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Samar Dev News, Calbayog (2024)

02/06/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍BRGY. CABATUAN, CALBAYOG CITY

A modest community with an abundance of natural resources and a wide variety of faces.

Welcome to Barangay Cabatuan, which is surrounded by rich and stunning mountains filled with green scenery.

Divided into 8 puroks, with complete access to education from daycare, elementary, secondary, and senior high school.

The residents has also access to a free healthcare center and chapel that caters to the spiritual needs of the community, including the Roman Catholic Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Born-Again Christians.

Cabatuan has also a majestic hidden waterfall called “Amamaliwan Falls” with its relaxing stream of cold water that will easily take all your worries away!

Beside, there's a place where the residents went to swim and relax, and a favorite place of the “labhanan” of residents is "Kasulgan.”.

Barangay Cabatuan is more than simply a place; it is the home of all citizens who have a loving and caring disposition.

[Photos and Text by Apryl Joy Bacierto|BSDevCom 2]

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30/05/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍BRGY. CAGSUMJE, STA. MARGARITA SAMAR

"Welcome to Barangay Cagsumje: a place of warmth, community, and natural beauty."

Cagsumje is a barangay in the Municipality of Sta. Margarita, a small community divided into three puroks.

Barangay Cagsumje exemplifies the resilience and harm of small communities. It's landmarks, from Elementary school to the Catholic church, Born Again Christian Church, The Brgy. hall, Garden Agriculture area, and essential services reflect the values and spirit of the city's people.

One of the key attractions in Brgy. Cagsumje is in the Calvary Hills. Calvary Hills is a mountainous place where there are sixteen stations of the cross. This is also the way people pay during the week of Santa or Easter, to pray or penalize. At each station, there is a statue that illustrates the Battle of Pontius Pilate's Soldiers until his Resurrection.

[Photos and Text by Ressa Jalayajay|BSDevCom 2]

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28/05/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍BRGY. PAYAHAN CALBAYOG CITY

Barangay Payahan is a vibrant community that embodies the essence of community improvement and resilience.

The barangay has a strong community engagement and participation. Regular town hall meetings and clean-up drives are just a few of the initiatives that foster a sense of belonging and cooperation among residents.

Payahan is divided into 4 puroks, and it has its own barangay hall, covered court, daycare center.

There is also a Islamic Church and Roman Catholic Church. These places of worship are not just buildings they are centers for prayer, education. They foster a sense of unity and brotherhood, particularly the Mosque, which plays a vital role among the muslim residents.

Barangay Payahan is more than just a place; it's a home where everyone helps make the community better.

[ Photo and text by Paisa Lomabao| BSDevCom 2 ]

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25/05/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍 BARANGAY. HAMORAWON, CALBAYOG CITY

Captivating and strong community marks the Barangay Hamorawon. The majority of the residents are family oriented, helping one another is their ultimate vision to build good relationship and strong socialized society.

The community is composed of 7 puroks, the Baranggay Hamorawon Health Center is one of the free services that the residents can get access. In addition, the branggay has a child development facility where local kids can receive free education, as well as free accessible primary schools.

Furthermore, there is a Catholic church where locals can get spiritual support and to strengthen their faith.

Living up to its name, Barangay Hamorawon focuses on prioritizing the needs of the citizens and offer free services particularly in the area of health, by this, the barangay will keep growing.

[ Photo and text by Malinao, Joana | BSDevCom 2 ]

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24/05/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍BRGY. DAGUM, CALBAYOG CITY

Dagum is a barangay in the city of Calbayog, Province of Samar. It is a place where neighbors know each other by name, where families gather for outdoor events, and where residents feel a deep sense of community. Where people come together to support each other and create a sense of belonging.

There are 8 puroks in barangay Dagum. People in Dagum are fortunate because of the free access to education in the barangay, which features a daycare center and elementary school. Dagum also has Tesda, a school that offers BPP NC II, DRV NC II, DRM NC II, EMS NC III, TM I, COK NC II, and FBS NC II.

The barangay also has a health center that offers free access to health care at the Barangay Health Care Center Dagum. Providing for the spiritual needs of the residents is the San Roque Mission Center Chapel that serves the Roman Catholics.

At the core of Barangay Dagum lies a strong sense of community. Residents here share a close bond, often coming together for festivals, gatherings, and communal activities that celebrate their culture and heritage.

