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Tutok Probinsya, 89. 7 RVFM, 3F JIDCAR Complex, Can-abong, Leyte (2025)

04/09/2025

𝗥𝗩 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿, 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗣𝗣

Borongan City, Eastern Samar - Eastern Samar Governor Ralph Vincent “RV” Evardone, the country’s youngest provincial chief executive at 25 years old, was among the governors who attended the oath-taking of the new set of officers of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

Evardone, one of the 35 first-term governors whose mandates run until 2028, also took his oath as an appointed official of the LPP, joining the organization’s national leadership alongside seasoned governors.

The young governor expressed full support for the new officers and the objectives of the League, affirming his commitment to collaborative governance.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administered the oath of office, witnessed by Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, and Interior and Local Government Secretary Junvic Remulla.

The new LPP officers, elected on July 25, 2025, will serve until July 31, 2028.

The roster is led by reelected National President Gov. Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., reelected National Chairman Gov. Dakila Carlo E. Cua, and new Executive Vice-President Gov. Lilia G. Pineda. Also chosen were Senior Vice-Presidents Gov. Rodolfo T. Albano III (Luzon North), Gov. Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte Jr. (Luzon South), Gov. Arthur R. Defensor Jr. (Visayas), and Gov. Nilo P. Demerey Jr. (Mindanao), with Demerey also serving as Secretary-General.

The National Executive Board (NEB) is composed of regional chairpersons including Gov. Elias C. Bulut Jr. (CAR), Gov. Cecilia A. Marcos (Region I), Gov. Lilia G. Pineda (Region III), Gov. Nina Ricci A. Ynares (CALABARZON), Gov. Eduardo B. Gadiano (MIMAROPA), Gov. Eugenio Jose V. Lacson (Negros Island Region), Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado (Region VII), Gov. Sharee Ann T. Tan (Region VIII), Gov. Dulce Ann K. Hofer (Region IX), Gov. Henry S. Oaminal (Region X), Gov. Edwin I. Jubahib (Region XI), Gov. Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. (Region XII), Gov. Nilo P. Demerey Jr. (CARAGA), and Gov. Yshmael I. Sali (BARMM).
Board Members-at-Large include Gov. Rodolfo T. Albano III (Luzon North), Gov. Humerlito A. Dolor (Luzon South), Gov. Jake Vincent S. Villa (Visayas), and Gov. Johnny T. Pimentel (Mindanao).

In his address, President Marcos underscored the crucial role of governors as first responders to the needs of their constituents, drawing from his own experience as Ilocos Norte governor.

He urged LPP members to serve with integrity, ensure transparent implementation of programs, and expose irregularities in public spending.

“Public funds must be used for the benefit of the people and not for personal interests… Ngayon, higit kailanman, kailangan ng bansang Pilipinas ang inyong pamumuno upang wakasan ang mga maling nakagisnan,” Marcos stressed.

𝘽𝙈𝘼

04/09/2025

𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗴𝗮, 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗣𝟯𝟵𝗠 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗼𝘃’𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗦𝗢 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀

Borongan City, Eastern Samar – The towns of Balangiga and Quinapondan in Eastern Samar secured a combined ₱39.23 million under the 2025 Support and Assistance Fund to Participatory Budgeting (SAFPB), a government program that channels resources for local projects identified through collaboration between local government units (LGUs) and civil society organizations (CSOs).

Quinapondan received ₱13.33 million to improve safe and reliable water supply and sanitation services, while Balangiga was awarded ₱25.92 million for the construction of a climate-smart evacuation center.

Balangiga is among only nine LGUs nationwide granted nearly ₱25.9 million each for evacuation facilities, highlighting its role as a key beneficiary of the program.

SAFPB primarily funds water supply systems and climate-resilient evacuation centers, seen as vital investments for public health and disaster preparedness.

Of the 44 LGUs nationwide chosen as beneficiaries, 35 will undertake water system projects, while nine, including Balangiga, will build evacuation centers.

