Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
- National
- February 24, 2026
- 4 views
House Allocates P38.8 Billion for Disaster
By Miriam G.Desacada Skip to content The Region’s leading News online House Allocates P38.8 Billion for Disaster Response Spread the love by Miriam G.Desacada Tacloban City–The government has allocated P39.8 billion for disaster-response and rehabilitation efforts in 2026, a 90% increase from the P21 billion set aside in 2025. According to House Minority Leader Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, the funds will be used to support local government units, repair and reconstruct damaged infrastructure, and provide aid to communities affected by calamities. Breakdown of the Calamity Fund: The funds will cover natural and human-induced calamities, epidemics, crises from armed conflicts, and other catastrophes. The allocation comes as the Philippines continues to face various natural hazards, including typhoons, flooding, and volcanic eruption The Philippines is ranked No. 1 out of 193 countries in the 2025 World Risk Report due to its exposure to natural hazards.“Congress allocated ₱39.8 billion for this year’s Calamity Fund—a 90 percent increase from the ₱21 billion set aside…
- National
- February 23, 2026
- 16 views
House Allocates P38.8 Billion for Disaster Response
by Miriam G.Desacada Tacloban City–The government has allocated P39.8 billion for disaster-response and rehabilitation efforts in 2026, a 90% increase from the P21 billion set aside in 2025. According to House Minority Leader Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, the funds will be used to support local government units, repair and reconstruct damaged infrastructure, and provide aid to communities affected by calamities. Breakdown of the Calamity Fund: The funds will cover natural and human-induced calamities, epidemics, crises from armed conflicts, and other catastrophes. The allocation comes as the Philippines continues to face various natural hazards, including typhoons, flooding, and volcanic eruption The Philippines is ranked No. 1 out of 193 countries in the 2025 World Risk Report due to its exposure to natural hazards.“Congress allocated ₱39.8 billion for this year’s Calamity Fund—a 90 percent increase from the ₱21 billion set aside in 2025,” Libanan said. Libanan detailed the P39.8 billion Calamity Fund under the 2026 General Appropriations Act as follows: · P15.3 billion for the…
- National
- February 21, 2026
- 11 views
House Pushes to Waive PhilHealth Fees for OFWs Amid Global Economic Pressures
WITH overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) facing rising living costs abroad and renewed scrutiny over social protection programs, lawmakers are pushing for the swift passage of House Bill (HB) No. 2, a measure that seeks to exempt millions of migrant workers from mandatory PhilHealth premium payments. The bill, principally authored by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. 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…
- National
- February 9, 2026
- 11 views
Biliran Province Gives P6.28M Boost to EVRAA Athletes
by Malene Caya Tacloban City-The provincial government of Biliran has allocated P6.28 million to support the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) athletes. The funding aims to aid the athletes’ training and participation in the upcoming regional sports meet. This move demonstrates the province’s commitment to promoting sports development and nurturing young talent in the region. Governor Rogelio Espina, has reaffirmed its strong commitment to youth and sports development with the approval of Php 6,285,300 in financial support for the province’s athletes competing in the upcoming Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet in Baybay City this coming March 1- 7. The funding package will include a budget for the Special Education Fund (SEF) in the amount of Php 2,200,000, and Php 4,085,300 from the Provincial General Fund, ensuring comprehensive assistance for the province’s official delegation. A total of 706 delegates from Biliran, composed of student-athletes, coaches, and support personnel, will benefit from the provincial sponsorship. The assistance will cover…
- National
- February 8, 2026
- 31 views
P2.5 Billion Allocated to Boost Cancer Fight in the Philippines
by Miriam G.Desacada TaCongress has earmarked another ₱2.5 billion in funding for cancer prevention and patient care, strengthening the country’s response to a disease that claims nearly 100 Filipino lives every day, House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan said Sunday. Under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, Congress allocated another ₱1.5 billion for the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) and ₱1 billion for the Cancer Control Program (CCP), according to Libanan. “Both the CAF and the CCP are lifelines for cancer patients fighting for survival. This fresh funding means earlier detection, faster treatment, and better care—especially for patients who cannot afford it,” Libanan said. Although a lawyer by profession, Libanan also holds a degree in medical technology. He is also proponent of a House bill that would establish a Centralized Patient Record System to improve healthcare delivery nationwide. The country is observing National Cancer Awareness Month this February. The CAF provides direct financial support for cancer screening, diagnosis,…
- National
- February 2, 2026
- 32 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
- 16 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
- 35 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
- 23 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
- 44 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…
House Allocates P38.8 Billion for Disaster
- February 24, 2026
- 4 views
House Allocates P38.8 Billion for Disaster Response
- February 23, 2026
- 16 views
Biliran Province Gives P6.28M Boost to EVRAA Athletes
- February 9, 2026
- 11 views
P2.5 Billion Allocated to Boost Cancer Fight in the Philippines
- February 8, 2026
- 31 views