But perhaps the true charm of Barangay Dagum lies in its people, who are hardworking, resilient, and ever-welcoming. The sense of community here is tangible.

[Photos and Text by Andrienne Joyce Roma|BSDevCom 2]

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23/05/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍BRGY. MATOBATO, CALBAYOG CITY

“Sinabi pang wag kang tumabok, naligis ka tuloy” “Diin ba makapalit kakanin?, sa Matobato damo”

Welcome to Barangay Matobato, where residents can easily be known due to its mixture of “waray” and “tagalog” language, and a place where the lives of fisherfolks and Kakanin makers intertwined.

Divided into 7 puroks, the barangay boosts a good quality education with elementary school. Matobato has its very own local tourist spot where the majestic beauty of Centennial Forest shows.

Residents enjoy free and convenient access to health care and barangay hall services located between maharlika and roño street.
Beside it is the place where the weary hearts gathered, a chapel that caters the spiritual needs of the community and serves the Roman Catholic faithful.

The Popular and Residents from other places go-to pasalubong store, Ping-Ping's Tinapa, located at Maharlika Highway that lived up for years from being a small simple house-store that emerged to a big and attractive Pasalubong Center due to their delicious smoke fish and different varieties of pasalubong produced from the sea.

[Photos and Text by Lovely Juanerio|BSDevCom 2]

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22/05/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍BRGY. WEST AWANG, CALBAYOG CITY

West Awang was formerly a poblacion that is now a barangay in the city of Calbayog, it was divided into six puroks. The barangay had easy access to all the necessities since it was in Calbayog proper.

It has two covered courts as well as a child development center. There is also a nearby church, an elementary school, and a barangay hall.

Moreover, West Awang is also home to the terminals for Grandtours, VanVans, and Turbanadas, there are also many food stalls and restaurants to explore where you can easily purchase food.

The residents also have easy access to healthcare and can easily purchase other items they want. The residents of West Awang demonstrate how generous people’s hearts are, as evidenced by their cooperation in times of need.

[Photos and Text by Shaira Mancol| BSDevCom 2]

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21/05/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍BRGY. BASUD, CALBAYOG CITY

The name "Basud" originated from the word "Masudbasud" (the first local folk's term for a small mound of sand), which builds up naturally along the shoreline and is usually submerged underwater during high tide.

Basud was divided into two parts: the lower portion along the shoreline, which was called "Masudbasud," and the upper portion, named "Kanhuraw," after the herbal native plant abundantly growing in the place

The barangay has its own facilities that is open to it's residents such as Brgy. Hall, Health Center, Chapel, and School.

Barangay Basud is 7 kilometers away from the city proper and the estimated population is about 1,300 residents, composed of about 276 households.

[Photos and Text by Rodalyn Silva| BSDevCom 2]

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15/05/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍BRGY. DANAO 1, CALBAYOG CITY

From the beautiful scenery that can be seen in this community, people come from different places to visit and admire Brgy. Danao I for the sight-seeing of the rice fields with fresh air, including the clean and refreshing water streams of the "Water Dam."

Not only the view of rice fields and refreshing flows of the water dam that can be seen in Brgy. Danao I, but also the glimpse of "Danao Cave," which is 14 km away from Calbayog City proper,.

Beyond its natural resources, Danao I offers the beauty of Danao Cave with its seven chambers inhabited by diverse wildlife such as snakes and bats, adding to the area's mystique and appeal for adventurers.

Nature in Brgy. Danao, Calbayog City, is a magnet for visitors drawn to its beautiful landscapes.

In the heart of this community lies a sanctuary where the wonders of nature unfold, captivating hearts and inspiring adventures, beckoning all who seek solace and awe amidst its breathtaking landscapes and hidden treasures.

[Photos and Text by Nicka Amamio| BSDevCom 2]

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11/05/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬

📍BARANGAY CACARANSAN, CALBAYOG CITY

Barangay Cacaransan is a community surrounded by green fields, where residents primary source of income relies on bamboo.

The farmers, with a deep appreciation for nature and a commitment to sustainable practices, have embraced the incredible potential of bamboo as a valuable crop.

Barangay Cacaransan is divided into four puroks and known for its well-rounded education system, which offers complete elementary education.

The barangay also provides a vibrant community life, such as a beautiful church that caters to different religious affiliations, with chapels for Roman Catholics and born-again Christians. These centers foster a sense of unity and faith among residents, ensuring they can engage in worship and participate in religious events.

