- The Region's leading News online

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
December 9, 2025
144 views

Promoting Wellness Through Leave: Strengthening Government Workforce Resilience

by Miriam G.Desacada To further strengthen workplace strategies in line with Republic Act No. 11036 (the Mental Health Act), the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has approved up to five (5) days of Wellness Leave (WL) for eligible government officials and employees. Under CSC Resolution No. 2501292, the Commission cited provisions of Joint Administrative Order No. 2023-000 issued together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Health (DOH), which designates mental health as a priority area for workplace health promotion interventions. This action follows findings from the 2025 Global Workplace Report that Filipino workers have the second‑highest stress levels in Southeast Asia, driven by unhealthy lifestyles and heavy workloads. These findings highlight the need for workplace policies that promote both mental and physical well‑being. “The Wellness Leave is a proactive response to the realities faced by our workforce today. By giving employees the space to rest, recover, and care for themselves, we reinforce a public service environment…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
December 8, 2025
121 views

House Panel Approves Establishment of New Medical School in Eastern Samar

by Miriam G Desacada Tacloban City- Eastern Samar Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan Lauds Approval of Bill to Establish ESSU College of Medicine Eastern Samar House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan has welcomed the committee approval of House Bill No. 112, which seeks to create a College of Medicine at Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in Borongan City. Libanan stated that the proposed medical school will broaden access to medical education for underprivileged but deserving students and help alleviate the persistent shortage of doctors, particularly in rural areas like Eastern Samar. “The proposed medical school is not just an educational project—it is a healthcare intervention. We simply do not have enough doctors in the country, and the shortages are most alarming in rural areas such as Eastern Samar,” Libanan said. Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan – a lawyer by profession and a medical technologist by education – has welcomed the House committee’s approval of House Bill No. 112,…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
December 8, 2025
170 views

In Sogod S.Leyte Councilman sues Task Force men for “Robbery” of his Peso Wifi

by Miriam G Desacada Tacloban City–Councilman Randolph Taguik Hinampas of Barangay Zone 5 in Sogod, Southern Leyte, filed criminal complaints against nine members of a municipal task force and two police officers for robbery, coercion, and malicious mischief, when they allegedly robbed or took forcibly, his 13 units of PISO WIFI equipment., The charges were filed before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Southern Leyte, promulgated on 30 October 2025, under NPS Docket No. VIII-07a-INV-251-00098.The Provincial Prosecutor of Southern Leyte, after perusal of the presented evidence, resolved and approved the filing in court of 13 counts of robbery against the task force members, namely: Juvany Abarico, Frederick L. Bernadas, Randy Cabudbud, Frederick T. Lareta, Ronald Lamoste, Pablito T. Navarra Jr., Ferdinand Mariano, Arnel S. Terante, and Ransel Dave T. Mag-aso.The resolution, signed by Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Gwen Manuel P. Santiago, and approved by Deputy Provincial Prosecutor (OIC) Edgardo C. Solon Jr., also recommended bail of P72,000 for each count…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
December 7, 2025
156 views

House Panel Approves Establishment of Eastern Samar State University Campuses in Balangiga and Arteche

by Miriam G.Desacada Tacloban City–The House committee on higher and technical education, comprising 70 members, has approved two priority bills to establish full-fledged Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) campuses in Balangiga and Arteche municipalities. House Bill No. 3135 (authored by Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales) proposes establishing ESSU–Balangiga Campus, while House Bill No. 3136 seeks to convert the existing ESSU–Arteche extension unit into a full‑fledged campus. Both bills are co‑authored by House Minority Leader Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan. Rep. Gonzales noted that the approval of these measures marks a critical step toward expanding access to higher education across Eastern Samar. These campuses will bring quality tertiary education within reach for thousands of families. No student should be forced to leave home just to obtain a college degree,” he said. He emphasized that education is the most lasting engine of development, saying, “By bringing ESSU closer to the communities of Balangiga and Arteche, we strengthen the province’s human capital and prepare our…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
December 4, 2025
134 views

BFAR Launches Junior FARMC and IOs in Southern Leyte to Foster Future Sea Guardians

EVMWBph Tacloban City–The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) launched the Junior FARMC Champions: Empowering Young Information Officers for Sustainable Fisheries Management in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte on December 2-3, 2025. Over 30 Grade 5 and 6 learners from Tangkaan Elementary School learned about fisheries conservation and the role of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMCs) in local governance. The learners participated in activities on sustainable fisheries management, coastal and marine resource management, and basic communication. They also created IEC materials and learned about financial management through the Fish N’ Learn game. “Kalambuan sa Kadagatan, Kabataan atong Kauban; sa Junior FARMC ta Sugdan” (Together with the youth, we build a thriving ocean—starting with the Junior FARMC) was the theme of the event. BFAR 8 OIC Regional Director Dominador G. Maputol emphasized the importance of the youth as resource users and caretakers of the sea. The initiative aims to develop future Junior FARMCs and IOs in Eastern Visayas, with…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
November 28, 2025
102 views

