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Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
October 5, 2025
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Lawmakers Rally Behind Creation of Samar Island Region

by Miriam G Desacada Tacloban City– In a remarkable display of unity, six lawmakers from Samar’s three provinces have joined forces to advocate for the creation of a new Samar Island Region (SIR), a move aimed at unlocking the island’s untapped potential and driving long-stalled growth and development. This rare show of solidarity among lawmakers could be the key to bringing about much-needed progress to the region. They have jointly filed House Bill No. 4218, which seeks to carve out Samar Island as a distinct administrative region, separate from Eastern Visayas. Leading the group is House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan (4Ps Partylist), who once represented the lone congressional district of Eastern Samar. He is joined by Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales, Samar First District Rep. Stephen James Tan, Samar Second District Rep. Reynolds Michael Tan, Northern Samar Firstf District Rep. Niko Raul Daza, and Northern Samar Second District Rep. Edwin Marino Ongchuan. “This is not just…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
October 4, 2025
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Young leaders gain career advantage with new eligibility for Sangguniang Kabataan

Tacloban City–Elected and appointed Sangguniang Kabataan Officials (SKOs) in good standing are now entitled to civil service eligibility, provided they have completed a full three-year term of office or its equivalent. Under Civil Service Commission (CSC) Resolution No. 2500752, or the Rules Governing the Grant of Eligibility to SKOs promulgated on 24 July 2025, the Sangguniang Kabataan Official Eligibility (SKOE) shall be considered appropriate for first level positions in the career service, except those covered by board laws and/or requiring other special eligibilities. “This privilege, granted exclusively to duly elected and appointed SKOs, recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and affirms their contributions to public service,” said CSC Chairperson Atty. Marilyn B. Yap. “Through the SKOE, we empower young leaders to pursue careers in government and continue their service to the Filipino people.” The SKOE applies to SKOs who were in office upon the effectivity of Republic Act No. 11768, also known as the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
October 3, 2025
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Fire Claims Life of Government Worker, Leaves Over 200 Homeless in Catbalogan City

by Miriam G.Desacada Tacloban City–A devastating fire broke out on Wednesday evening, October 1, in Barangay Canlapwas, Catbalogan City, Samar, resulting in the death of a 30-year-old government worker and leaving more than 200 residents without homes. According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), report to Samar PNP provincial Office, the fire started around 5:30 p.m. coinciding the power restoration after the power shut down due to 6.9 magnitude eqrthquakein, Purok 3 due to faulty electrical wiring that ignited the roof of a house owned by Rizalda Magallanes. The blaze quickly spread to nearby residences, fueled by the light materials used in their construction. Firefighters from the Catbalogan City Fire Station, assisted by fire volunteers, police personnel, and reinforcements from neighboring towns, battled the flames for nearly four hours. The incident was raised to second alarm and was declared under control at 7:20 p.m. and fully extinguished at around 9:23 p.m. The victim, Reynold Muñez, an employee of the…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
October 3, 2025
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Malacañang: Supreme Court Ruling to Ensure Constitutional Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections

by Miriam Desacada Tacloban City-The Palace on Wednesday expressed respect for the Supreme Court’s decision declaring the redistricting laws of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority unconstitutional, which led to the postponement of the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections initially set for October 13. This decision highlights the importance of upholding the Constitution and ensuring that electoral processes are conducted in accordance with the law . The Office of the President said the Supreme Court decision promulgated on September 30 would help ensure that the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections fall within the framework of the Constitution. “The Office of the President recognizes that this ruling is a pivotal step in ensuring that the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections will be conducted on the firmest constitutional and legal foundations,” it said in a statement on Wednesday. Malacañang reiterated its “unwavering commitment to safeguarding the peace process, strengthening democratic institutions, and protecting the political rights of all citizens in the Bangsamoro.” “The administration will extend its full…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
September 30, 2025
160 views

SAN JUANICO BRIDGE REHAB Mayor Romualdez suspects corruption due to lack of clarity on work details

by Miriam G. Desacada Tacloban City ( Leyte) Mayor Alfred Romualdez hinted at possible corruption taking place, as he called for a detailed clarification about the real condition and the rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge—linking Leyte and Samar islands—which the national government earlier set to cost P800 million but has been raised to P7 billion now. “There is something going on na hindi kanais nais na corruption,” bluntly said the mayor, who is a cousin of both President BongBong Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.“From P800 million to P7 billion? Magkano ba talaga?” said Alfred. “Ako ay nalilito na rin because I feel that the public should be given all the information about the condition of the bridge,” he told local reporters in a press conference yesterday.Mayor Alfred expressed concerns over the San Juanico Bridge rehabilitation, questioning the sudden imposition of a 3-ton weight limit without sufficient notice or explanation. He demanded transparency and accountability from the national…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
September 28, 2025
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World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit: ₱955 Million Set Aside for Public School Teachers

