PSC-Samar passes Resolution urging LGU spport for 2027 Community-Based Monitoring System

By SAMAR NEWS.COM
June 7, 2026

CATBALOGAN CITY – To ensure data-driven governance and resource allocation across the province, the Provincial Statistics Committee (PSC) of Samar has passed a resolution urging all Local Government Units (LGUs) to actively support the upcoming 2027 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS).

The resolution was the key outcome of the PSC’s Second Quarter Meeting, held on June 2, 2026, at the PSA Samar Conference Room in this city.

The meeting was presided over by PSC Chairperson Mr. Joel O. Mancol, EnP, who also serves as the OIC-Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO)–Samar. Representatives from twenty (20) member agencies and offices were in attendance

During the session, the committee officially passed Resolution No. 4, Series of 2026, entitled "Enjoining Local Government Units (LGUs) in Samar to Participate and Comply with the Requirements for the Conduct of the 2027 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS)."

Governed by Republic Act No. 11315, also known as the CBMS Act, the monitoring system serves as an empirical blueprint designed to eliminate guesswork in local governance. By transforming raw household data into actionable maps and charts, the CBMS allows local officials to target resources exactly where they are needed most. The resolution aims to strengthen LGU participation in the 2027 rollout, recognizing the system as a critical tool for local-level planning, program implementation, and evidence-based policy formulation.

In addition to the 2027 CBMS preparations, the PSC tackled five other major agenda items during the quarterly meeting:

- The conduct of the 2026 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey (APIS);
- The conduct of the 2026 Updating of List of Aquaculture Farms (ULAF);
- The presentation of the April 2026 Inflation Report;
- The 2026 Survey and Census Reporting for the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS) Database; and
- Updates on the National ID System.

Concluding the meeting, the Committee reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the provincial statistical system. Through sustained interagency coordination, the PSC aims to ensure the timely production of accurate and relevant data to support sound decision-making across the province of Samar.

Limasawa farmers flooded with livelihood assistance from DAR

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
June 6, 2026

LIMASAWA, Southern Leyte – Flood may just be an ordinary thing to residents in this island municipality being frequently hit by typhoons. But how about if government support assistance overflow following a heavy rain that poured overnight?

Members of an agrarian reform beneficiaries organization (ARBO) here were surprised on Friday, May 29 this year, to receive garden tools and a variety of seeds from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

Though it took him approximately an hour to cross the sea from the mainland on board a pump boat, DAR Assistant Secretary for Finance Management and Administration Office (FMAO), Atty. Quintin Magsico Jr., returned here, bringing along a power tiller machine, various garden tools and a variety of vegetable seeds, amounting to ₱119,575.00 sourced from the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS) fund, for the vegetable production of the Islander Multi-Purpose Cooperative (IMPC).

Magsico explained that “Today’s turnover of these garden tools is the realization of my promise to Mayor (Melchor Petracorta) last year.”

But since Petracorta was out of town on that moment, councilor Arben Dagohoy represented him during the said occasion and expressed gratitude to DAR in behalf of the people of this island municipality for giving them “priority assistance projects” to enable them become self-sufficient in terms of food productivity.

Eleve Curada, chairman of the IMPC, shared that they were surprised and happy to receive the garden tools and seeds. “We have no idea, but these tools are of big help to us. Only few here have garden tools because they are expensive,” said Curada.

Aside from the farm inputs and farm implements that were turned over to the IMPC, the DAR launched here on the same occasion the Sustainable Livelihood Support for Disaster-Affected Areas (SLSDAA), where IMPC will again be a recipient of an egg layering project amounting to more than P300,000.00, which is also funded under CRFPS.

With this project, residents here can buy eggs at a lower cost, Curada said. He added that prices of commodities here are quite high for being sourced from the mainland.

DAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director, Atty. Robert Anthony Yu, shared that Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III instructed him to make sure that even farmers living in islands receive the same government assistance and projects based on the orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “That no one will be left behind,” Yu stressed.

He further explained that these projects will help farmers here adapt to the unpredictable weather condition especially that this province is frequently hit by typhoons.

Meanwhile, Southern Leyte Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II), Cecil Malubay, assured the farmers that this will not be the last but just a beginning of their journey towards progress.

