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Tutok Probinsya, 89. 7 RVFM, 3F JIDCAR Complex, Can-abong, Leyte (2026)

05/08/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: Live in the studio today, August 5, 2026, on Tutok Probinsya is Cristy Cidro, Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Assessor's Office, inviting the public to participate in the upcoming public consultations on the proposed 2026 Schedule of Market Values (SMV) for real properties.

The consultations will be held on August 6 and 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Ground Floor, Legislative Building, Capitol Site, Brgy. Alang-alang, Borongan City.

Cidro encouraged Eastern Samareños to actively participate, emphasizing that their comments and suggestions may help improve the proposed Schedule of Market Values before it is finalized.

According to Cidro, the proposed SMVs "are the values being proposed by our office and submitted to the BLGF Tacloban and the Central Office, which will serve as the basis for determining the real property values of all real properties throughout the entire Province of Eastern Samar."

She also pointed out that the province's existing SMV is already outdated, with the last revision conducted in 2011.

This means that real property values have remained undervalued for the past 15 years, making a revision long overdue. Under the Local Government Code of the Philippines, the Schedule of Market Values should be revised every three years.

The public consultation aims to promote transparency and ensure the fair and equitable implementation of market values for all real property-related taxes through public review.

Following the consultations, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will review the proposed adjustments to ensure that any increase in property values will not place an undue burden on taxpayers before enacting the ordinance that will make the new Schedule of Market Values effective. | 𝗝𝗲𝗹𝘆𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮

08/07/2026

𝗘𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗢 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗣𝟭𝟴.𝟰𝟵/𝗸𝗪𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗘𝗦𝗠 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar — Consumers served by Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (ESAMELCO) may see a significant increase in their electricity bills this July as the cooperative's power rate is projected to reach P18.4926 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), up from P14.4326/kWh in the previous billing period.

The estimate was presented by the Federation of Rural Electric Cooperatives Region VIII (FRECOR-8) during a press conference, where officials warned that all 11 electric cooperatives in Eastern Visayas are expected to experience higher electricity rates this month due to increased charges in the wholesale power market.

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗘𝗦𝗠 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲

According to FRECOR-8, the projected increase is primarily attributed to the sharp rise in the Line Loss and Congestion Charge (LLCC) imposed through the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), a charge authorized under the Electric Power Reform Act (EPIRA).

Officials explained that the LLCC is a pass-through charge, meaning electric cooperatives merely collect the amount and remit it through the electricity market.

They stressed that electric cooperatives do not earn from the collection of the charge.

FRECOR-8 said the LLCC has surged from P277 million in June to P572.9 million in July, prompting a substantial increase in electricity rates across the region.

𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀

The increase in the LLCC is expected to add as much as P5.99 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to consumers' electricity bills this July, according to FRECOR-8.

The federation said the additional charge will have varying impacts on households depending on their monthly electricity consumption.

Based on FRECOR-8's estimates, a household consuming around 150 kWh per month, typically one with a television, refrigerator, and other common household appliances, may see an additional P604 reflected in its electricity bill.

For consumers served by ESAMECO, the projected electricity rate of P18.4926 per kWh represents an increase of approximately P4.06 per kWh from the previous billing period, resulting in higher overall electricity costs for the month of July.

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻

Among the 11 electric cooperatives in Eastern Visayas, Biliran Electric Cooperative (BILECO) is projected to register the highest overall electricity rate at P24.3457/kWh.

Meanwhile, Samar II Electric Cooerative (SAMELCO II) is expected to post the largest increase, with its rate rising by P9.5264/kWh, from P13.4918/kWh to P23.0182/kWh.

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀

While acknowledging that the LLCC is legally imposed under EPIRA, FRECOR-8 officials argued that the current level of charges has become excessive and unreasonable.

The group questioned the pricing mechanism used in computing the LLCC, particularly why the charge is based on the entire contracted Baseline Capacity Quantity (BCQ).

