NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — The Kadayaw Festival continues to shine as a vibrant tribute to Pambujan’s rich history and diverse cultural roots. More than a celebration, it is a meaningful expression of gratitude, faith, and the community’s shared identity. In honor of Sto. Niño, the Child Jesus, the festival comes alive through colorful dances that reflect the creativity, passion, and artistry of the Pambujanons. Dancers clad in vibrant and intricately designed costumes transform the streets and dance floor into a spectacle of tradition and cultural pride. As Pambujanons mark another year of Kadayaw in 2026, the municipality proudly celebrates the unity and rich cultural diversity of its people. Below are photos capturing the energy, devotion, and vibrant spirit of the Kadayaw Festival. (PHOTO Courtesy from Northern Samar PIO)

  CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) participates in the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) Love the Philippines Regional Showcase, held from January 26–30, 2026 at NUSTAR Cebu, highlighting the diverse culture, indigenous craftsmanship, and tourism offerings of the Cordillera Administrative Region, which is composed of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Baguio City. During the forum, delegates from attending ASEAN Member States have the opportunity to visit the regional showcase, which features Ikat woven textiles from Ifugao, crafted into garments that reflect traditional patterns and indigenous craftsmanship. Also highlighted are tour packages that include the Rice Terraces UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with information on other destinations across the Cordillera Administrative Region that reflect the distinct culture, traditions, and community-based tourism experiences. DOT-CAR’s participation underscores the richness of Cordillera culture and the region’s continuing efforts to share its heritage, indigenous ingenuity, and tourism offerings with a wider audience.    

BORONGAN CITY, Philippines — In celebration of Philippine Airlines’ third year of connecting Borongan City to the world through the skies, a team of executives from the Borongan City Government made an important visit to the flag carrier’s headquarters at the Lucio K. Tan, Jr. (LKTJ) Center on Tuesday, January 20, to discuss the team’s shared vision for the development of BPA operations. With Mr. Justin Nicholas Warby, PAL’s Vice President for Sales; Mr. Ping Choi Chung, Assistant Vice President for Network Planning; and Mr. Matthew Mark Llamas, Senior Specialist for Development and Sales in attendance, the meeting tackled proposed promotional approaches highlighting Borongan City as a premier tourist destination for Mabuhay Milers. Dubbed as the gateway to the rest of Eastern Samar, Borongan City’s flight tourism campaigns are also poised to target other municipalities in the province. During the meeting, Warby expressed his appreciation to the Borongan representatives for taking the time to visit PAL headquarters, noting that Borongan is celebrated as the first-ever local government unit to implement an efficient partnership model with the airline. As a surfing enthusiast, the PAL Sales VP also voiced an interest in exploring Borongan, a famed surfing destination in Eastern Visayas. The meeting culminated in a tour of the Philippine Airlines Museum, where guests were treated to an immersive display of the airline’s 85-year history in the skies. The LGU Borongan party was composed of Acting Mayor Emmanuel Tiu Sonco; City Legal Officer Atty. Celestino Cabato; Atty. Orland Jerico Cordero, Head of the Internal Audit Services Office; City Information Officer and Flight Ops Chair Vittorio Ignatius Raagas, Executive Assistant Amanthea Dala, and Marissa Josephine Acorin, Officer-In-Charge at the City Tourism Office. As part of the flight operations’ slated innovations this year, the City Government of Borongan is set to launch a flight booking website that will be made accessible for passengers looking to book LGU seats. This development is expected to give significant relief to those who cannot make a personal visit to the Fun Borongan Booking Office to make their reservations and payments. Borongan City renewed its partnership with Philippine Airlines on the 19th of December last year.  

