Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan details his administration’s milestones over the past years, recognizing the community’s contribution to these achievements, during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan assembled in a session at the Capitol Gym, and local chief executives, national government agency and provincial government heads, non-government organizations and private sector. He detailed significant efforts across various development areas primarily in agriculture and economic development, roadworks and infrastructure improvement, employment, good governance, peace and resiliency, education and youth empowerment, healthcare and social services, sustainable eco-tourism and environmental management, aptly coined in his development framework, Sustained PROGRESS. From increased access to education through new scholarship programs – medical, nursing and agriculture, to securing billions of investment commitments, key infrastructure projects that include 23 classrooms completed, 17 farm to market roads, 38 evacuation centers, bridges and health stations in the province, the Governor accounted significant strides in the tourism sector, paving the way for Northern Samar to be placed in the country’s tourism map. More than a report, the Governor’s SOPA paid tribute to the overwhelming support that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Mayors, PGNS heads and employees, NGAs, NGOs, private sector stakeholders and the community have extended him, apart from that of his family – wife Ms. Bles, children, brothers and immediate relations. “Ang SOPA na eto ay isa ring pasasalamat at pagpupugay sa lahat na aking naging katuwang sa pagbabago ng ating lalawigan.Taos puso ang aking pasasalamat sa lahat na nagbigay inspirasyon, nakiisa, tumangkilik at nagpamalas ng pagmamahal. Lahat ng aking nakamit ay bunga ng ating pagkakaisa at paninindigan”. Sa pagtatapos ng aking termino bilang Gobernador, at sa pagsisimula ng bagong yugto bilang kinatawan ng ikalawang distrito sa Kongreso, dala ko ang inyong tiwala at ang walang kapantay na pagmamahal sa probinsya,” he said, reassuring his constituency of his continued commitment and pursuit of a progressive, resilient and happy Nortehanon community.    

Camp Quintin M. Merecido,Davao City – Police Regional Office 11, under the leadership of Regional Director PBGEN Leon Victor Rosete, through the personnel of the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG 11) in coordination with Sta. Cruz Municipal Police Station, successfully arrested one individual and confiscated millions worth of smuggled cigarettes in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, on June 14, 2025. The operation was the result of casing and surveillance efforts targeting a subject for violation of RA 10591. During the said operation, the operating team spotted in plain view a male individual stacking and arranging mastercases of suspected smuggled cigarettes beside a residential road in the area. The suspect was immediately apprehended and identified as alias Lester, a resident of Kiblawan, Davao del Sur. Recovered from the suspect were a total of 110 mastercases (equivalent to 5,500 reams) of assorted brands of smuggled cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱5,500,000.00. Rosete commended the operating team for their vigilance and swift action, emphasizing that PRO 11 remains steadfast in its commitment to curb smuggling and safeguard public health. This accomplishment reflects the PNP’s unwavering support to the leadership and reform agenda of C, PNP PGEN NICOLAS D TORRE III.

Following his sweeping victory in the May 12, 2025 elections, newly elected Congressman, Governor Edwin Ongchuan formally embraced his new mission by taking his oath this afternoon of June 11, 2025 in San Roque, Northern Samar. He took his oath as the new Representative of the 2nd District of Northern Samar before San Roque Mayor Maria Ana Abalon, joined by his family and greatest supporters – wife, Ms. Bles Ongchuan and son, Councilor-elect Emil Ongchuan II. Partymates and strongest allies in Provincial Government development initiatives- Vice Governor Clarence Dato and Board Member Don Abalon, were also present. Supporters from the municipality of San Roque also came to witness his oath-taking, to include Sangguniang Bayan members, barangay captains, and department heads of LGU San Roque. Governor Ongchuan personally chose San Roque to take his oath, the town delivering the greatest win through an overwhelming 93% votes based on the COC and election returns, similar to his strong showing in the 2016 elections. Northern Samar marked its most significant milestones during the past 2 terms of Governor Ongchuan where he served as the province’s chief executive from 2019-2025. Before he was elected Governor, he was Northern Samar’s Second District Congressman from 2016-2019. He will formally assume his new post on June 30, 2025, along with other elected officials. Congratulations Cong. Edwin Ongchuan!

