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IN NORTHERN SAMAR Geo body declares Biri Rocks, 7th National Geological Monument

By Miriam G. Desacada Catarman N.Samar–The National Committee on Geological Sciences (NCGS) officially declared the Biri Rocks Formation at Biri islands in Northern Samar province as a National Geological Monument (NGM), the seventh landform with unique geological feature in the country accorded with such distinct recognition. The NCGS declaration was carried out during the launching ceremony of Biri Rocks as an NGM held on June 4 (Wednesday) at the Capitol in the capital town of Catarman, in the presence of national, regional, and provincial officials, geological experts, and the private sector. Doctor Kevin Garas, senior geologist of the DENR’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Central Office and NCGS representative, presented the committee’s basis for designating Biri Rocks as an NGM, emphasizing its awesome geological characteristics, scientific importance, uniqueness, and breathtaking beauty. Supporting the declaration were geological studies conducted by a team of researchers of the University of the Philippines–National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS), headed by Dr. Allan Gil Fernando. They recognized…

Mayor Kerwin: Illegal drugs proliferation worsens in Leyte

by Miriam G. Desacada Albuera Leyte–Newly installed Albuera (Leyte) Mayor Rolan Kerwin Espinosa, who was tagged as a drug lord in the past, revealed that proliferation of illegal drugs is worsening now across the province, with the source coming from the Leyte Regional Prison in Abuyog, Leyte reaching to the streets of Ormoc City past his own town. He raised this critical reality on Monday (July 1) moments before he took his oath of office during the first day of his official assumption as mayor of the town that was once held by his late father. He said the spread of illegal drugs undermines political and economic stability of local governments in Leyte, adding that he must do something about it. The oath-taking of Kerwin was attended by his family, his wife and six children, as the municipal employees and the police came to lend their full support to the new mayor. In his speech during the turnover ceremony of…

Speaker’s push to open bicam budget talks to the public is a welcome steps

By Miriam G.Desacada Tacloban City–House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan on Monday has welcomed Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s endorsement of public access to the bicameral conference committee deliberations on the national budget, calling it as a “bold step forward for transparency and democratic accountability.” “We fully support the Speaker’s initiative to shine a light on one of the most crucial and sensitive phases of the budget process,” Libanan said. “Allowing the public to witness the bicam discussions upholds the principle that citizens have a right to know how their money is being allocated.” The second termer Law maker also stressed that public scrutiny plays a vital role in ensuring that budget decisions reflect the needs of ordinary Filipinos — not political convenience or closed-door arrangements. “The national budget is the clearest expression of our priorities,” Libanan said. “It must be debated and finalized not behind closed doors, but in full view of the people whose lives will be most affected…

Borongan City Passes Resolution No. 59, Firmly Opposing Destructive Mining to Safeguard the Environment

by Roel Montes Tacloban City–The recent passage of Resolution No. 59 by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Borongan City reflects a growing concern among local leaders regarding the impact of mining activities on the environment and community well-being. This resolution, which vehemently opposes destructive mining operations, highlights the tension between economic development opportunities presented by mining and the need for sustainable environmental practices. At the core of this resolution is Mayor Dayan Agda’s steadfast stance against mineral mining in Borongan City. His leadership is evident in the proactive approach taken to safeguard the city’s natural resources. The mayor’s position aligns with the sentiments of many in the community, who likely fear that mining could lead to irreversible ecological damage, disrupt local livelihoods, and degrade the quality of life for residents. The emphasis on urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) to deny or revoke mining permits underscores the local government’s commitment to prioritizing environmental…

No to discrimination against persons with HIV/AIDS – CSC

by Miriam G Desacada Tacloban City–The Civil Service Commission has warned any Discriminatory acts against persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may now be subject to administrative discipline. This was disclosed yesterday by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) as it released the Guidelines on the Investigation and Prosecution of Discrimination Cases against P⁸9ersons Living with HIV (PLHIV). Under the CSC issued Resolution No. 25000399, the guidelines set the processes and procedures for the investigation and prosecution of discriminatory acts and practices committed by government officials and employees against PLHIV. It also emphasizer that discriminatory acts that may be committed solely or partially against a person on account of actual, perceived, or suspected HIV status are classified into discrimination in the workplace, in a learning institution, and in hospitals and health institutions. The resolution also warns against the following discriminatory practices: restriction on travel and habitation, restrictions on shelter, prohibition from seeking or holding public office, exclusion from credit and…

CSC strengthens HIV, AIDS advocacy and protection in gov’t offices

by Miriam G.Desacada Tacloban City–The Civil Service Commission has directed all government agencies should establish and implement their respective Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV and AIDS) workplace policies. This was directed yesterday by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) as it issued the Enhanced Guidelines in the Implementation of Workplace Policy and Education Program on HIV and AIDS in the Public Sector through CSC Resolution No. 2500398 promulgated on 23 May 2025. The guidelines prescribe measures which agencies may undertake such as education and awareness-raising on HIV and AIDS, provision of support and/or access to information on HIV and AIDS-related services, promotion of a safe work environment through occupational health and safety standards and fostering confidentiality and non-discriminatory practices against persons living with HIVand AIDS. Government agencies are also encouraged to coordinate with the Department of Health and the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) to ensure that employees have access to information on HIV and AIDS including…

CSC strengthens HIV, AIDS advocacy and protection in gov’t offices

Tacloban City–All government agencies should establish and implement their respective Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV and AIDS) workplace policies. This was directed yesterday by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) as it issued the Enhanced Guidelines in the Implementation of Workplace Policy and Education Program on HIV and AIDS in the Public Sector through CSC Resolution No. 2500398 promulgated on 23 May 2025. The guidelines prescribe measures which agencies may undertake such as education and awareness-raising on HIV and AIDS, provision of support and/or access to information on HIV and AIDS-related services, promotion of a safe work environment through occupational health and safety standards and fostering confidentiality and non-discriminatory practices against persons living with HIVand AIDS. Government agencies are also encouraged to coordinate with the Department of Health and the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) to ensure that employees have access to information on HIV and AIDS including related services such as prevention, care, treatment, testing, and…

Incoming Gov. Harris Ongchuan Vows Stronger Healthcare Services in Northern Samar

Incoming Northern Samar Governor Harris Ongchuan firmly assured that he will give greater focus to healthcare programs, particularly the improvement of facilities and deployment of more health personnel to underserved areas. Harris Ongchuan, who is the nephew of outgoing Governor Edwin Ongchuan, will continue the positive reforms that have already begun in the province.

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