ESSU Achieves 100% Passing Rate in Nursing Licensure Exam for 8th Consecutive Time, Gonzales Highlights

by Miriam Garcia Desacada Tacloban City- Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Sheen Gonzales, has extended his warm congratulations to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates of Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in Borongan City for achieving a perfect 100% passing rate in the Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE) for the eighth straight time. “This remarkable feat is a testament to the hard work, discipline, and perseverance of our ESSU nursing graduates, and to their unwavering commitment to the profession,” Gonzales said. “To our new nurses: your achievement brings great pride to Eastern Samar. May you continue this tradition of excellence as you enter the workforce and serve with compassion, integrity, and purpose,” he added. Gonzales also commended ESSU for its sustained commitment to academic excellence. “The university continues to produce highly proficient, well-trained, and service-oriented graduates—professionals who are ready to join the labor force, secure meaningful employment, and uplift the lives of their families,” he said. “This milestone highlights…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
November 25, 2025
210 views

FARM PROGRAM: SUPPORT AND AID FOR FARMERS IN ALANGALANG, LEYTE

by Miriam G.Desacada Tacloban City Leyte–Despite challenges and threats, including the impending Typhoon Verbena, the government remains committed to supporting our farmers. Here’s a message of hope and support! The Farmers Assistance for Recovery and Modernization (FARM) Program was implemented on November 24, 2025, at Visayas State University, Alangalang, Leyte. Led by representatives from Leyte 1st District Office of Cong. Martin Romualdez, through Chief Political Affairs Officer Atty. Mark Stephen Reyes, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Office 8 (DSWD RO8). Over 2,450 beneficiaries from Alangalang received financial assistance to support their livelihood, enabling them to continue production and improve their farms. The FARM Program, initiated by Former Speaker Martin Romualdez, strengthens the agriculture sector, recognizing farmers as pillars of food security and the economy, not just in Leyte but nationwide. The government remains steadfast in supporting farmers towards a brighter future. This is the spirit of the FARM Pr FARM PROGRAM: SUPPORT AND AID FOR FARMERS…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
November 22, 2025
96 views

Kauswagan Caravan Visits San Jose, Northern Samar

Catarman N.Samar–he 38th leg of the Kauswagan Caravan recently visited San Jose, Northern Samar, bringing essential programs and services to over 1,217 families from six barangays. The event was a vibrant celebration of community spirit, with residents showcasing their talents through cultural presentations and local performances. The caravan was a testament to the bayanihan spirit, with the Provincial Government, local and national agencies, NGOs, and private sector groups working together to uplift communities. Governor Harris Ongchuan and 2nd District Congressman Edwin Ongchuan, along with other officials, attended the event, which was coordinated by Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Jenny Darish. The success of the Kauswagan Caravan in San Jose highlights the power of collaboration in bringing positive change to grassroots communities. The event brought joy and hope to the people of San Jose, reinforcing the importance of community-driven initiatives.

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
November 20, 2025
136 views

Libanan: Tino exposed gaps in land-use planning, disaster risk management

by Evmwb Tacloban City–House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan has urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent the passage of a National Land-Use Law, following the torrential rains and massive flooding unleashed by Typhoon Tino that killed many people and displaced hundreds of thousands across Central Visayas, particularly in Metro Cebu. “The tragic loss of lives and the widespread devastation caused by Typhoon Tino once again expose the severe gaps in our national land-use planning and disaster risk management,” Libanan said. “We are paying the price for decades of policy inaction.” Libanan stressed that proper land-use planning is absolutely imperative for disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and environmental integrity. “Proper land-use planning is a matter of survival in this era of brutal climate change,” he said. “We must put an end to building communities in inherently unsafe areas — those prone to riverine and urban flooding, landslides, and coastal storm surges.” The minority leader…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
November 12, 2025
113 views

E. Visayas’ inflation slightly rises to 0.5% in October

by evmwb Tacloban City–Eastern Visayas’ inflation rate edged up to 0.5 percent in October 2025, slightly higher than the 0.4 percent recorded in September, according to a Wednesday report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The rise was mainly driven by a bump in the housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels commodity group, which climbed to 0.7 percent from 0.4 percent. Faster price hikes in the health sector—up to 2.6 percent from 2.3 percent—also contributed, with inpatient‑care services jumping from 2.6 percent to 4.6 percent year‑on‑year. Additionally, “the faster inflation rate of alcoholic beverages and tobacco, which rose to 4 percent in October 2025 from 3.8 percent in September, likewise helped push the regional inflation higher,” said PSA Region 8 chief statistical specialist Mae Almonte in a press briefing. Among the region’s six provinces, three saw higher inflation: Samar led with 1.9 percent (up from 0.8 percent), Biliran rose to 1 percent from 0.5 percent, and Northern Samar turned positive at 0.2 percent from ‑0.4 percent. In contrast, Southern Leyte’s inflation fell to 0.1 percent from 0.7 percent, Leyte dropped to 0.2 percent from 0.5 percent,…

Top Tags

Latest Story

Today Update

Main Story

Today Post

Featured Story

You Missed