Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
- National
- February 2, 2026
- 11 views
VSU Wins 2025 Tanglaw Award as Philippines’ Top Research Institution
by Lemy Macantan The Visayas State University (VSU) has once again proven its excellence in research and innovation as it received the 2025 Tanglaw Award from the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) on January 30, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, during the 53rd PCAARRD’s Anniversary Celebration. The award recognizes VSU as the Most Outstanding Research Institution, highlighting its vital role in turning scientific knowledge into real solutions that benefit communities and the environment. VSU topped other institutions by achieving remarkable points on technologies developed/utilized, significant information gathered and applied, generated financial resources for the past five years, capability building, and other accomplishments such as institutional publications, awards received, linkages forged, and projects implemented. Along with a trophy, VSU also received a Php5-million grant to support the university’s research, development, extension, and innovation (RDEI) infrastructure upgrading, and capability building. A Century of Purpose, A Culture of ExcellenceOver…
- National
- January 30, 2026
- 4 views
Borongan Budget Standoff: JO suspension entangled in law, leadership transition, and alleged political delay
by Rowel Montes The temporary suspension of Job Order (JO) workers in Borongan City, announced on January 30, 2026, by the Office of the City Mayor through Acting Mayor Emmanuel Tiu Sonco, has continued to stir public debate—now further complicated by allegations surrounding the delayed action on the proposed 2026 annual budget. Budget submission and alleged inaction The Office of the City Mayor, under Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, formally submitted the proposed Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 to the Sangguniang Panlungsod on October 16, 2025. However, the budget was enacted only on December 23, 2025, leaving the city to operate under a re-enacted budget at the start of the new fiscal year. It is now being alleged by some sectors that the then Vice Mayor—who presided over the Sangguniang Panlungsod at the time—deliberately failed to act promptly on the proposed budget. This perceived inaction, critics argue, may have contributed to the fiscal bottleneck now affecting hundreds of Job Order workers and essential city…
- National
- January 29, 2026
- 8 views
Presidential Award for Empowering Abaca Farmers
by Miriam G.Desacada Tacloban City–The Visayas State University (VSU) Abaca Researchers and Innovators Team won the Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo Award (Group Category) at the 2025 Gawad Lingkod Bayani, bringing pride to VSU and the Philippine abaca industry. The team received the award from Senator Ralph G. Recto, representing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., at the PAGPUPUGAY 2025 ceremony on January 28, 2026, at Malacañang Palace The team comprises Dr. Romel Brigoli Armecin (Team Leader), Dr. Feliciano Gono Sinon, Sr., Ms. Jedess Miladel Nuñez Salomon, Dr. Luz Ordiz Moreno, and Dr. Flora Mia Y. Duatin, all from the National Abaca Research Center (NARC). The Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo Award is among the highest honors granted by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to public servants whose collective efforts have produced extraordinary and lasting impact on society. “This award belongs not only to our team, but to every abaca farmer who believed in science and walked with us through the…
- Local
- January 28, 2026
- 16 views
Marcos Honors Outstanding Civil Servants
by Ma.Arlene Gabon President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., represented by Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto, awarded 24 individuals and six teams with the 2025 Gawad Lingkod Bayani, the nation’s highest civil service awards, held at the Malacañang today, 28 January 2026, honoring public servants whose innovations and dedication have transformed lives and communities across the nation. The awarding ceremony, Pagpupugay 2025: Parangal sa mga Lingkod Bayani, paid tribute to extraordinary public servants who continue to redefine excellence in government through scientific advancement, grassroots innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the highest ethical standards. “Ipinagdiriwang natin sa araw na ito, ang puso ng pamahalaan. Ang mga kawaning tahimik na naglilingkod para sa sambayanang Pilipino at sa bansa,” said President Marcos in his message delivered by the Executive Secretary. The Gawad Lingkod Bayani, administered annually by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), honors exemplary government workers who embody Puso, Dangal, at Galing Para sa Bayan, setting benchmarks of patriotism, integrity, and excellence in…
- National
- January 27, 2026
- 31 views
Tacloban City Jail Male Dormitory Leads Reform Efforts
Tacloban City Jail Male Dormitory, led by JSSUPT Rill F. Sonon and Jail Warden JSUPT Jim Ariza Buranday, attended the UNODC-sponsored 2nd Jail Decongestion Summit at Manila Hotel (Jan 21-23, 2026) The 2nd Jail Decongestion Summit brought together top justice leaders, including Supreme Court Justices Alexander G. Gesmundo, Justice Singh, and Justice Marvic Leonen, with experts sharing best practices to address Philippine jail congestion. Stakeholders from BJMP, BuCor, judiciary, and law schools highlighted decongestion strategies, infrastructure development, and reforms. JLtCol. Buranday said that Tacloban City Jail Male Dorm reaffirmed its commitment to humane custody and evidence-based reforms, aiming for a more just and decongested correctional system . “Renowned experts from the academe, international criminal justice practitioners, and specialists from other countries generously shared their insights and best practices in addressing jail congestion within the Philippine jurisdiction.” He said. Key stakeholders from BJMP and BuCor highlighted their respective decongestion strategies, with particular emphasis on infrastructure development and system-wide reforms. Members of…