Former CTG member returns to the fold of the law in Eastern Samar through LGU-led peace efforts

By DPAO, 8ID PA
June 5, 2026

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – A member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) has rejected armed struggle and returned to the fold of the law in Barangay Mabuhay, Jipapad, Eastern Samar on May 31, 2026, marking another milestone in the municipality's journey toward lasting peace and stability.

Alias "Dannie," identified as a member of Squad 2, Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU) Laysan under Sub-Regional Committee Arctic, voluntarily renounced his involvement with the armed movement and chose to embrace a peaceful and lawful life under the government's reintegration framework.

His return was made possible through the persistent efforts of the Local Government Unit of Jipapad, led by Mayor Benjamin E. Ver, in close coordination with government security forces, community leaders, and, most importantly, his family. Through continuous dialogue, negotiations, and appeals from his loved ones, alias "Dannie" was convinced to leave the armed movement and seize the opportunities being offered by the government through its livelihood assistance, amnesty, and social reintegration programs.

Local officials emphasized that families play a vital role in encouraging active CTG members to make the difficult but transformative decision of returning to mainstream society. The combined efforts of the LGU and family members provided the assurance and support needed for alias "Dannie" to begin a new chapter of his life.

Following his return, he will undergo the necessary processes to avail himself of government assistance and reintegration programs aimed at helping former rebels rebuild their lives, pursue sustainable livelihoods, and become productive members of their communities

The development highlights the effectiveness of the Whole-of-Nation Approach in addressing insurgency by offering peaceful pathways for reconciliation and reintegration while addressing the socio-economic concerns that have long been exploited by terrorist groups.

Military officials noted that every CTG member who returns to the fold of the law contributes to the weakening of the insurgency movement and brings communities closer to achieving Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC). Such developments create an environment conducive to sustained peace, improved security, accelerated development, and inclusive progress for the people of Jipapad and the rest of Eastern Samar.

"The decision of alias 'Dannie' to reject armed struggle and return to the fold of the law reflects the positive impact of collaboration among local government units, families, communities, and security forces. We commend the LGU of Jipapad and his family for their unwavering efforts in guiding him toward a peaceful path. His return serves as a reminder that there is always an opportunity for reconciliation and a better future beyond armed conflict," the Division said.

The 8th Infantry Division remains committed to supporting local government units and stakeholders in advancing peacebuilding initiatives and encouraging remaining CTG members to choose peaceful reintegration, thereby contributing to the realization of lasting peace, security, development, and progress throughout Eastern Visayas.

BotiCARD celebrates 15 years of bringing affordable healthcare closer to communities

By JIREH PEARL CASIONAN
June 5, 2026

SAN PABLO CITY – BotiCARD, Inc., a pharmacy under CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), celebrated its 15th anniversary on May 20, 2026, at its Paulino Branch in San Pablo City, Laguna, by providing free health consultations, dental extraction, and blood pressure monitoring services.

The services were open to clients of CARD financial institutions, their children, as well as non-clients and community residents. The anniversary program also included the distribution of free vitamins such as B-complex, multivitamins, ascorbic acid, non-acidic supplements, and vitamin C for children. Clients from CARD MRI financial institutions also continue to receive 20–28 percent discounts on medicines purchased at BotiCARD pharmacies.

The free healthcare services are part of BotiCARD’s mission of providing affordable and quality medicines to underserved communities. BotiCARD CEO Florife T. Reynido said they chose to celebrate the milestone through these services to promote the importance of maintaining good health. “Para kapag senior citizen na tayo, malalakas at masisigla pa rin tayo,” she said, addressing the CARD clients and community residents present in the program, reminding them of the value of maintaining their overall well-being.

In its 15th year, BotiCARD has expanded to 27 branches serving provinces across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The pharmacy continues to implement efforts that bring medicines and healthcare services closer to communities, including over-the-counter (OTC) medicine counseling, where pharmacists guide patients on the proper use of medicines.

BotiCARD has also introduced programs such as the BotiCARD Health Plus (BH Plus), which supplies vitamins, maintenance medicine packages, and emergency medicines for CARD clients as part of their insurance, as well as the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) system of medicines and essential supplies for CARD MRI employees.