During the ceremonial turnover on August 27 in Quezon City, Quinapondan Mayor Leo Jasper Candido and Balangiga Mayor Danah Flynch de Lira personally received the allocations.

Candido, in a statement, said that water is life. "Basic necessity it tubig hit aton mga kinabuhi kay crucial ini ha survival, health, ngan aton kada adlaw activities," he said.

(Water is a basic necessity of our lives because it is crucial for survival, health, and our daily activities)

"Akon hingyap nga magkaada access it aton mga Quinapondanon hin mahamis nga tubig ngan proprotektaran naton it aton water sources ipinaagi hin pag implementar hin sustainable water management practices para kaupayan hit yana ngan masunod nga henerasyon," Candido added.

(It is my desire that our people in Quinapondan have access to clean water, and that we protect our water sources through the implementation of sustainable water management practices for the well-being of the present and future generations.)

The event was led by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marlo Iringan and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Willford Will Ong.

The SAFPB emphasizes participatory governance by engaging both LGUs and CSOs in identifying and implementing projects that directly respond to community needs.

𝘽𝙈𝘼

(Photo credit Mayor Leo Jasper Candido)

04/09/2025

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗮𝘄 𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗨 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

Borongan City, Eastern Samar – House Bill 3136, seeking to establish the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) – Arteche Campus as a regular campus, has successfully passed the first reading in the House of Representatives.

The measure was authored by House Assistant Minority Leader Cong. Christopher Sheen Gonzales (Lone District, Eastern Samar) and Minority Leader Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan (4Ps Partylist).

Gonzales said the bill aims to widen access to higher education and open more opportunities for the youth of Northern Eastern Samar and the Pacific towns of Northern Samar.

“Naniniwala ako na ang edukasyon ang susi sa pagbabago at pag-unlad. Sa pamamagitan ng ESSU-Arteche bilang isang regular na campus, masisiguro nating magiging mas matatag ang mga programang pang-akademiko, mas malawak ang kursong maaaring pagpilian, at mas matibay ang suporta para sa pananaliksik at extension services na makakatulong hindi lamang sa mga estudyante kundi maging sa buong komunidad,” Gonzales said.

(I believe that education is the key to change and progress. Through ESSU-Arteche as a regular campus, we can ensure stronger academic programs, a wider range of courses to choose from, and greater support for research and extension services that will benefit not only the students but also the entire community.)

If enacted, the law will benefit students from the municipalities of Arteche, San Policarpo, Oras, and Dolores in Eastern Samar, as well as those from the Pacific-side towns of Northern Samar such as Lapinig, Gamay, Mapanas, and even learners from as far as San Roque and Catubig.

Based on current youth population data, it is estimated that around 8000 to 12000 students could directly benefit from pursuing higher education at ESSU-Arteche without having to relocate to faraway campuses.

The neophyte solon emphasized that the initiative not only broadens access to higher education but also paves the way for greater opportunities and brighter prospects for the youth.

𝘽𝙈𝘼

02/09/2025

𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗵𝗼𝗻

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar — Eastern Samar Lone District Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales has condemned what he described as irresponsible and destructive mining operations in Homonhon Island, Guiuan, calling for genuine stewardship, social responsibility, and rehabilitation of the historic island.

In his first privilege speech as a neophyte lawmaker before the House of Representatives, Gonzales warned that nearly the entire island is at risk of being consumed by mining activities, citing government records showing that out of Homonhon’s 7,400 hectares, 6,489 hectares are already covered by mineral production sharing agreements (MPSAs) granted to five mining companies.

“If the whole island can be mined, what space remains for the people? For their farms? For their homes? For their children’s future?” Gonzales asked, stressing that progress and development must never come at the expense of the environment and the welfare of the people.

Gonzales lamented that while mining proceeds contribute to national coffers, communities in Homonhon bear the brunt of environmental degradation without benefiting from the supposed gains.