It also called for greater transparency in the computation and allocation of LLCC collections, including identifying who ultimately benefits from the charges and how the collected funds are utilized.

FRECOR-8 further appealed to local government officials to support its call for reforms in the country's electricity pricing system to help protect consumers from recurring spikes in power rates.

The federation emphasized that the published rates remain estimates and may still change before each electric cooperative releases its official electricity rates for the July billing period. | Bryan Azura

25/06/2026

𝗚𝗼𝘃. 𝗥𝗩 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘃𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀, 𝗣𝗖𝗦𝗢 𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar — Eastern Samar Governor Ralph Vincent "RV" Evardone personally received two patient transport vehicles (PTVs) and the province's share of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) lotto revenues during a turnover ceremony held Thursday, June 25, at Toyota Mabolo in Cebu City.

The assistance forms part of the PCSO's Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP), which aims to strengthen local healthcare services and improve emergency medical response, particularly in underserved communities:.

Eastern Samar was among 10 beneficiary provinces in the Visayas that received a total of 18 patient transport vehicles worth P38.502 million.

Other recipient provinces were Cebu, Bohol, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, Northern Samar, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

The two newly turned-over patient transport vehicles are expected to enhance the provincial government's capability to transport patients safely and promptly to hospitals and other healthcare facilities, especially those coming from remote municipalities and island communities.

During the same ceremony, Gov. Evardone also received Eastern Samar's share of the PCSO lotto revenues covering the period from July to December 2025 amounting to P276,825.94.

The provincial government said the funds will be used to provide medical and dental supplies assistance and to support medical assistance programs, nutrition initiatives, and disaster response efforts, further strengthening the delivery of essential services to Estehanons.

Under Executive Order No. 357-A, local government units receive a share from the revenues generated through PCSO lotto operations.

The funds are intended to help finance programs and projects that promote public welfare and improve the quality of life in local communities.

For provincial governments, the lotto share is computed at two percent of the total Lotto Charity Fund generated from ticket sales within their respective provinces.

Provinces also receive a share from Small Town Lottery (STL) operations based on the STL Charity Fund generated within their jurisdiction.

The patient transport vehicles and additional funding are expected to bolster Eastern Samar's healthcare delivery system while providing the provincial government with added resources to expand health, nutrition, and emergency response services for its constituents. | 𝗕𝗿𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘇𝘂𝗿𝗮

25/06/2026

𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗨-𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁-𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗘𝗣𝗧 𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar — Eastern Samar State University (ESSU)-Maydolong Campus paid tribute to its first-ever Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) topnotcher while celebrating another milestone in teacher education after posting board examination results that surpassed the national passing rates.

The recognition was held during a Testimonial Luncheon at the Student Development Center, honoring Jommy Mark S. Obina, who placed seventh in the March 2026 LEPT for Elementary Education.

A graduate of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECEd) program, Obina became the first board examination topnotcher in the history of the Maydolong campus.

𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿

During the ceremony, ESSU-Maydolong Campus Administrator Dr. Jerald Torillo presented Obina with a travel package to Boracay, a ₱35,000 cash incentive, and an official plantilla position as a faculty member in recognition of his exceptional achievement.

Earlier, Obina was also recognized by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VIII (CHEDRO VIII) during the Gawad Parangal 2026 held on June 3 at the Leyte Normal University HRDC Gym in Tacloban City.

Together with other board examination topnotchers from state universities, colleges, and local universities across Eastern Visayas, he received a certificate of recognition from CHED Regional Director Dr. Maximo Aljibe for bringing honor to the region's higher education institutions.

𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

Born to Perfelito and Marybeth Obina, Jommy is the youngest among three siblings. Following the death of his father, his mother single-handedly raised him and his siblings.

In his message, Obina said his achievement was the result of years of prayer, determination, and perseverance.

Quoting Isaiah 60:22, he shared the verse that inspired him throughout his journey: "When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen."