BotiCARD Chairman Rosenda P. Aquino expressed her gratitude for the pharmacy’s milestone. For the past 15 years, BotiCARD has continued to bring affordable and quality medicines closer to communities, and we remain committed to doing so in the years ahead,” she said, reflecting on the pharmacy’s healthcare efforts. “We are happy that BotiCARD has reached 15 years, and will continue exploring healthcare innovations to remain responsive to evolving health needs.”

The celebration also featured free haircut services, free herbal coffee tasting, and raffle promos. Also present during the anniversary program were CARD MRI senior advisers Grace Contreras and Dr. Lorenza dT. Bañez, along with BotiCARD staff and CARD clients.

PSA Leyte supports Munisipyo ha Barangay 2026 in Alangalang, Leyte

By PSA Leyte
June 4, 2026

ALANGALANG, Leyte – In response to the request of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Alangalang, Leyte, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Leyte Provincial Statistical Office participated in the Munisipyo ha Barangay 2026 held at Brgy. Aslum and Brgy. San Vicente, Alangalang, Leyte on 2-3 June 2026, respectively.

The activity aimed to bring government services closer to the people, particularly residents with limited access to registration centers and other public services. Through the National ID Mobile Registration Team, PSA Leyte provided various National ID-related services to ensure wider accessibility and convenience for the community such as National ID Registration, Issuance of National ID in paper form, and Updating or correction of demographic.

During the two-day activity, PSA Leyte successfully accomplished the following: 32 individuals successfully registered for the National ID System, 122 National IDs in paper form issued to registered individuals, and 11 demographic information updates and corrections processed.

The successful conduct of the activity highlights the continuing commitment of PSA Leyte and the LGU of Alangalang, Leyte to promote inclusive and accessible government services. Through collaborative efforts, more Filipinos are given the opportunity to register, update their records, and avail themselves of the benefits and services associated with the National ID System. PSA Leyte extends its gratitude to the Local Government Unit of Alangalang, Leyte for its support and partnership in bringing public services faster and closer to the people.

Metro Retail expands in Biliran with launch of Metro Naval

Press Release
June 3, 2026

CATBALOGAN CITY – Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI) continues to deepen its presence in Eastern Visayas with the launch of Metro Naval, a new retail destination designed to serve communities across Biliran Province. Located in the capital municipality of Naval, the store brings Metro’s market, department store, and home lifestyle offerings together under one roof, giving residents greater access to essential goods, fashion, and home products closer to home.

The new location marks Metro Retail’s 83rd store nationwide, 65th location, and twelfth store in the Eastern Visayas region, reflecting the company’s continued focus on regional growth outside major urban centers. For Metro Retail, the expansion also signals a long-term investment in local communities by creating jobs, supporting local commerce, and improving access to modern retail experiences in developing provinces.

The launch was led by MRSGI President and Chief Operating Officer Joel Orense, together with local officials, including Biliran Governor Rogelio J. Espina, Naval Mayor Gretchen Stephanie M. Espina, and Vice Mayor Nick Arthur V. Parilla, alongside community stakeholders and business partners from the province.

“Metro Naval represents our commitment to growing alongside the communities we serve,” said Orense. “As we expand our footprint across the country, we want to ensure that families in provinces like Biliran have access to quality and affordable retail options while also creating opportunities that contribute to local economic growth.”

Naval houses Metro Market, Metro Department Store, and Metro Home Lifestyle, offering a more integrated shopping experience for residents in Naval and nearby municipalities. The company said the new store is also expected to contribute to local employment and strengthen partnerships with suppliers, vendors, and community stakeholders in the province.

For MRSGI, the expansion into Biliran reflects its broader goal of making modern retail more accessible to underserved and growing regional communities. As the company continues to grow its presence nationwide, it remains focused on building stores that contribute to consumer convenience and long-term local development.

National Evaluation Team conducts MELLPI Pro CROWN evaluation in Paranas, Samar

By SAMAR NEWS.COM
June 1, 2026

CATBALOGAN CITY – The Municipality of Paranas took center stage in the national nutrition spotlight from May 25 to 28, 2026, as a National Evaluation Team composed of technical experts from the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Central Office, the Department of Health (DOH), and UNICEF arrived to conduct the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI Pro) CROWN Evaluation – one of the most prestigious assessments a local government unit can undergo in the Philippines.