by Miriam G.Desacada Tacloban City–More than 912,000 public school teachers employed by the Department of Education (DepEd) are set to receive their ₱1,000 World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit (WTDIB) on October 5. According to Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr., vice chairperson of the House committee on appropriations, Congress has earmarked ₱912 million to fund the WTDIB ¹. “The ₱955 million funding for this year’s WTDIB is line-itemized in the 2025 General Appropriations Law, with a special provision to guarantee its timely release,” Gonzales said in a statement. Gonzales serves on the House committees on appropriations and on basic education and culture. “We assure our teachers that this incentive will remain a priority every year. In fact, we’ve filed a bill seeking to hopefully enhance the benefit,” Gonzales said. Gonzales and House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan earlier this month filed House Bill 4531, which would triple the WTDIB, giving every public school teacher a ₱3,000 cash gift instead of the…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
September 26, 2025
143 views

Panaon Island Seascape Protected: A Step Forward for Marine Conservation

By Miriam G.Desacada Liloan Southern Leyte—Residents and local governments of Panaon Island in Southern Leyte have welcomed the strengthened commitment to conserve the ocean and manage fisheries through the launch of the Panaon Island Protected Seascape (PIPS). This initiative brings together national government agencies, enforcement groups, academic institutions, and volunteer organizations to protect the island’s marine biodiversity and promote sustainable fishing practices. Hundreds of members of the local communities cheer the unfurling of banner and ceremonial setting of commitment from the different sectors mandated to implement the PIPS management plan in the celebratory program on the grounds of the Liloan port. International marine protection organization, Oceana organized the launch of the PIPS with its partners that successfully campaigned the passage of the bill that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law on August 29, 2025. The law upholds the science-based and participatory process of the development and implementation of the management plan through the PIPS Management Body that is expected…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
September 23, 2025
96 views

PACC Investigates ₱4.59 Billion Tacloban Causeway Project: Demands Accountability Amid Delays

by Miriam G. Desacada TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) on Friday (Sept. 19) conducted an ocular inspection of the ₱4.59 billion Tacloban Causeway Project to assess its progress, quality, and compliance with government standards. The PACC was led by its chairman, Louie F. Ceniza, its president, Vice Admiral Andres Visaya of PCRGA (Philippine Coastal and River Guards Association), and its Board of Trustees member, Pastor Allan Japor. The inspection was conducted amid mounting concerns over serious project delays vis-à-vis the causeway’s intended role in strengthening safety, mobility, and economic growth in Eastern Visayas. The Department of Public Works and Highways-Region 8 (DPWH-8) implemented and contracted SUNWEST, Inc., to do the project that was started on 27 February 2023, with a scheduled completion date of 23 December last year. The Tacloban Causeway Project was designed to: This flagship project promises to reduce travel time from Tacloban City to the city airport, from 45 minutes to just 10 minutes.…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
September 22, 2025
145 views

PRESIDENT MARCOS WANTS INSTIGATORS, PERPETRATORS OF RALLY VIOLENCE CHARGED

“Managot ang lahat ng sangkot.” Tacloban City–President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed that all those who instigated chaos and resorted to violence during Sunday’s otherwise peaceful rally will be held accountable, while reiterating solidarity with the people’s call to expose and end corruption in government projects. In a Malacañang press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the vast majority of demonstrators exercised their right to peaceful assembly. However, the protest in Mendiola was marred by a few individuals who created havoc. “Peaceful rally, nasamahan lang ng iilang nais manggulo. Mananagot ang lahat. Iyan ang nais ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa lahat ng sino mang gumamit ng karahasan sa naganap na peaceful rally noong Linggo,” Castro said. Castro said that as a public servant, President Marcos hears and respects the people’s clamor for accountability, having himself initiated exposing anomalies in flood control projects. “Hindi siya naging hadlang sa malaking protesta, naglahad…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
September 18, 2025
154 views

BFAR 8’s FishCon Week Showcases Nutritional Benefits of Tilapia

Tacloban City–Healthy meal equals healthy body. To promote wellness through proper nutrition by encouraging the consumption of healthy meals served with fish, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 8 launched its Feeding Program in selected elementary schools in the region, starting in Brgy. San Miguelay in Sta. Fe, Leyte on September 18, 2025. Nearly 70 learners from the school enjoyed a hearty meal of tilapia fillet, squash cooked in coconut milk, and rice—prepared by the Regional Freshwater Aquaculture Production Center (RFAPC). The said feeding activity in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) was launched during the 62nd Fish Conservation Week to highlight the nutritional benefits of fish consumption among school children while at the same time raising awareness on the importance and benefits of aquafarming. “𝐾𝑢𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑡𝑎𝑦𝑜 𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑦𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑠𝑜𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑘𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑎𝑙𝑖 𝑡𝑎𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛,” was the reminder shared by BFAR 8 OIC, Regional Director Dominador G. Maputol to the eager…

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