“Bakit nanatiling dayuhan sa kanila ang mga biyayang dapat sana’y kaakibat ng sakripisyo at pagdurusang kanilang pinapasan?” he said.

The lawmaker cited the Philippine Mining Act, which requires mineral resource utilization to be done with balance ensuring development while preserving the environment.

“Sadly, mining in Homonhon is a repeated violation of the law. There is no accountability from these mining companies,” he said.

The main mining operators in Homonhon include Emir Mineral Resources Corp., Mt. Sinai Mining Exploration and Development Corp., Global Min-Met Resources Corp., Verum Terra Geoscience Inc., and Cambayas Mining Corp., which extract primarily nickel and chromite.

Gonzales noted the meager social responsibility efforts of these firms, adding that residents continue to struggle with limited livelihood opportunities.

He called for immediate rehabilitation of Homonhon and the provision of alternative sources of income for its people.

“Mahal ko pa ang mga tao sa Homonhon,” he stressed.

The solon’s remarks echo the earlier stance of former Eastern Samar governor Ben Evardone, who once condemned illegal mining in the province, citing violations of tax, environmental, and social laws uncovered in a provincial government investigation.

“The people of Homonhon deserve true development that protects their rights and secures their future. The legacy we must leave behind is one of care, accountability, and lasting hope,” Gonzales said.

His privilege speech has been referred to the House Committee on Rules for appropriate action.

𝘽𝙈𝘼

02/09/2025

𝗧𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃’𝗹 𝗴𝗼𝘃’𝘁

Borongan City, Eastern Samar — Tingog Partylist reaffirmed its strong partnership with the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar as its Regional Head for Region 8, Anna Marie Militante, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Ralph Vincent “RV” Evardone at the Provincial Capitol, Monday, September 1, this year.

Militante, accompanied by other Tingog regional officials, was warmly welcomed by Governor Evardone, who assured the group of his continued support.

The governor also recognized Tingog’s role as a dependable partner in advancing development programs for the province.

Recently, Tingog, in collaboration with Yuno Network and Data Solution, a local digital startup, donated 10 Starlink kits to the province.

The initiative supports Governor Evardone’s thrust for digital governance and aims to strengthen connectivity in remote communities.

During the visit, Militante expressed gratitude to Governor Evardone for his steadfast backing of Tingog, particularly during the 2025 national and local elections.

As part of her provincial tour, Militante also visited the Tingog Center in Borongan City, which was hosting a digital literacy training for laptop beneficiaries.

The training, conducted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Regional Office through its provincial office, is part of Tingog’s ongoing program to empower communities through digital education.

Tingog Partylist has consistently aligned with the provincial government in implementing projects that improve access to technology, strengthen governance, and enhance the delivery of basic services to Eastern Samareños.

𝘽𝙈𝘼

02/09/2025

𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗴𝘂𝘃, 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗽 𝘂𝗽 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔

Borongan City, Eastern Samar - Governor RV Evardone is set to establish a Provincial Skills and Livelihood Enhancement Committee (PSLEC) to strengthen workforce development in the province, following a productive meeting with TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez and Undersecretary Atty. Ave Tolentino.

“Maupay an amon pag-iristorya para maka-abri kita hin usa nga Provincial TESDA school. Damo an naging insights para han aton plano madugngan an skilled workers dinhi ha aton probinsya. Ngan, katapos hit ira pag-aram ha TESDA hingyap naton nga magkamay-ada liwat nira hin trabaho,” Evardone said.

The governor emphasized that the creation of a PSLEC composed of national agencies, LGUs, educational institutions, and major industry players, will help align training with actual labor market needs.

“Maghihimo kita hin Provincial Skills and Livelihood Enhancement Committe para ma-connect naton an supply ngan demand para ha aton workforce ha aton probinsya,” he added.

𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔’𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡 𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗥

The move comes as Eastern Samar continues to expand access to technical-vocational education.