The MELLPI Pro serves as the NNC's upgraded performance assessment system, designed to measure how effectively LGUs carry out their nutrition programs. Under the CROWN – or Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition – evaluation track, the team scrutinized six key dimensions of the municipality's nutrition governance: vision and mission; nutrition-related laws and policies; governance and organizational structure; management functions of the Local Nutrition Committee; delivery of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions and services; and measurable improvements in community nutritional status, including reductions in stunting, wasting, and malnutrition.

An LGU becomes eligible to vie for the CROWN Award only after earning the Green Banner Award for three consecutive years as an outstanding regional winner, after which the NNC's National Nutrition Evaluation Team conducts the MELLPI Pro CROWN Evaluation annually for three consecutive years – underscoring the gravity and distinction of Paranas' current candidacy.

A Collaborative Start

The four-day deployment began with a courtesy call on Municipal Mayor Hon. Elvira U. Babalcon, setting a collaborative and welcoming tone for the multi-day validation process. The Provincial Nutrition Office, headed by Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO) of Samar Ms. Ysabel Aquino, was present on opening day to demonstrate solid provincial support for the evaluation.

On the ground, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (MNAO) Bernice Jessica A. Enguerra worked closely with NNC Region VIII liaison Carl Michael Sacramento, the Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program Provincial Nutrition Focal Person (PNFP) of Samar. Sacramento managed the day-to-day coordination, accompanied the evaluators through desk reviews, and joined them during intensive field validations across the municipality.

"Exchange Your Eco Bricks" Program Draws National Praise

A clear highlight of the evaluation came during the May 27 field visits, when the national team witnessed Paranas' innovative local programs firsthand. The evaluators heavily commended the municipality's award-winning "Exchange Your Eco Bricks" program – a creative initiative that allows residents to trade tightly packed plastic bottle waste for essential rice and food packs. By directly linking environmental protection with immediate food security and malnutrition prevention, the program exemplifies the kind of sustainable, ground-level innovation the NNC seeks to champion nationwide.

Closing Remarks Affirms Strong Local Governance

The evaluation week concluded with an exchange of valuable insights from both the national and regional sides. Ms. Ysabel Aquino and the Provincial Nutrition Office returned on the final day for the formal closing.

Mr. Retz Pol Pacalioga, Nutrition Officer from UNICEF's health and nutrition sector, highlighted the solid governance underpinning the town's nutrition programs. Ms. Christine Jane Almira, Nutrition Officer II from the NNC Central Office Nutrition Surveillance Division, focused her remarks on how effectively local nutrition activities are being executed on the ground.

From the health sector, DOH Representative Mr. Nikolai Estefano Villar expressed that the LGU's seriousness in fulfilling its health and nutrition mandates was unmistakably evident. In closing the activities, NNC Region VIII's Carl Michael Sacramento shared a message of genuine appreciation for the municipality's visible dedication to prioritizing the health of its communities through creative, sustainable local programs.

Looking Ahead

NNC Region VIII and the National Evaluation Team extended their warmest gratitude to Mayor Elvira Babalcon, MNAO Bernice Enguerra, and the entire Paranas Local Nutrition Committee for their incredible hospitality and warm accommodation throughout the evaluation week.

NNC Region VIII expressed that it looks forward to seeing these local initiatives continue to safeguard families and highlight how economically beneficial nutrition investment is – not only in Paranas, but across the entire Province of Samar.

Community support leads to recovery of CTG arms cache in Samar

By  DPAO, 8ID PA
May 31, 2026

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Joint operating troops from the 87th Infantry Battalion and the 804th Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8 (RMFB8) successfully recovered an arms cache belonging to the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the hinterlands of Samar on 29 May 2026.

Recovered from the arms cache in the vicinity of Sitio Galutan, Barangay Can-aponte, San Jose de Buan, Samar were two AK-47 assault rifles with two magazines, two M16A1 rifles, and one M203 grenade launcher.  

The successful recovery highlights not only the continuing degradation of the CTG’s armed capability in Samar but also the growing rejection of the insurgent movement by local communities. Over the years, residents have increasingly chosen to support government peace and development initiatives rather than the armed struggle, resulting in the gradual erosion of the CTG’s support base, recruitment network, intelligence system, and logistical capabilities.