- National
- January 27, 2026
- 36 views
VSU Tops Eastern Visayas, Ranks 13th Among Philippine Universities in Webometrics
EVMWB Tacloban City–Visayas State University (VSU) has maintained its position among the country’s leading higher education institutions, placing 13th in the Philippines in the January 2026 edition of the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities. VSU landed 2,632nd out of more than 30,000 higher education institutions around the world, making a substantial rise from its 4,534th placement in the January 2025 edition. It remains the top-performing higher education institution in Eastern Visayas, proving its reputation as a research and innovation hub in the region. Webometrics, developed by Webometrics.org, is a global university ranking system that measures the online visibility and academic performance of higher education institutions. This ranking includes their digital presence, academic influence, openness, and global visibility. As a basis for the ranking, the ranking evaluates the institution based on Impact (visibility at 50%), Openness (top-cited researchers at 10%), and Excellence (top publications at 40%). For the January 2026 edition, VSU ranked 7,160th in Impact, 4,563rd in Openness, and 5,066th…
- National
- January 24, 2026
- 32 views
FOR TERRORISM FINANCING RTC sends Domequil, Cumpioto lengthy prison terms
by Miriam Garcia Desacada TACLOBAN CITY — The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 45 here has convicted Marielle A. Domequil and Frenchie Mae C. Cumpio for violation of Section 8(iii) of Republic Act No. 10168, otherwise known as the Terrorism Financing and Suppression Act of 2012. Presiding Judge Georgina Uy Perez, in a judgment dated 14 January 2026, found the two accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced each to an indeterminate prison term of 12 years, five months and 11 days as minimum to 18 years, eight months and one day as maximum. The court also ordered them to pay a fine of ₱500,000 each. The court said the prosecution was able to establish, through testimonial and documentary evidence, that Domequil and Cumpio conspired to provide financial and logistical support to the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), which is designated as a terrorist organization under Philippine law. According to the ruling, the accused delivered ₱100,000 in…
- National
- January 21, 2026
- 32 views
Distressed Healthcare System
Miriam G.Desacada In December 2025, a cancer patient underwent a CT scan at a medical center, but it took a month to receive the results. In January 2026, the oncologist asked about the patient’s whereabouts because the results had finally been released. This suggests a hospital’s “too-late-the-hero” response to a clinical situation that demands prompt action.In January 2026, another incident occurred, this time in a Rural Health Unit in Caibiran Biliran. A frantic father rushed his child for an emergency, but found himself facing an unbelievable situation. The ER was locked from the inside, and no personnel were in sight. The father vented his frustration by breaking the glass door and some items, creating a chaotic mess. Responding policemen came and arrested the crestfallen father. As soon as the father was detained, reports said his child eventually died without emergency attention. Instead, the father was jailed in his desperation to seek help for his dying child. The two recent controversies…
- National
- January 21, 2026
- 32 views
President Marcos Jr. to lead 2025 Gawad Lingkod Bayani awarding on 28 January 2026
Excellence in public service takes center stage as the 2025 Gawad Lingkod Bayani, the country’s highest recognition for outstanding government workers, is conferred during Pagpupugay 2025: Parangal sa mga Lingkod Bayani set on 28 January 2026 at the Malacañang. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will lead the awarding of 24 individuals and six (6) groups whose exemplary performance, unwavering dedication, and innovative contributions to public service have advanced community empowerment, governance reforms, scientific breakthroughs, and national development. Formerly known as the Search for Outstanding Government Workers, the Gawad Lingkod Bayani recognizes civil servants whose work transcends routine duty and inspires others to uphold the highest standards of ethical, effective, and people-centered governance. “The Gawad Lingkod Bayani showcases the remarkable dedication within our public sector,” said CSC Chairperson Marilyn B. Yap. “The Pagpupugay 2025 is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate those who embody the values of the Lingkod Bayani—naglilingkod ng may Puso, Dangal, at Galing Para sa Bayan.” Three distinct…
- National
- January 19, 2026
- 47 views
OFWs Get Reprieve Bid As House Pushes PhilHealth Fee Exemption
by Miriam G.Desacada Tacloban City–OFWs get legislative break as lawmakers push to scrap PhilHealth fees . .HB No. 2, backed by Former Martin Speaker Romualdez, aims to exempt migrant workers from premiums amid rising costs abroad . The bill, principally authored by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, is now being cited by lawmakers as a timely response to the mounting financial pressure on Filipino workers overseas amid inflation, higher remittance costs, and stricter employment conditions in host countries. House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairman Jude A. Acidre, co-author, of Tingog Party-list said House Bill No. 2 remains pending before the House Committee on Health and is currently undergoing refinement at the technical working group (TWG) level. Under HB No. 2, overseas Filipino workers would no longer be required to directly pay PhilHealth premiums. Instead, the national government would shoulder half of the contribution, with the other half to be covered by employers. Any unused subsidy would be redirected to…
Presidential Award for Empowering Abaca Farmers
- January 29, 2026
- 8 views
Marcos Honors Outstanding Civil Servants
- January 28, 2026
- 16 views
Tacloban City Jail Male Dormitory Leads Reform Efforts
- January 27, 2026
- 31 views