TESDA Region VIII reported 57,706 graduates in 2024, with a 96.32% certification rate and an employment rate of about 80% across Eastern Visayas.

Of these, 26,896 graduates benefited from scholarship programs, showing strong demand for government-supported training.

At the provincial level, Eastern Samar is already home to several TESDA-accredited institutions, including the Samar National School of Arts and Trades (SNSAT), Don Bosco Training Center, and various community-based training centers.

The planned Provincial TESDA School, supported by Governor Evardone, is expected to serve as a hub for expanding technical-vocational training opportunities.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗖 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗗𝗢

The PSLEC will serve as the policy and program advisory body for workforce and livelihood initiatives. Among its key functions are:

Planning and Policy Advisory: Crafting a Provincial Skills Development Plan aligned with both TESDA’s priorities and local development needs.

Coordination: Bringing together LGUs, TESDA, DepEd, SUCs, NGOs, and industry leaders to harmonize programs and avoid duplication.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Tracking graduate outcomes, certification rates, and employment placement to ensure accountability.

Livelihood Support: Linking graduates to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, including credit and financing access.

Typically chaired by the Provincial Governor, the PSLEC also integrates agencies like DOLE, DTI, DA, and private sector groups, ensuring a supply-and-demand match between skills training and available jobs.

𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗞𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗝𝗢𝗕𝗦

Evardone said the committee will help guarantee that after students graduate from TESDA programs, they are matched with local and regional employment.

“We want our young people to see TESDA not just as training for skills, but as a pathway to decent and sustainable jobs,” he stressed.

The initiative also follows Eastern Samar’s rising profile in technical-vocational excellence, highlighted by Maydolong native Fernando Camora Montes Jr., who won a silver medal in carpentry at the 14th WorldSkills ASEAN Competition.

His achievement underscored the potential of homegrown talent when properly supported by training and industry linkages.

𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗧𝗛

With the planned Provincial TESDA School and the institutionalization of the PSLEC, Eastern Samar aims to become a model for aligning education, training, and employment in Eastern Visayas and the Philippines.

“This is about building a future-ready workforce,” Evardone said in vernacular. “By investing in skills and livelihoods, we are investing in the dignity and progress of every Eastern Samarnon.”

𝘽𝙈𝘼

02/09/2025

𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗻𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝗴𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝟭𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Borongan City, Eastern Samar - A Maydolongnon stepped into the international stage and brought home honor for Eastern Samar after winning a silver medal in the 14th WorldSkills ASEAN Competition.

Fernando Camora Montes Jr., 21, of Barangay 6, Maydolong, clinched the silver in carpentry on August 30, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. He represented the Samar National School of Arts and Trades (SNSAT), showcasing his precision and artistry against some of the best young carpenters in Southeast Asia.

Nearly 300 competitors from 10 ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste participated in 32 skill areas under six sectors during the three-day event themed “ASEAN: Skilled for the Future.”

The Philippines emerged as the second top-performing country in the competition, finishing behind Malaysia. Filipino delegates collected a total of 30 medals—10 gold, 7 silver, and 8 bronze—along with five Medallions for Excellence. The impressive haul highlighted the country’s growing strength in technical-vocational education and reaffirmed its place among the region’s best.

Behind the medal is the story of a determined young man whose journey began in the coastal town of Maydolong.

Fernando, the son of Fernando Montes Sr. and Mercy Camora of Barangay 6, grew up in a modest home where the value of hard work was instilled early on.

Trained at SNSAT, he honed his skills in carpentry under mentors who recognized his potential to go beyond the classroom.

His countless hours of practice, attention to detail, and creative flair set him apart from his peers and prepared him for the high-pressure competition.

For Fernando, stepping onto the ASEAN stage was not just about personal achievement, but about carrying the hopes of his family, school, and hometown.

His silver medal is a testament to the talent nurtured in Eastern Samar and the opportunities technical-vocational education can open for Filipino youth.

Montes’ feat has become a source of inspiration in Maydolong, where his story now serves as proof that with discipline and determination, international recognition is within reach even for those from humble beginnings.