He revealed that earning a place in the Top 10 had always been his goal even before taking the March 2026 LEPT.

"I prayed, prepared, and manifested this moment," Obina said.

He admitted, however, that the road to success was filled with self-doubt, exhaustion, and sacrifices. Balancing his work as a teacher while reviewing for the board examination proved to be one of his greatest challenges.

"I became a working reviewee. I worked during the day and reviewed at night," he recalled.

Instead of giving up, Obina adjusted his study strategies, remained focused on his goal, and continued pursuing both his profession and his dream.

He dedicated his achievement to his late father, his mother, siblings, relatives, mentors, the BECEd faculty, ESSU-Maydolong, his review center, and ultimately to God, whom he credited for giving him strength and wisdom throughout the examination.

𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀

Aside from producing its first board examination topnotcher, ESSU-Maydolong also recorded passing rates higher than the national averages in the March 2026 LEPT.

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education program posted a 77.78 percent overall passing rate, with 82.86 percent of first-time examinees and 60 percent of repeaters successfully passing the examination. The result exceeded the national passing rate of 56.03 percent.

Meanwhile, the campus' secondary education programs, including the Bachelor of Physical Education, Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education, and Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education, registered a combined 78.05 percent overall passing rate, surpassing the national passing rate of 73.10 percent.

The Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education program also achieved a 100 percent passing rate.

In total, ESSU-Maydolong produced 67 new Licensed Professional Teachers in the March 2026 LEPT.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

University officials said Obina's historic achievement reflects the growing academic excellence of ESSU-Maydolong and underscores the dedication of its faculty, the perseverance of its students, and the continued commitment of the university leadership to providing quality teacher education.

They expressed hope that Obina's success would inspire future educators and pave the way for more board examination topnotchers from the campus in the years ahead.
| 𝗕𝗿𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘇𝘂𝗿𝗮

24/06/2026

‘𝗡𝗼 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱’: 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴. 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘃𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar — Eastern Samar Lone District Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales has assured that no Estehanon will be left behind as the province advances its digital transformation efforts through expanded internet connectivity and digital government services.

In a message delivered on his behalf by Vivian Alvarez, Chief of the Congressional District Office, Gonzales said the digital initiatives launched by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar are intended to connect communities to opportunities that were once beyond their reach.

Alvarez also represented House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Representative Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, who was also unable to attend the event due to a prior official engagement.

“These projects are not simply technological investments. They are bridges connecting our people to opportunities that once seemed distant and unreachable,” Gonzales said.

The lawmaker noted that while Eastern Samar is blessed with abundant natural resources, rich culture, and resilient people, many communities have long faced challenges in accessing education, government services, and economic opportunities because of geographical distance.

“Distance has often separated communities from opportunities. Connectivity bridges that distance with just a few clicks,” he said.

Gonzales recounted the story of a student who had to search for areas with internet signal just to complete school assignments and access learning materials.

“The problem was never lack of ambition. The problem was access,” he said, emphasizing that Eastern Samareños possess the talent, perseverance, and dreams needed to succeed if given equal opportunities.

He described technology as “the great equalizer” that allows communities to participate fully in a rapidly changing world.

“Connectivity should not be a privilege. This initiative gives a powerful message that no Estehanon will be left behind,” Gonzales said.

DICT Assistant Secretary and concurrent Regional Director for Eastern Visayas Atty. Melvyn Barroa echoed the commitment to digital inclusion, stressing that connectivity is about more than internet access.

“If farming and fishing communities are given the same access to information and educational resources as those in Metro Manila and Cebu, they can improve their economic capacity and create better opportunities for their families,” Barroa said.

Barroa assured local officials that DICT would continue supporting efforts to narrow the digital gap in the province.

“I want to assure that DICT will continue to support and strengthen all of our efforts towards reducing the digital divide,” he said.

Governor Ralph Vincent “RV” Evardone, meanwhile, described the launch of the Free Public Wi-Fi Program, Digital Transformation Center, and eGov Kiosk as important milestones in Eastern Samar's modernization efforts.

