DAR, DENR, LBP, LRA partnership in E. Visayas, hailed

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
May 22, 2026

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Atty. Rexie Maristela of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Central Office commended DAR’s partnership with other government agencies in Eastern Visayas as manifested in its impressive accomplishment on Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project.

Maristela, Director of the Bureau of Land Acquisition and Distribution (BLAD) and the Bureau of Land Tenure Improvement (BLTI), commented, “This accomplishment reflects the strong coordination and cooperation among our partner agencies,” following DAR Eastern Visayas’ presentation of the 2025 land acquisition and distribution (LAD) milestones on the third day of the DAR Assessment and Strategic Planning Workshop with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Land Registration Authority (LRA), and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), for Regions VII and VIII, held here on May 18 to 21 this year.

She congratulated the delegation from Region-VIII, highlighting the importance of DAR’s relationship with other agencies which resulted to a cumulative accomplishment of 200,406.15 hectares on field validation; 141,476.81 hectares on redocumentation; 61,668.99 hectares on E-title registration; and 60,498.38 hectares on E-title distribution under the SPLIT Project as of March 31 this year.

Undersecretary for Field Operations Office (FOO), Atty. Kazel Celeste, delivered her message online, saying, “This workshop will synchronize our visions and plans,” highlighting the importance of unity and proactive action among partner agencies. “Let us be more candid and proactive so that no farmer is left waiting for their (land) title,” she added.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary for FOO and National Project Director of SPLIT Project, Atty. Marjorie Ayson, emphasized to the participants, “We need to address concerns through clear, practical and coordinated solutions to ensure the smooth and efficient implementation of the program.”

DAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director, Atty, Robert Anthony Yu, presented the problems, issues, needs and concerns (PINCs) that were encountered in the implementation of the SPLIT Project in the region. But he emphasized that all PINCs were addressed accordingly.

From the DENR Regional Office-8, Engr. Ma. Dioleta Vilas, chief of the Surveys and Mapping Division, expressed their agency’s full support for the SPLIT Project, especially in speeding up verification and documentation processes.

World Bank-funded SPLIT Project subdivides landholdings covered by collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) issued under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and generates individual land titles to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) to improve tenurial status and strengthen ownership over their awarded lots. SPLIT Project will end in 2027.

Youth leadership summit empowers Samar youth against insurgents’ influence

By DPAO, 8ID PA
May 21, 2026

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – In a continuing effort to strengthen youth empowerment and sustain peacebuilding initiatives in Samar, 38 young leaders from the municipalities of Pinabacdao and Calbiga successfully completed the three-day Joint Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) conducted by the 63rd Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, in Pinabacdao, Samar from May 18 - 20, 2026.

Anchored on the theme, “Youth for Peace, Unity, and Development Across Samar,” the summit aimed to develop the leadership capabilities, patriotism, social responsibility, and civic engagement of participating youth leaders while strengthening their role as advocates of peace and development in their respective communities.

The said activity served as an avenue to inspire and empower the younger generation to become proactive partners of the government in preserving peace, promoting unity, and helping build resilient communities free from violence and insurgents’ influence.

During the 3-day activity, the participants underwent various lectures, workshops, team-building exercises, and interactive discussions focused on leadership development, values formation, youth empowerment, health and anti-illegal drugs awareness, peacebuilding, environmental protection, disaster preparedness, social awareness, and the vital role of the youth in nation-building.

The summit also highlighted discussions on critical thinking, responsible use of social media, and vigilance against deceptive recruitment strategies, misinformation, and radicalization efforts employed by Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs), particularly targeting vulnerable sectors such as the youth.

The conduct of the YLS carries significant importance considering that the municipalities of Pinabacdao and Calbiga were once heavily affected by insurgency and had long been considered strongholds of Communist Terrorist Group influence in Samar.

Cris Balmes, the Regional Vice President of the Youth for Peace Movement Eastern Visayas, emphasized that empowering the youth is essential in sustaining peace and preventing the resurgence of insurgency in vulnerable communities.

“Youth are among the most influential sectors in society. By equipping them with leadership skills, proper values, and awareness of societal issues, we help protect them from deception and manipulation. This summit encourages them to become responsible leaders and active partners in preserving peace and development in their communities,” Balmes said.

Meanwhile, the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army underscored that the Youth Leadership Summit forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to address the root causes of insurgency by investing in the youth sector and strengthening community engagement.