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the government efforts to ease the impact of the San Juanico Bridge rehabilitation on regional trade and mobility, during a visit to Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, “Tacloban is a center of commerce—maraming naapektuhan dahil dito,” the President remarked, addressing concerns on rising transport costs and delays. Marcos assured stakeholders of a system that will prioritize the transport of perishable goods and essential supplies. Meanwhile, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan stated that the bridge’s load limit is set to gradually increase by the last quarter of this year. Also in attendance during the inspection were Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez. Eastern Visayas is currently under a state of calamity for one year, as declared by President Marcos under Proclamation No. 920 which was signed on June 5, to fast-track repairs and lessen the disruptions for residents in Leyte and Samar. (Tacloban City Information Office)      

  U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Officer Jeff McIlvenna, U.S. Department of State’s English Language Specialists Shélynn Riel and Joe Voigts, and Philippine Department of Education Supervisor for Alternative Learning System (ALS) Jima Gelmo join ALS teachers in Davao City on June 4. DAVAO CITY the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ Regional English Language Office (RELO) and the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) Davao City Division conducted an intensive workshop that trained forty newly hired teachers under DepEd’s Alternative Learning System (ALS), on June 4-5,2025. Facilitated by two American trainers from the U.S. Department of State’s English Language Specialist Program, this is the first ALS workshop supported by the United States in Davao City. The activity entitled “Embracing Student-centered Learning: Art as Expression” provided participants with knowledge and tools to integrate innovative, hands-on teaching in ALS curricula, ensuring that students are active participants in the learning process.  The workshop included teaching demonstrations, an introduction to creating sustainable and engaging teaching projects, and peer learning. The American trainers also introduced free English language teaching resources from the U.S. government that will help enhance curriculum development and facilitate engaging classroom activities. “The insights and strategies shared by our American teacher trainers are designed to significantly enhance the learning experience for ALS students,” U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Officer Jeff McIlvenna said.  “This initiative underscores the United States’ direct investment in the professional development of Filipino educators, reinforcing our shared dedication to expanding access to quality education and fostering human potential across the Philippines.” “DepEd’s ALS champions inclusivity by reaching the lost, the least, and the last,” DepEd Davao City Division superintendent Reynante Solitario said.  “Supporting ALS teachers is vital so they can teach better and ensure that every learner, regardless of circumstance, is embraced and given a chance to thrive.” ALS is a parallel learning system in the Philippines which provides a vital pathway to basic education for out-of-school youth and adults who lack access to formal schooling due to socioeconomic or geographical barriers. The U.S. Embassy’s RELO is committed to supporting Philippine education through its English Language Specialist Program.  Previous initiatives include an early literacy project for K-7 teachers in Negros Occidental, which improved reading scores among students through intensive teacher training and community volunteer support in 2024.  Last year, RELO hosted an English proficiency training for the Philippine Army in Tarlac. RELO also supports long-term educational partnerships.  Three American English Language Fellows are concluding their academic year with three universities in Bohol and Leyte, where they led preservice training for future teachers.  RELO is also in the process of establishing five new two-year English Access Scholarship Programs around the Philippines, which will provide deserving teenagers with intensive English language instruction and cultural immersion to boost their educational and career opportunities.      

The Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar is now operational and accommodating cargo operations, including Roll-on/Roll-off and Light Cargo Transport (LCT) vessels. This follows the completion of emergency upgrading works by the Department of Public Works and Highways, aimed at improving the port’s capacity and accessibility. Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago, PPA Eastern Leyte Port Manager Atty. Kahlil Lamigo, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Region VIII Director Cheryl V. Pascua, DPWH Region VIII Director Edgar B. Tabacon, Assistant Regional Director Ma. Margarita C. Junia, officials from Philippine Coast Guard and other concerned agencies, visited the site to inspect the newly upgraded facilities and observe the ongoing operations on June 8. The initial improvements included clearing obstructions, land reclamation and stabilization, utility line adjustments, and the construction of a 17-meter port platform with a 28-meter ramp. The ongoing installation of mooring structures further enhances the port’s readiness. According to Secretary Dizon, the Amandayehan Port is expected to play a vital role as an alternate transport hub, providing a shorter route for heavy vehicles between Samar and Leyte.  