“Many provinces have progressed because they have access to internet connectivity and technology. We must keep pace with these advancements so that Eastern Samar will not be left behind,” Evardone said.

The digital initiatives aim to expand connectivity, improve access to government services, strengthen digital literacy, and create new opportunities for communities across Eastern Samar | 𝗕𝗿𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘇𝘂𝗿𝗮

24/06/2026

𝗧𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar — Tingog Party-list reaffirmed its support for efforts to expand internet connectivity and digital government services in Eastern Samar during the launch of major information and communications technology (ICT) initiatives spearheaded by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar on June 23.

Speaking during the launch of the province's Free Public Wi-Fi Program, eGov Kiosk, and Digital Transformation Center (DTC), Tingog Party-list Executive Vice President Alexis Yu described the initiative as a significant step toward bridging the digital divide and bringing government services closer to the people.

“Congratulations to DICT Region VIII and the Province of Eastern Samar for the successful launch of these ICT initiatives. This is a strong step toward bridging the digital divide and bringing government services closer to the people,” Yu said.

He noted that expanded internet connectivity would benefit students, workers, entrepreneurs, and communities across the province by providing greater access to information, education, and economic opportunities.

Quoting DICT Assistant Secretary and concurrent Regional Director for Eastern Visayas Atty. Melvyn Barroa, Yu said internet connectivity enables people in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) to access the same wealth of knowledge and opportunities available to those living in major urban centers.

“Whether you are in a GIDA community or in the city, when you have internet access, you have access to a great wealth of knowledge,” Yu said.

He also conveyed the continued support of Tingog Party-list Representatives Andrew Julian Romualdez, Yedda Romualdez, and Jude Acidre for digital inclusion initiatives in Eastern Samar and throughout Eastern Visayas.

“In behalf of Congressman Andrew, Congresswoman Yedda, and Congressman Jude, we will always be your voice and we will always be of support,” Yu said.

Tingog Party-list has long been among the advocates of government digitalization in Congress. Alongside former Congressman and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the party-list has supported measures aimed at modernizing government services, reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies, and improving transparency through technology.

Among the landmark measures aligned with this advocacy is the E-Governance Act, which institutionalizes the digitalization of government processes and transactions.

The law seeks to streamline public services through interoperable digital systems, online transactions, and paperless processes, making government services more accessible and efficient for citizens.

The measure complements the broader digitalization agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has repeatedly directed government agencies to accelerate digital transformation, improve government efficiency, reduce red tape, and expand access to public services through technology.

The administration has identified digitalization as a key strategy in modernizing governance and ensuring that government services reach even the most underserved communities.

During the same event, Eastern Samar Lone District Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales, through a message delivered by Vivian Alvarez, Chief of the Congressional District Office, emphasized that connectivity should serve as a bridge to opportunities for all Eastern Samareños.

“These projects are not simply technological investments. They are bridges connecting our people to opportunities that once seemed distant and unreachable,” Gonzales said.

He noted that many communities in Eastern Samar continue to face challenges in accessing education, government services, and economic opportunities because of geographical distance.

“Connectivity should not be a privilege. This initiative gives a powerful message that no Estehanon will be left behind,” he added.

DICT Assistant Secretary Barroa, meanwhile, underscored that the province's digital initiatives are about more than internet connectivity.

“It’s not just providing internet connectivity. If farming and fishing communities are given the same access to information and educational resources as those in Metro Manila or Cebu, they can improve their economic capacity and create better opportunities for their families,” Barroa said.

He assured local officials and residents that DICT would continue supporting efforts to reduce the digital divide and expand digital opportunities throughout the province.

“I want to assure that DICT will continue to support and strengthen all of our efforts towards reducing the digital divide,” Barroa said.

Governor Ralph Vincent “RV” Evardone welcomed the initiatives, describing them as important investments in the province's future.