The community has recreational spaces like parks and sports facilities, community centers for gatherings, and access to basic services like healthcare and public transportation.

The residents of Barangay Cacaransan take great pride in maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of their surroundings. Streets are kept clean by the active participation of residents in regular clean-up drives and waste management initiatives.

Residents dedication to cleanliness has not only created a visually appealing environment but also fostered a sense of pride and shared responsibility among the residents.

[Photos and Text by Rialin Lauderes|
BSDevCom 2]

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07/05/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍 BARANGAY TARABUCAN, CALBAYOG CITY

According to local folklore, the name Tarabucan is derived from the word "tabok," which means "cross" in English. In ancient times, the common practice was to cross rivers before reaching their destination. In order to transport agricultural products from the fields, it was necessary to cross the rivers. Due to its geographical location, Tarabucan is surrounded by rivers.

One of the livelihood of the residents here is vegetable farming in the fields, agriculture, and one of the source of water supply here is from the farmland that is being taken care of by the barangay officials.

This is composed of 7 zones, and there is an extension zone called Purok 8. This place has various facilities, such as a health center, barangay hall, evacuation center, or covered court. It also has elementary and secondary schools, as well as a house of prayer or church.

On November 19, 2021, the Tarabucan Chapel became the Mission Center, and now it has been renamed Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Tarabucan Mission Center. It has been three years since it was under the leadership of various church organizations. The church serves as an evacuation center for residents during disasters. It is not only a place for prayer, but it is also open-handedly welcoming anyone in need of assistance. The renovation of the center is still ongoing.

In times of crisis, Barangay Tarabucan has proven itself to be the backbone of resilience and support. From natural disasters to public health emergencies, these communities have rallied together, demonstrating their ability to adapt and overcome adversity.

Brgy. Tarabucan also has market stores where the needs of residents are almost met without going into the city proper.

[Photos and text by Nicole Cabacang, BsDevCom 2A]

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06/05/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍BRGY. EAST AWANG CALBAYOG CITY

Barangay East Awang, formerly a Poblacion, is a barangay in the city of Calbayog, in the province of Samar.

East Awang is divided into 7 puroks, and it has its own barangay hall, covered court, and daycare center. There is also a Church of Christian Life Center that caters to born-again Christians, while others are Roman Catholic, Eglesia ni Cristo, and other religions.

Brgy. East Awang is also surrounded by prominent establishments such as Super Metro, Novo, Meaco Hotel, and others, highlighting its substantial role in Calbayog proper.

From the trees to the streets, the community also has a source of water called Atabay, or water balon. As such, the community provides a temporary solution for storing water, especially during periods of water shortage.

Barangay East Awang is not just a place; it's a home where the community thrives and where every resident plays a part in shaping a brighter community.

[Photos and Text by John Rex S. Cangayao| BSDevCom 2]

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05/05/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍BRGY. CABATUAN, CALBAYOG CITY

Barangay Cabatuan is surrounded by the mountains that are filled with green sceneries, a humble community rich with natural resources like water and rocks.

Barangay Cabatuan is divided into 8 puroks, the residents have complete access when it comes to education; it has elementary, secondary, and even senior high schools.

The barangay has also a health center that offered free to cater the needs of the residents when it comes to healthcare, and when it comes to the spiritual needs of the people in the community, churches are also available, including the Roman Catholic Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Born-Again Christians.

There's a special place in this barangay that is called the "kasulgan," where you can experience the majestic view of the mountain, the cold spring water of the river, a small rock beneath your feet, and the newest bridge between Brgy. Cabatuan and Brgy. Mantaong.

Brgy. Cabatuan has the ability to sustain the cleanliness of the water in the river by preventing people from throwing garbage. Keeping its healthy, protected, and sustainable environment.

[Photos and Text by William Tumarao| BSDevCom 2]

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02/05/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍BRGY. ARONG, GANDARA SAMAR

Barangay Arong is a stunning place located in Gandara, Samar. Spanning over 249.78 hectares, it is surrounded by majestic mountains and lush rice fields, which provide the main source of livelihood for the majority of its 419 residents.

The Barangay is divided into two puroks, where most of the residents strongly believe in the saying "What you sow is what you reap."