Local officials hailed his achievement, saying it echoes the pride and promise of Eastern Samar’s youth.

“This is a proud moment not just for Maydolong, but for the entire Region VIII,” Maydolong Mayor Atty. Louie Borja said in a statement.

𝘽𝙈𝘼

02/09/2025

𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗮𝘄𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗨𝗣 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗵𝗼𝗻

Borongan City, Eastern Samar — House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan and Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales have partnered with the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila School of Health Sciences to launch a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the chronic shortage of health professionals in Homonhon Island.

The program, spearheaded by UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee, will initially open a special class for 25 scholars drawn from the island’s eight barangays.

These students will undergo the school’s unique stepladder curriculum, which enables them to progress from community health workers to midwives, then nurses, and eventually doctors—all within a single, integrated educational track.

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺

Libanan underscored that the initiative is designed to provide a sustainable, community-rooted solution to Homonhon’s persistent health challenges.

“This will revolutionize public health services in Homonhon. For the first time, the island can be assured of health care that is lasting, reliable, and delivered by its own people,” he said.

The first batch of scholars will be financially supported through allowances provided by the congressional offices of Libanan and Gonzales.

Graduates will not only be expected to serve in the community particularly at Homonhon’s hospital which is slated for rehabilitation, but also to mentor future students as adjunct faculty, ensuring knowledge transfer and continuity.

𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲

Gonzales emphasized the pressing need for the program, noting that Homonhon’s population of about 15,000 residents, mostly fisherfolk and coconut farmers, face extreme difficulties in accessing medical care.

“Patients, even in emergencies, endure a two-and-a-half-hour motorized boat ride to Guiuan on the mainland. When seas are rough, travel is impossible,” Gonzales said.

To complement the training program, the duo lawmakers also committed to restore Homonhon’s long-abandoned hospital, with support pledged by Eastern Samar Governor RV Evardone.

“We are determined to rebuild the hospital and, with it, rebuild hope for the island’s people,” Libanan declared.

𝗔 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀

UP Manila Chancellor Tee explained that the partnership exemplifies the university’s commitment to serving marginalized communities.

“Our goal is two-fold: to provide students with hands-on training through community preceptorship, while multiplying health services in hard-to-reach areas. This is how we bring universal health care closer to Filipinos,” he said.

The UP School of Health Sciences, headquartered in Palo, Leyte, has a proven track record of producing health professionals who serve in remote and underserved areas.

Its pioneering curriculum has already been replicated in other parts of the country, making it a model for community-based health education.

𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗵𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

Homonhon, best known as the site of Ferdinand Magellan’s landing in 1521, is rich in history yet remains one of the country’s most underserved islands.

For decades, the provincial government of Eastern Samar operated a hospital but this has deteriorated due to typhoon damage, leaving residents with little to no access to adequate health services.

Local leaders hope that this new program will not only revive health care access but also empower island residents to take charge of their own health system.

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱

Libanan and Gonzales described the initiative as more than a scholarship program.

“It is about securing the health, dignity, and future of generations of Homonhon residents,” they said in a joint statement.

Observers note that if successful, the Homonhon initiative could serve as a replicable model for other isolated and disadvantaged areas across the Philippines, bridging the gap between education, community empowerment, and public health service delivery.

𝘽𝙈𝘼

Photo

𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘳 𝘓𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘵 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘎𝘰𝘯𝘻𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘶𝘢𝘯 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘳 𝘈𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢 𝘒𝘸𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘩𝘰𝘯 𝘐𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 (𝘜𝘗) 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘭𝘢

15/08/2025

𝗚𝗼𝗻𝘇𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗨 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗴𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀

Borongan City, Eastern Samar — The House of Representatives has approved on first reading House Bill 3135, which seeks to establish a regular campus of Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in Balangiga.

The measure, authored by Eastern Samar Lone District Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales, has been referred to the Committee on Higher and Technical Education for further deliberation.