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Philippines — The City Government of Borongan has been conferred the prestigious Gold Award after being named the 2025 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Champion and Top Component City in Region VIII. The recognition was formally bestowed during the Kabaskog: Recognizing Champions in DRRM awarding ceremony, organized by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) VIII, held on January 20, at the Radiant Hotel and Events Place, Tacloban City. The recognition affirms Borongan City’s outstanding performance and sustained commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness, risk reduction strategies, and emergency response mechanisms, in line with national and regional DRRM frameworks. The city’s success is attributed to the exemplary guidance of Local Chief Executive Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, Acting City Mayor Emmanuel Tiu Sonco, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, led by Engr. Jaime Voces. This recognition stands not only as a testament to Borongan City’s accomplishments but also as a motivation to pursue higher standards of excellence in building a more resilient, adaptive, and disaster-ready community. Photo Courtesy: Jake Brandon Lorenzo Agda/FB

Expanding Financial Access in Visayas and Mindanao   Through its partnership with Unistar Credit and Finance Corporation, a nationwide financing company, BDO Unibank (BDO) has supported 68,409 workers to acquire motorcycles used for delivery, logistics and transport services. These units were purchased through Transcycle, Unistar’s motorcycle retail brand with 280 branches, 55% located in Visayas and Mindanao, reflecting a strong presence in underserved areas where access to credit remains limited. “For many riders, owning a motorcycle brings a unique sense of freedom, independence and mobility, while opening doors to better income and daily opportunities. Being able to support these journeys is what makes our work truly meaningful, especially for riders and families across Visayas and Mindanao,” shared Matthew Siy Cha, CEO of Unistar Credit and Finance Corporation. While motorcycles remain a practical means of mobility for many Filipinos today, BDO recognizes the importance of transitioning toward a cleaner and more efficient transport system. The Bank continues to support projects that promote the development of green infrastructure in line with its long-term commitment to a low carbon economy. “We believe that access to financial services is essential for economic empowerment. Through BDO’s ASEAN Sustainability Bond, we are helping Filipinos gain the financial tools they need to build sustainable livelihoods,” said Charles M. Rodriguez, BDO’s Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Banking Group. The initiative’s impact goes beyond individual borrowers. Micro and small businesses gain from more efficient and affordable delivery and transport services, helping them reach customers faster and reduce operational costs. Local communities also benefit from improved access to goods and essential services. This creates a ripple effect that enhances productivity and supports entrepreneurship, particularly in underserved areas. Through the ASEAN Sustainability Bond, BDO demonstrates how financial institutions can drive social impact and economic growth—empowering Filipinos to participate in the country’s evolving digital and service-driven economies toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

  NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — A tradition deeply rooted in its rich past, the Bobon Agta Festival symbolizes the reverence and love for Senior Sto. Niño of the people of Bobon. Bobon’s connection with the Black Image of the Niño can be traced back to the colonial era when the parish was made to choose between the white Sto. Niño and the black Sto. Niño. The town’s preference for the black image spelled out a deep connection and mystery, naming the image as “Agta”, which locally refers to a dark-skinned person. From there Bobon found its distinct link to the fervent devotion to the Black Sto. Niño, eventually giving birth to the Agta Festivity. Carried through the years, the Bobon Agta Festival is the town’s way of honoring and thanksgiving to the Holy Child Jesus, as well as imploring for divine blessings. This practice enhances the town’s identity and contribute to the community’s rich culture and history. (CEA/MLO/act) 𝑽𝒊𝒗𝒂 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒕𝒐. 𝑵𝒊ñ𝒐! Article Source: Bobon Municipal Tourism Office      

The Department of Tourism (DOT) joins all the travelers worldwide who chose the White Beach, Boracay as the #1 Best Beach in the World for Sunbathing, Surfing and Doing Absolutely Nothing in Condé Nast Traveler’s (CNT) 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. With its beautiful scenery, including the 2.5 mile stretch of pristine, powdery-soft, white sand, Boracay is the favorite backdrop for all kinds of occasions and makes tourists come back to the Philippines. This same year, Boracay, Palawan and Siargao also rank among Asia’s Top 10 Islands in CNT 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards that makes the Philippines more vibrant and a world-class destination for travelers around the world.    