“Many provinces have progressed because they have access to internet connectivity and technology. We must keep pace with these advancements so that Eastern Samar will not be left behind,” Evardone said.

The governor also highlighted the Digital Transformation Center and the 30 laptop units provided through the Tech4ED Program, which will be used for digital literacy and skills training for teachers, local government personnel, and community members.

The launch featured the activation of additional free public internet sites across the province, the inauguration of the Digital Transformation Center, and the installation of an eGov Kiosk at the Provincial Capitol, all aimed at improving access to government services and advancing digital inclusion in Eastern Samar.
| 𝗕𝗿𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘇𝘂𝗿𝗮

24/06/2026

𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝘃𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has pledged sustained support for Eastern Samar's digital transformation initiatives, assuring local officials and communities that efforts to reduce the digital divide will continue beyond the recent rollout of major ICT projects in the province.

Speaking during the launch of the province-wide Free Wi-Fi Program, eGov Kiosk, and Digital Transformation Center (DTC) on June 23, DICT Assistant Secretary and concurrent Regional Director for Eastern Visayas Atty. Melvyn Barroa said the agency remains committed to ensuring that technology reaches even the most remote communities.

“I want to assure that DICT will continue to support and strengthen all of our efforts towards reducing the digital divide,” Barroa said.

The official stressed that the agency's mission goes beyond providing internet connectivity, emphasizing the need to bring opportunities closer to people, particularly those living in geographically disadvantaged and isolated areas.

Barroa said internet access allows farming and fishing communities to gain the same access to information, educational resources, and digital opportunities enjoyed by residents in major urban centers such as Metro Manila and Cebu.

“With connectivity, remote communities can improve their economic capacity and gain access to new livelihood opportunities,” he said.

The DICT official noted that the agency's programs include digital literacy training, cybersecurity awareness, online marketing, and skills development aimed at helping residents maximize the benefits of technology.

He added that the newly established Digital Transformation Center will serve as a venue for training on digital tools, online entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and other ICT-related competencies.

Barroa also credited local government units for the success of DICT initiatives in Eastern Samar, saying the agency relies heavily on the support of governors, mayors, barangay officials, and local partners in delivering services to communities.

“We cannot take all the credit. These accomplishments are the result of a concerted effort between DICT and our local government partners,” he said.

Governor Ralph Vincent “RV” Evardone welcomed the initiatives, describing them as crucial investments that will help Eastern Samar keep pace with technological advancements.

Evardone hailed the expansion of the province's Free Public Wi-Fi Program, alongside the launch of the Digital Transformation Center and eGov Kiosk, as significant steps toward building a digitally empowered Eastern Samar.

The governor also expressed optimism that more schools, barangays, and government offices would benefit from future connectivity projects through continued collaboration between the provincial government, DICT, Congress, and national government agencies.

The launch formed part of the observance of National ICT Month and the DICT's 10th anniversary, highlighting ongoing efforts to make government services more accessible and improve digital inclusion across Eastern Samar. | 𝗕𝗿𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘇𝘂𝗿𝗮

24/06/2026

𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗨 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗩𝗙𝗠 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar — Community radio station 89.7 RVFM Radyo Serbisyo was recognized by Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) for its continued partnership and contribution to student development during the university's 67th Founding Anniversary celebration on June 22.

The recognition was conferred during ESSU's gathering of stakeholders, partner institutions, government agencies, private organizations, and Host Training Establishments (HTEs) that have supported the university's academic and community development programs.

The certificate of recognition was presented by ESSU President Dr. Andres Pagatpatan Jr. and received by Bryan Azura, station manager of 89.7 RVFM Radyo Serbisyo, during the anniversary program held at the ESSU Main Campus in Borongan City.

In its citation, ESSU expressed gratitude to RVFM for its “invaluable cooperation and sustained commitment in advancing ESSU's mission of academic excellence and community development.”

