Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
- National
- September 26, 2025
- 22 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…
- National
- September 23, 2025
- 19 views
PACC Investigates โฑ4.59 Billion Tacloban Causeway Project: Demands Accountability Amid Delays
by Miriam G. Desacada TACLOBAN CITY โ The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) on Friday (Sept. 19) conducted an ocular inspection of the โฑ4.59 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-ร -vis the causewayโs 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.…
- National
- September 22, 2025
- 30 views
PRESIDENT MARCOS WANTS INSTIGATORS, PERPETRATORS OF RALLY VIOLENCE CHARGEDย
“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 Sundayโs otherwise peaceful rally will be held accountable, while reiterating solidarity with the peopleโs call to expose and end corruption in government projects. In a Malacaรฑang 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. โPeaceful 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,โ Castro said. Castro said that as a public servant, President Marcos hears and respects the peopleโs clamor for accountability, having himself initiated exposing anomalies in flood control projects. โHindi siya naging hadlang sa malaking protesta, naglahad…
- National
- September 18, 2025
- 68 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 riceโprepared 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. โ๐พ๐ข๐๐๐๐ ๐ก๐๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ก๐๐ค๐๐ ๐๐ก ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ก๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ก๐ข๐ก๐ ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐,โ was the reminder shared by BFAR 8 OIC, Regional Director Dominador G. Maputol to the eager…
- National
- September 18, 2025
- 87 views
PBBM SERVES MEALS TO WALANG GUTOM KITCHEN BENEFICIARIES IN PASAY CITY
The President took the lead in distributing meals that included rice, meat, noodles, soup, vegetables, and fruits to the DSWD beneficiaries. The President, who wore the red cap and red apron worn by WGK volunteers, also toured the area, inspecting the process by which beneficiaries would access the kitchen’s benefits. President Marcos afterwards sat down with the beneficiaries, who sang him โHappy birthday.โ The DSWD gave the President a blue birthday cake with the logo of the Walang Gutom Program, SWS Hunger Tracker. โHappy Birthday, Mr. President, from the DSWD Familyโ was written on the cake. The President then sliced the cake and served it to the beneficiaries, and handed out cupcakes and other food as well. The Pasay City WGK serves breakfast and lunch daily, from Monday to Sunday, to around 600 people, according to the DSWD. It is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. The WGK aims to provide nutritious meals to target beneficiaries and walk-in clients,…
- National
- September 18, 2025
- 94 views
The President or local chief executives can declare a state of imminent disaster upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) or Regional DRRM Councils.
by Miriam G.Desacada Tacloban City–President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act No. 12287, also known as the Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Act. This law enables the government to declare a “State of Imminent Disaster” before a calamity strikes, allowing for anticipatory actions to protect communities. The declaration will be based on a pre-disaster risk assessment showing highly probable hazards with projected catastrophic impacts, classified as severe, and with at least a three-day lead time (extendable to five days) for authorities to mobilize resources. The President, upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), can declare a State of Imminent Disaster over barangays, municipalities, cities, provinces, or regions. Local chief executives can also issue declarations in their jurisdictions based on advice from regional DRRM Councils. Under Republic Act No. 12287, the government will establish a mechanism for declaring a State of Imminent Disaster and providing the criteria for its declaration and lifting,…
- National
- September 13, 2025
- 94 views
Billions for flood control, but at what cost to the 4th District?