“The youth play a crucial role in shaping the future of our communities and our nation. Through activities like the Youth Leadership Summit, we aim to inspire young people to become advocates of peace, good governance, and community development instead of falling victim to violent ideologies. We encourage them to use their talents, energy, and voices in building a progressive and peaceful Samar.”

The successful conduct of the Youth Leadership Summit reflects the strong collaboration among the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, Local Government Units, educators, community leaders, and other peace partners in ensuring that the youth remain empowered, vigilant, and committed in sustaining the gains of peace, security, and development across Samar.

The initiative likewise reinforces the government’s commitment in nurturing a new generation of leaders who will champion unity, resilience, and peace as Samar continues its journey toward a more progressive and insurgency-free future.

TESDA to stage WorldSkills Philippines Eastern Visayas 2026 Regional Skills Olympics in Tacloban City

Young Filipino technicians set to compete across 20 trade areas as region gears up for prestigious skills showdown

By SAMAR NEWS.COM
May 16, 2026

CATBALOGAN CITY – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Regional Office VIII is set to host the WorldSkills Philippines Eastern Visayas - 2026 Regional Skills Olympics from May 19 to 21, 2026, bringing together the region's most talented technical-vocational learners in a high-stakes competition designed to measure their skills against international industry standards.

The announcement, made through an official press release dated Friday, May 15, 2026, confirms that the three-day event will serve as a critical qualifying round, with top performers advancing to the National Skills Olympics and potentially representing the Philippines on the global stage at the International WorldSkills and ASEAN Skills Competitions.

A grand opening in the heart of Eastern Visayas

The competition will kick off on May 19 with an Opening Ceremony at the ACLC College of Tacloban City, Inc. – Fatima Campus. The competition proper will then unfold on May 20 and 21 across various designated venues throughout Tacloban City, culminating in a Closing Ceremony on May 21 at 4:00 PM at the same campus.

Organized in accordance with Republic Act No. 7796 – the law establishing TESDA and institutionalizing the country's technical-vocational education and training (TVET) system – this year's Olympics will feature 20 trade areas, showcasing the diverse competencies and technical expertise of participants from across the Eastern Visayas region.

Four partner institutions, twenty skills

The competitions will be strategically distributed among four partner institutions in Tacloban City, each hosting specific trade categories:

Regional Training Center–Tacloban will serve as the primary hub for hands-on industrial trades, hosting competitions in Automobile Technology, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, Wall and Floor Tiling, ICT Network Infrastructure, Refrigeration and Airconditioning, Welding, Landscape Gardening, and Fashion Technology.

ACLC College of Tacloban City, Inc. will handle the digital and technology-driven categories, including Cybersecurity, Graphic Design Technology, IT Network Systems Administration, Software Applications Development, and Web Technologies.

St. Therese Educational Foundation of Tacloban Inc. (located in Barangay 91 Abucay) will host Plumbing and Heating competitions.

JE Mondejar Computer College, Inc. will round out the roster with service-oriented trade areas: Hotel Reception, Cooking, Restaurant Service, Bakery, and Health & Social Care.

More than a competition: A pipeline for global talent

The WorldSkills Philippines competition is far more than a regional contest – it is a carefully structured talent pipeline that has produced globally competitive Filipino workers for years.

The competition follows a three-tier structure: Regional Skills Olympics serve as local qualifiers, feeding winners into the National Skills Olympics, where the country's best compete for the honor of representing the Philippines at the International WorldSkills Competition and ASEAN Skills Competitions – the world's largest stage for vocational excellence.

TESDA officials emphasized that the competition is designed to build confidence, discipline, and innovation among technical-vocational students while producing workers who can fuel both local and national economic growth.

Eastern Visayas: A region with a proud track record

The press release highlighted Region VIII's strong history of achievement in skills competitions. Competitors from Eastern Visayas have consistently brought pride to the region, excelling at the Philippine National Skills Competition (PNSC) as well as on ASEAN and WorldSkills stages.

Most recently, in August 2025, Region VIII achieved a notable milestone during the ASEAN Skills Manila 2025, further cementing the area's reputation for excellence in technical skills and innovation. These accomplishments, TESDA noted, underscore that its graduates are "truly at par with global standards."

Shaping the future workforce

At its core, the 2026 Regional Skills Olympics aims to recognize the skills excellence of young industry workers and graduates of technical-vocational centers, while fostering the innovation, discipline, and global competitiveness that the Philippines' future workforce will need to thrive in an increasingly demanding global economy.