The university also acknowledged the station's role in strengthening student development initiatives, enhancing learning opportunities, and reinforcing ESSU's commitment to serving as a center of excellence in higher education for the people of Eastern Samar.

RVFM has been one of the university's active Host Training Establishments, providing on-the-job training opportunities for students, particularly those enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BA Communication) program.

Through its broadcast operations, the station serves as a training ground for aspiring journalists, broadcasters, and communication professionals, providing hands-on experience in news writing, radio production, program hosting, and community-based journalism under the guidance of media practitioners.

Azura, on behalf of the station's management, expressed gratitude to Dr. Pagatpatan and the university for the recognition and for the trust and confidence extended to RVFM as a training and mentorship venue for ESSU students.

He said the station remains committed to supporting the university's internship program by helping equip future communicators and media professionals with practical skills and real-world experience.

The recognition was presented during ESSU's 67th Founding Anniversary celebration, which coincided with the opening of Academic Year 2026-2027 and gathered students, faculty members, government officials, partner institutions, and stakeholders in a day of thanksgiving, recognition, innovation, and renewed commitment to educational excellence.

The recognition of RVFM underscores the important role of media institutions and industry partners in complementing classroom instruction and helping prepare students for careers in journalism, broadcasting, and communication.
real-world experience.

24/06/2026

𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗨 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝟲𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆, 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗲 𝗔𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗼

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar — Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) celebrated its 67th Founding Anniversary on June 22, coinciding with the opening of Academic Year 2026-2027 and highlighted by the unveiling of a memorial statue honoring the institution's founder, former Congressman Felipe J. Abrigo.

The celebration brought together students, faculty members, university officials, local government leaders, national government representatives, and stakeholders in a day of thanksgiving, recognition, and renewed commitment to educational excellence.

A major highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of the Cong. Felipe J. Abrigo Memorial Statue, paying tribute to the visionary leader credited with laying the foundation for what is now ESSU.

Abrigo, the first congressional representative of Eastern Samar, established 13 vocational schools across the province, including the former Eastern Samar National Regional Agricultural School (ESNRAS), which later evolved into Eastern Samar State University.

Eastern Samar Lone District Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales joined university officials and guests in honoring Abrigo's contributions to education in the province.

In his message, Gonzales emphasized the importance of education in shaping the future of Eastern Samar's youth and challenged students to take their studies seriously.

The congressman also assured students of his continued support, citing ongoing efforts in Congress to advance measures that would strengthen educational institutions and expand access to educational opportunities for Eastern Samareños.

Gonzales expressed gratitude to ESSU President Dr. Andres C. Pagatpatan Jr. for the opportunity to participate in the milestone celebration and described the unveiling of the memorial statue as a fitting tribute to Abrigo's enduring legacy.

Among the distinguished guests who attended the event were CHED Commissioner and ESSU Board of Regents Chairman Dr. Desiderio R. Apag III; CHED Regional Office VIII Director Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe; DOST Regional Director Dr. John Glenn D. Ocaña; and DepDev Regional Director Meylene C. Rosales, together with members of the ESSU Governing Board.

Local chief executives and representatives from municipalities hosting ESSU campuses across Eastern Samar also attended the celebration, alongside representatives from national government agencies, private sector partners, non-government organizations, community groups, and partner institutions.

Earlier in the day, the university community participated in a Filipiniana-themed flag ceremony, cultural presentations, and the recognition of employees who reached milestone years of service through the university's loyalty awards program.

University officials also led the opening of the Research, Innovation and Extension Exhibit, showcasing research outputs, technological innovations, extension initiatives, and development projects from various colleges and academic units.

As ESSU opened a new academic year, university officials reaffirmed their commitment to advancing quality education, research, innovation, and community engagement while honoring the legacy of the institution's founders and pioneers.

Now on its 67th year, ESSU continues to serve as Eastern Samar's premier state university, providing higher education opportunities and producing graduates who contribute to the province's development. |𝗕𝗿𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘇𝘂𝗿𝗮

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