Once enacted, ESSU Balangiga will have its own budget, faculty, and facilities to accommodate more students from Balangiga, nearby municipalities, and the southern part of Eastern Samar.

Gonzales said the bill aims to bring higher education closer to communities in the province’s southern towns, reducing the need for students to travel long distances to Borongan, Salcedo, Guiuan, or even outside the province.

He added that greater access to education will encourage more youth to enroll, open opportunities for academic and research programs, and stimulate local economic activity.

In a related development, Rep. Gonzales and House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan have also filed a separate bill seeking to establish a regular ESSU campus in Arteche to serve students from the province’s northern municipalities.

The lawmakers said both proposals are aligned at continuing efforts to expand access to affordable, quality higher education across Eastern Samar.

| 𝘽𝙈𝘼

08/08/2025

TUTOK PROBINSYA with JELYN APITA

Wednesday | August 8, 2025

08/08/2025

𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

The Senate rewrote the meaning of accountability right before our eyes.

On August 6, 2025, instead of upholding the Constitution, nineteen senators performed a magic trick. They made responsibility disappear.

They did not exonerate Vice President Sara Duterte. They didn’t judge the merits of the impeachment. They simply archived it as if justice were just another old folder to be filed away and forgotten.

Let history remember the senators who chose the safety of the archive over the risks of duty: Chiz Escudero, Joel Villanueva, Camille Villar, Imee Marcos, Jinggoy Estrada, Loren Legarda, JV Ejercito, Pia Cayetano, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Win Gatchalian, Mark Villar, Raffy Tulfo, Robin Padilla, B**g Go, Lito Lapid, Erwin Tulfo, Migz Zubiri, Rodante Marcoleta, and Alan Peter Cayetano.

Their excuse? A July 25 Supreme Court ruling invoking the “one-year rule” which was a procedural guardrail twisted into a shield for the powerful.

But everyone knew what really happened. It was a moment called for courage but they chose to cover.

Only four senators dared to vote against archiving: Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan, and Tito Sotto.

The rest decided to seal away seven blistering articles of impeachment without scrutiny: Duterte’s admission she once plotted retaliatory assassinations; the astounding ₱612.5 million confidential funds burned in just eleven days; billions questioned by COA; and her lingering ties to the Davao Death Squad.

These were not rumors. They were hard allegations demanding trial. But the Senate decided not to try at all.

Here's the thing: they packed the truth into a box, slapped on a label marked “archived,” and pretended it was resolution.

Actually, Sara Duterte did not win. She could habe cleared her name in an impeachment trial.

Instead, she slipped through a loophole. In other words, the stain remains. She was spared, not cleared.

But the deeper wound is institutional. The Senate would rather bury evidence than reveal it chanting “rule of law” while gutting the very spirit of justice.

Democracy dies not only from bullets, but mostly and painfullyfrom paper, from the quiet shuffling of documents into archives where accountability goes to sleep.

Filipinos deserved a Senate brave enough to confront power. Instead, they got a Senate that tiptoed away from responsibility, calling it procedure.

What was archived on August 6 was not just an impeachment case, it was the people’s right to know, to question, to demand answers.

The question now is simple: if accountability can be archived today, what stops them from deleting it tomorrow?

𝙏𝙐𝙏𝙊𝙆 𝙋𝙍𝙊𝘽𝙄𝙉𝙎𝙔𝘼 𝙀𝘿𝙄𝙏𝙊𝙍𝙄𝘼𝙇

(photo Senate of the Philippines)

06/08/2025

The Contra SONA by Minority Leader Nonoy Libanan reflects the urgent needs of the people — a voice for the unheard, a call for accountability, and a stand for humane and inclusive development.

Tutok Probinsya

04/09/2025

04/09/2025

04/09/2025

02/09/2025

02/09/2025

02/09/2025

02/09/2025

02/09/2025

15/08/2025

08/08/2025

08/08/2025

06/08/2025

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