As Tacloban City prepares to welcome competitors, judges, and spectators next week, all eyes in the Eastern Visayas TVET community will be on the young men and women whose technical mastery could carry them from the regional stage all the way to the world.

“Serbisyong may Kasamang Puso”: 1st ESPMFC extends free circumcision and haircut services to the community

Press Release
May 14, 2026

DOLORES, Eastern Samar – Personnel of the 1st Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st ESPMFC), under the leadership of PMAJ MARVAL S DIAZ, Officer-in-Charge, successfully conducted a Community Outreach Program featuring “Libreng Tuli at Libreng Gupit” at the 1st ESPMFC Headquarters, Brgy. 15/Lunang, Dolores, Eastern Samar, on May 12, 2026.

Prior to the conduct of the free services, police personnel facilitated an informative discussion on the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 (RA 10627), including awareness on “Good Touch and Bad Touch,” to educate the children and raise awareness on child protection and personal safety. Snacks (Biscuit and Juice) and free ice cream (Sorbetes) were likewise distributed to the participants after the discussion.

The initiative aimed to provide free circumcision and free haircut services to young boys in the community, particularly those from underserved families, as part of the unit’s continuing commitment to public health and community service. Anchored on the 1st ESPMFC tagline, “Magbigay ng Serbisyong may Kasamang Puso,” the activity also sought to promote personal hygiene, health awareness, and overall well-being while strengthening police-community relations through compassionate and meaningful public service in line with the Philippine National Police core value - “Makatao.

PMAJ DIAZ said, "True community service isn't just about meeting immediate needs; it’s about providing the dignity of professional care to those who need it most. By hosting free circumcision activities, we aren't just performing a procedure – we're investing in the long-term well-being and confidence of our next generation."

Also present during the activity were the Eastern Samar Provincial Medical and Dental Team (ESPMDT), led by PCPT ERWIN D YBUAN, Officer-in-Charge; personnel of Dolores MPS under the supervision of PMAJ EUMORPHO C BATLANGAO, ACOP; personnel of the 52nd Infantry Battalion under the supervision of LTC SANDY U SERENO, INF (GSC) PA; and Ms. Daisy Amor Lalosa-Belizar, Acting Broadcaster Production Supervisor of Radyo Pilipinas Borongan.

The activity further highlighted the collaborative efforts of various government agencies and stakeholders in supporting community welfare through accessible basic services, health promotion, and strengthened partnership with the public.

Moreover, the 1st ESPMFC expressed its sincere gratitude to Ms. Keena M. Mate, RN, MAN, for generously sponsoring the necessary medical supplies, surgical instruments, and medicines, as well as to the Local Government Unit of Can-avid, headed by Hon. Alicia L. Teves, Municipal Mayor, for providing logistical support that greatly contributed to the success of the activity.

The 1st ESPMFC remains steadfast in its commitment to serving the community through programs that foster trust, compassion, and public safety.

Leyte and Tacloban City inflation rates jump in April 2026

By SAMAR NEWS.COM
May 13, 2026

CATBALOGAN CITY – Inflation in Leyte province and Tacloban City accelerated sharply in April 2026, driven primarily by surging transport costs, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Leyte (excluding Tacloban City)

The inflation rate for all income households in the province of Leyte (excluding Tacloban City) rose to 6.5% in April 2026, up from 3.8% in March 2026 and 1.5% a year earlier. The peso’s purchasing power weakened to 0.75, meaning a peso in 2018 now buys only 75 centavos worth of goods and services.

Transport posted the largest increase, with its inflation rate climbing to 26.3% and contributing 58.7% to the overall uptrend. Food and non-alcoholic beverages rose to 6.2%, while housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels increased to 3.4%.

Tacloban City

Tacloban City recorded a slightly lower but still elevated inflation rate of 5.9% in April 2026, compared with 4.1% in March and 0.9% in April 2025. The purchasing power of the peso stood at 0.78.

As in the rest of Leyte province, transport was the top driver, although its inflation rate of 19.7% accounted for a smaller share (36.0%) of the overall increase. Food and non-alcoholic beverages reached 6.0%, while housing-related costs rose to 2.2%.

Broader Trends

Across both areas, most commodity groups posted higher year-on-year price increases. Notable rises were also seen in health, alcoholic beverages and tobacco, and restaurants and accommodation services. The PSA noted that the reference period for the indices is 2018=100.