This mindset ensures that they never go hungry as they cultivate a variety of fresh vegetables right in their own backyards. From bitter gourd to sweet potato leaves, Chinese white cabbage, and eggplant, the residents enjoy a bountiful harvest.

In Barangay Arong, you can experience beautiful scenery, fresh air, and a way of life that relies on agriculture. It is a place full of beauty and abundance.

[Photos and Text by Flordelyn Bulan| BSDevCom 2]

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29/04/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍BRGY. CAGBAYANG, CALBAYOG CITY

Calbayog is known for water falls, and it is marked by different names and different majestic views or environments, but Tabokno Falls is still lovely on its own and it is located in Barangay Cagbayang.

The community is divided into five puroks, where it has a full primary school system, a covered court, an outpost, a barangay hall, and the residents religions are Roman Catholic and Born Again.

Despite of the differences in terms of religious beliefs, residents are still respectful and oriented to one another.

The natural surroundings of this community are what makes it attractive.

[Photos and Text by Marilyn Arpon| BSDevCom 2]

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28/04/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍BRGY. CAPOOCAN, CALBAYOG CITY

In the vastness of Calbayog City, Barangay Capoocan stands out as a barangay undergoing change. It cannot be denied that this barangay is experiencing progress due to the visible presence of buildings here.

Barangay Capoocan has two famous hotels: the Baypark Hotel and the West Prime Hotel. You can also find here the Calbayog City Water District, the Hall of Justice, the Convention, The Fire Station, and the Sports Center.

Brgy. Capoocan keeps its doors open to help its residents because they have a health center, an elementary school, and a fire station.

The barangay is divided into 6 puroks and separated roads called Highway and Old Road. Most of the residents here are carpenters, construction workers, fishermen, and teachers.

[Photos and Text by Paloma Gulbe|
BSDevCom 2]

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27/04/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍BRGY. BAJA OQUENDO 2 DISTRICT, CALBAYOG CITY

Brgy. Baja is a beautiful and peaceful place surrounded by a river and bound by a pathway connecting to Barangay Mag-Ubay.

Legend says that the origin of the barangay’s name was taken from flash floods (baha), because of the sudden rise of water from the lake even without rain. Most of the residents are coconut farmers and root croppers.

Barangay Baja is located at the right of the Hibatang River in Oquendo District, Calbayog City. It is reachable by about 40 minutes's drive from the city proper via Calbayog-Mag-ubay.

Before, crossing the “raft" was the only way for the residents to reach the barangay proper, but now residents can cross the river in a “hanging bridge," which is more than 70 meters long.

[Photos and Text by Kimberly Senangote|
BSDevCom 2]

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13/04/2024

IN PHOTOS. Muslim community in Calbayog gathered Wednesday, April 10 at Calbayog City Sports Center to celebrate the Eid al-Fitr, a major Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan’s month-long fasting.

The day of Eid al Fitr, also known as “the Holiday of Breaking the Fast”, begins with a special prayer or open prayer grounds. Following the prayer, Muslims engage in festive activities, including sharing meals with family and friends, giving gifts, and participating in acts of charity.

Ustad Cosari Omping, an Imam from the Mosque in Barangay Payahan, explained that the prayer is a way to express gratitude for the opportunity to fast, reflect, and worship throughout the holy month.

He emphasized that prayer during this festival is a way for Muslims to come together as a community and celebrate the successful completion of Ramadan.

[Report via Paisa Lomabao | BSDevCom 2]

09/04/2024

NEWS | 𝐃𝐎𝐇 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐄. 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬
[by Kimberly Senangote | BSDevCom 2]

THE HEALTH department in Eastern Visayas has heightened its surveillance and monitoring against Pertussis due to an increasing number of suspected cases of this contagious respiratory infection in the region.

The Department of Health (DOH) Region 8 has reported 31 suspected cases of Pertussis or “whooping cough” in Eastern Visayas as of April 6, 2024. Of these cases, one is confirmed through a laboratory test, and the rest are currently awaiting confirmation.

In a press conference, Jean Marie Egargo, DOH Eastern Visayas assistant regional director, identified the first confirmed cases of Pertussis in the region as a three-month-old boy from Pastrana, Leyte, who has already recovered.

"Suspected cases of Pertussis in Leyte province include 18 cases, four from Tacloban City, six from Eastern Samar, and two from Southern Leyte, with 25 not vaccinated," Egargo said.