In support of digital inclusion and grassroots empowerment, Globe donated ten refurbished laptops to several barangays in Bohol to start off their digitalization journey and adoption of eGovernance. The laptops will support the work of the Lupon Tagapamayapa, a barangay-based group tasked with helping the community resolve disputes peacefully. By shifting from typewriters to laptops, the Lupon can reduce manual errors, keep digital records rather than hardcopies for convenience, send and receive documents via email, and store important files securely. It’s a small shift that can make day-to-day processes smoother and help barangay officers focus on what matters most. The turnover was recently held at the Bohol Provincial Capitol in Tagbilaran City, where Board Member Benjie Arcamo—representing Vice Governor Tita Baja—delivered the keynote address. He was joined by 1st District Board Member Aldner Damalerio, Liga ng mga Barangay President Romulo Cepedoza, and Globe Vice President for External Affairs Patrick Gloria. Both BM Arcamo and Cepedoza expressed appreciation to Globe and BM Damalerio for their steadfast support in advancing ICT development across the province. Barangay Captain Joseph Sagaral of San Isidro, Tagbilaran City, also shared a heartfelt message on behalf of all the beneficiaries. The recipient barangays are San Isidro in Tagbilaran City; Sto. Rosario in Antequera; Guiwanon in Tubigon; Canapnapan in Corella; Dangay in Albur; Sta. Cruz in Calape; Cogon Norte in Loon; Magsija in Balilihan; Triple Union in Catigbian; and Municipality of Cortes. “This initiative is part of Globe’s ongoing efforts to create a #GlobeOfGood by enabling communities through technology. We recognize the vital role of the Lupon Tagapamayapa in maintaining peace and order at the grassroots level, and we are proud to support them with tools that improve access, accuracy, and efficiency,” said Patrick Gloria, Vice President for External Affairs of Globe. Board Member Arcamo welcomed the support, noting, “This contribution from Globe will directly improve how our barangay peace councils carry out their duties. Access to these resources helps formalize their work and enhances the services they provide to the public.” Sourced through Globe’s sustainability programs—which promote electronic waste reduction by extending the life and value of digital devices—the initiative also supports the province’s Strategic Change Agenda under Governor Aris Aumentado, advancing digital inclusion and community resilience within the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark and Regenerative Island framework. Globe remains committed to nation-building by expanding access to digital tools, supporting inclusive development, and enabling community resilience through technology-driven solutions.  

MANDAUE CITY — Authorities seized an estimated PhP10.2-million worth of suspected shabu in a major buy-bust operation Monday night, May 26, in Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City. At around 8:40 PM, operatives from the City Intelligence Unit and City Drug Enforcement Unit of the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 7 (PDEA-7), arrested a high-value individual after allegedly selling one plastic pack of suspected shabu to an undercover agent. A total of 15 plastic packs containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu were recovered from the suspect, weighing approximately 1,500 grams with a standard drug price of PhP10,200,000. The items were turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 7 for laboratory examination. The suspect is currently under detention at the custodial facility of Police Station 1, MCPO, while documents are being finalized for the filing of charges for Violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Police Brigadier General Redrico A. Maranan, director of the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7), commended the successful operation and reiterated the region’s hardline stance against illegal drugs. “The seizure of over ten million pesos worth of illegal drugs is a powerful message to traffickers and criminal groups: Central Visayas will never be a safe haven for your operations,” PBGen. Maranan said. “This accomplishment reflects the strategic coordination and tireless efforts of our anti-drug units to protect our communities.” PRO7 continues to mount aggressive operations to dismantle drug networks and secure lasting peace across Central Visayas.