  BASILAN, Philippines – Inaasahang hindi na mahihirapan ang Sumisip District Hospital kapag hindi stable ang power supply, dahil naka-ready na ang kauna-unahang 100% solar-powered na inilagay sa ospital. Layunin ng proyektong P6 milyon  solar panel ay para matiyak ang tuloy-tuloy na suplay ng kuryente sa ilaw at mga makina ng laboratory at operating room, anumang oras lalo na kapag hindi stable ang power supply mula sa BASELCO. Isinagawa ang “lights on” at inspection sa pangunguna ni Gov. Mujiv Hataman, kasama sina Vice Mayor Gulam Boy Hataman; Provincial Health Officer Dr. Shariffa Ann Abbas Alvarez, Harrybert Hadjala, Norita Sario, BM Nurkhan Istarul, OPAG Chief Alexis D. Cotales, Provincial Veterinarian Sham Tutuh, PEO’s Salonga Lasatan at Beth Dinglasa, mga doktor, nurse, at personnel ng SDH, pati na rin ang mga tauhan ng PEO at mga kinatawan ng PENRO. Ang kabuuang gastos ay umabot sa ₱8 milyon, na kinabibilangan na ng rehabilitasyon ng electrical wiring, mula sa 20% development fund ng probinsya. Ayon kay Dr. Alvarez, inisyatiba ito ng Provincial Government at malaking tulong ang solar at electrical upgrade upang maprotektahan ang mga vital equipment at masigurong mas mabilis at ligtas ang serbisyong medikal para sa Sumisip at mga karatig-bayan. Personal ding inikot ni Gov. Mujiv ang pasilidad upang tingnan ang mga silid at kagamitang umaasa sa stable na suplay ng kuryente. Nagpaabot ng pasasalamat si BM Nurkhan Istarul at ibinahagi na ito ang unang hiling ng SDH medical staff sa kanya. Dagdag pa niya, target na ma-upgrade sa Level 1 hospital ang SDH pagsapit ng 2026. Inaasahan din na sa ikatlong quarter ng 2026 ay magsisimula na ang operasyon ng Maluso General Hospital, bilang bahagi ng tuloy-tuloy na pag-angat ng health services sa probinsya. Ayon kay Gov. Hataman, susunod na target na maging 100% solar-energized ang Lamitan District Hospital. Ang kalusugan ay isa sa mga pangunahing pillar program ni Governor Hataman sa ilalim ng Basilan HELPS, kung saan kabilang din ang environmental protection.

NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — Under the leadership of Provincial Director Geraldine Maquelabit, DILG Northern Samar has again been honored for its exemplary performance and consistent commitment to excellence, integrity and passion for public service. From top 3 Best Performing Provincial Office in 2024, the office has clinched the highest recognition this year, with PD Maquelabit hailed as the Best DILG Provincial Director in Eastern Visayas this 2025. The honor was conferred during the 2025 Dayaw Awards held in Tacloban Astrodome, an annual recognition of DILG Region 8 for its officers and offices across Eastern Visayas through its Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE). The DAYAW Awards, a fitting tribute for the passion and perseverance of DILG personnel, highlights exceptional performance, innovative initiatives, and best practices across DILG provincial and field offices. a rigorous process that included on-site evaluations, comprehensive document reviews, and interviews with personnel. The Provincial Government of Northern Samar thanks the transformative leadership and guidance of Provincial Director Maquelabit—affectionately known as PD Jinky—for her competence, dedication and commitment, joined by her equally inspiring team – Cluster Head Jean Redi Briones, Program Manager Eduardo Diaz Jr, MLGOOs and the entire DILG field unit, including former Cluster Head Mauricio Labado Jr. who was part of the team. Their hard work and technical assistance has significantly contributed to the Provincial Government’s consecutive Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awards from 2023 to 2025, among other national recognitions. PD Jinky was also the Best Provincial Director during her stint in Southern Leyte in 2021 and 2022. During her tenure as head of DILG Southern Leyte, her leadership led to the Province of Southern Leyte being named the Best Performing DILG Provincial Unit, alongside her own recognition as the Best DILG Provincial Director for two consecutive years. When she transitioned to Northern Samar, her leadership prowess continued to shine, contributing significantly to Northern Samar’s improved performance. Northern Samar is indeed honored to have the best of our Matino, Mahusay, at Maaasahang lingkod-bayan in our DILG Provincial Office!