The discovery of the hidden firearms reflects the dwindling manpower and operational capability of the CTG. Unable to effectively utilize and secure their weapons due to sustained military and law enforcement pressure and the loss of community support, CTG members have increasingly resorted to concealing and abandoning war materiel. The recovery further denies the group resources that could have been used to threaten communities, extort residents, and disrupt development efforts.

The operation likewise demonstrates the vital role played by former rebels and community residents in advancing peace and security. Information voluntarily provided by former CTG members and concerned citizens continues to contribute significantly to government efforts in locating enemy assets, preventing terrorist activities, and protecting communities from violence. Their cooperation reflects the increasing trust and confidence of the people in government institutions and programs.

Local communities have become one of the most decisive factors in weakening the CTG in Samar. By refusing to provide sanctuary, logistical support, recruits, and information to the insurgents, residents have effectively reduced the group's freedom of movement and ability to sustain operations. At the same time, the active participation of communities in government peacebuilding and development programs has helped address long-standing issues that insurgents previously exploited for recruitment and influence.

As a result, communities now enjoy greater security and stability, enabling local government units and partner agencies to implement infrastructure, livelihood, education, healthcare, and other development programs without interference from armed groups. These gains contribute directly to improved quality of life and economic opportunities for residents across the province.

The recovery of these firearms is another testament to the success of the Whole-of-Nation Approach in addressing insurgency. Through the collective efforts of security forces, local government units, national government agencies, former rebels, and peace-loving citizens, the CTG continues to lose both its capability and its influence over communities.

The 8th Infantry Division, together with its law enforcement and local government partners, remains committed to sustaining these gains by strengthening community engagement, protecting the people, and fostering an environment where peace, development, and prosperity can flourish throughout Eastern Visayas. The Division likewise encourages the remaining CTG members to abandon armed struggle and avail themselves of the government's reintegration programs, emphasizing that lasting peace is best achieved through unity, cooperation, and development.

Leyte’s 2nd District marks major peace milestone as 11 municipalities attain SIPSC

By DPAO, 8ID PA
May 31, 2026

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – A significant milestone in the pursuit of lasting peace and sustainable development was achieved in Leyte’s 2nd District after 11 municipalities were officially declared under Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) during a ceremonial declaration held at theMunicipal Gymnasium of Tabon-Tabon, Leyte on May 29, 2026.

The municipalities declared under SIPSC were Tabon-Tabon, MacArthur, Dagami, Barugo, Pastrana, Tunga, Capoocan, La Paz, Dulag, Mayorga and Julita.

The declaration signifies the successful dismantling of insurgency influence in the area and reflects the strong convergence efforts among local government units, national government agencies, security forces, peace partners, and the communities in Preserving peace and order.

The Local Chief Executives of the 11 municipalities expressed their collective commitment to sustain the peace gains achieved in their respective towns.

In a unified message, they vowed to strengthen programs centered on good governance, development, youth empowerment, and community participation to prevent the resurgence of insurgency and maintain peace and stability in their municipalities.

Meanwhile, Board Member Mildred Joy Que, representing Leyte Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla lauded the efforts of the security sector in attaining peace and stability across the district.

“The peace we celebrate today did not happen by accident; it was built because all these men and women in uniform were vigilant. They were courageous and of course, they are willing to serve even if no one is watching. Perhaps, the greatest tribute we can give our uniformed personnel is that the commitment they protect which is peace, will continue, that we continue to be peaceful, united and we respect one another,” Board Member Que said.

The 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army also underscored the importance of sustaining the gains through continued collaboration and community involvement.

“Ang mga pagbabagong ito ay hindi lamang bunga ng pagkikilos ng sektor ng seguridad. Ito ay malinaw naresulta ng pagkakaisa mula sa mga ahensya at lokal na pamahalaan hanggang sa mga mamayang piniling manindigan para sa kapayapaan…Ito ay hindi lamang isang seremonya, ito ay makasaysayang pagkilala na ang mga pamayanan na ito ay nagtatamasa na ng matatag na kapayapaan, seguridad, at pagkakaisa bilang pundasyon ng tuloy-tuloy na pag-unlad.”

The 8ID also assured that the Stormtroopers will remain steadfast in supporting peace-building efforts and ensuring that the gains achieved will be preserved for future generations.