By Miriam G. Desacada Tacloban City–The 4th district of Leyte, comprising five towns and a city, spreads across 1.5 thousand square kilometers, or about one/sixth part of the provinceโs land area of 6.3 thousand square kilometers. Apart from its size, however, it seems to be the most attractive entity for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to shower its โblessingsโ on. Letโs take a look at the available records from this agency, as some insiders had provided.Out of the DPWHโs P6.9 billion allocation for infrastructure projects for the entire province, the biggest chunk went to this relatively small district, approximately P4.2 billion, or about 60 percent of the total budget for the province. DPWH records showed at least 165 flood control and other infrastructure projects, costing about P6.9 billion, were implemented in Leyte province, three of which were reported with zero completion, even after their completion dates last year. How lucky is Leyteโs 4th district, under Representative Richard…
- National
- September 10, 2025
- 52 views
Northern Samar Legislator Calls for Urgent Action to Address Frequent Power Outages
by MIRIAM GARCIA DESACADA TACLOBAN CITY–Northern Samar 2nd District Representative Edwin C. Ongchuan has urged the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to take immediate action on critical power projects affecting the province. During the House Committee on Energy hearing on September 10, 2025, Ongchuan emphasized the need to strengthen Northern Samar’s power infrastructure to address recurring power outages that have negatively impacted economic activity, public services, and quality of life. Calbayog-San Isidro-Allen Transmission Line Project*: NGCP reported 92% completion, with remaining works involving right-of-way adjustments and coordination with Calbayog City LGU for rerouting. Ongchuan urged NGCP to expedite the project to reduce blackouts and provide stable electricity supply. He also identified Lawaan-Laoang Substation and 69 kV Transmission Line. Ongchuan inquired about the status of these projects, stressing the importance of reliable connections for growing electricity demand and local development in Mapanas and nearby municipalities. Island Municipalities towns affected by this frequent power shut down, such as San Vicente,…
- National
- September 10, 2025
- 61 views
40,000 Government Workers Unite in Benefit Run for Fallen Heroes
by Ma.Arlene Gabon Tacloban City–From Luzon, Visayas, to Mindanaoโthe 2025 Fun Run was a nationwide success recording more than 40,000 participants joining the activity held simultaneously across the country on 7 September 2025. Organized by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) through its regional offices, the fun run served as the nationwide kick-off activity of the month-long celebration of the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA). CSC Chairperson Marilyn B. Yap, together with CSC Commissioners Ryan Alvin Acosta and Luis Meinrado Pangulayan, led the fundraising activity that aimed to foster camaraderie and promote the physical and mental well-being of government workers while honoring fallen servant-heroes. Proceeds of the event will support the CSCโs Pamanang Lingkod Bayani (PLBi) Program, which provides financial assistance, posthumous recognition, and scholarship opportunities to the families of government workers who died in the line of duty. Participants joined various categories, including the 1k, 3k, 5k, and Fun Walk, while agencies showcased their Lingkod Bayani mascots to celebrate…
- National
- September 9, 2025
- 42 views
Flood Control Fiasco: โฑ95-Million Project in Leyte Raises Questions About Governance and Accountability
by Miriam G Desacada Tacloban City- Merida Leyte Mayor Rolando Villasencio has raised serious concerns about a โฑ95-million flood control project in Barangay Puerto Bello, which was declared 100% complete despite being far from finished. Here are the key issues with the project According to the DPWH website showed the project was completed in July 2024, but actual work only began in August 2024. However , in an inspectiob conducted by Mayor Villasencio confirmed the site was still under construction. Lack of Transparency: The DPWH district engineer refused to provide key documents, such as program boards and plans, claiming they were forwarded to the central office. Seventy (70%) percent of the project’s budget was released on May 12, 2024, during the election period when government projects were restricted. Puerto Bello Village was declared “completed” but remains non-operational due to poor placement and lack of accessibility. Villasencio has urged the Department of the Interior and Local Government to conduct a…
Panaon Island Seascape Protected: A Step Forward for Marine Conservation
- September 26, 2025
- 22 views
PRESIDENT MARCOS WANTS INSTIGATORS, PERPETRATORS OF RALLY VIOLENCE CHARGEDย
- September 22, 2025
- 30 views
BFAR 8’s FishCon Week Showcases Nutritional Benefits of Tilapia
- September 18, 2025
- 68 views
PBBM SERVES MEALS TO WALANG GUTOM KITCHEN BENEFICIARIES IN PASAY CITY
- September 18, 2025
- 87 views