“Most of the suspected cases, or 25 of them, are not vaccinated against Pertussis. Vaccination is safe and effective against the infection,” Egardo added.

The health director emphasized that Pertussis, or locally known as "koykoy na ubo," can be treated.

Based on the surveillance data, of the 31 cases, only one was an adult (27 years old). The rest were all children, with most being very young infants or babies.

Boy Roderick Cerro, chief of the DOH regional epidemiology and surveillance unit explained that, “Young children are highly vulnerable to this infection. They can catch whooping cough from their parents, adult caregivers, or other children.”

𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀

Chiradee Claridad, regional coordinator of the DOH national immunization program, revealed that a low vaccination rate was one of the possible reasons why children contract pertussis.

“Our vaccination average for 2023 waray po kita maka-achieve hin aton target nga 95% per projective population. For 2023, we have 57.79% percent but it's higher than the 2022, naton nga 46.2 %," Claridad reported.

The immunization coordination said that pentavalent vaccines, which is part of their regular vaccination program used against Pertussis, will be available in rural health units by June.

“Even if we don’t have stocks of vaccines now, we can still combat the infection since there are available medicines in our health facilities,” said Claridad.

Claridad said that they are making efforts to convince parents who are anti-vaccines to submit their children to regular immunization.

𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀

In a separate event, DOH Eastern Visayas conducted a town hall meeting to ensure accurate information about Pertussis is disseminated to partners and the public.

Here is some information about this illness.

To prevent Pertussis:

1. You should get vaccines.

2. Take preventive antibiotics.

3. Practice good hygiene.

4. Cover your cough or sneeze.

5. Wash hands often, and

6. Avoidance of crowded places.

DOH advised the public to know about the 5 things in whooping cough:

1. Pertussis can be serious, especially for babies.

2. Pertussis cough is very contagious.

3. Severe coughing fits can last for weeks.

4. Babies may not cough at all.

5. Vaccines are the best protection against Pertussis.

09/04/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍BRGY. PEÑA, CALBAYOG CITY

Nestled between the sea and the mountains, Barangay Peña beckons travelers with its unique blend of cultures and warm hospitality. Here, diverse communities coexist harmoniously, united by principles of respect and inclusivity. Whether devout Catholics or spirited followers of other faiths, residents embrace diversity as a source of strength, fostering an atmosphere of mutual understanding.

Amidst the natural beauty, Barangay Peña offers a range of educational and recreational amenities, including primary and secondary schools, hotels, pool resorts, and sea transportation. Yet, it is the genuine warmth of the Peñahanons that leaves the most lasting impression. Known for their kind hearts and welcoming smiles, they make every visitor feel like family, creating an atmosphere of belonging that transcends geographical boundaries.

This enchanting barangay continues to captivate travelers seeking solace in nature's embrace and genuine human connection.

[Photos and Text by Kerwin Reyes|
BSDevCom 2]

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09/04/2024

NEWS | 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞
[by Flordelyn Bulan | BSDevCom 2]

A SAMAR-NATIVE literary figure encouraged students to use their mother tongue not just for speaking but also in writing.

"So your task as a student is not just to love your language, but to use that language in your writing," said Jerry Gracio, a Waraynon writer, to the students of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU).

Gracio was speaking before students and other local writers and artists during the launching of his book “An Ditoy Nga Prinsipe,” a Waray translation of the classic novel “The Little Prince,” in Calbayog City last March 1, 2024.

He emphasized that failure to do so would lead to the demise of the language. According to Garcio, who worked as commissioner of Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), when a language dies, an entire culture dies along with it.

Gracio, however, expressed his belief in the necessity of knowing multiple languages. "Of course, you need English so that you can speak to the world. I also believe that you need Filipino or Tagalog so you can speak to the nation."

"If you're going to Manila or you're speaking with an Ilocano, automatically, diri gud man English an gagamiton, an gagamiton gud man is Filipino because that's clearer to us," he added.

He also shared that when interacting within the community, it is necessary to communicate in the language commonly used within that community, emphasizing the importance of using their mother tongue for heartfelt conversations.

Gracio, who hails from Northern Samar, is a multi-awarded screenwriter. Some of his works are the movies, “Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me”, “Balangiga'', and “Astig.”

01/04/2024

𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬
📍BRGY. CAPACUHAN, CALBAYOG CITY

Herbal remedies and rich agricultural land and resources arecentered in Barangay Capacuhan--a place surrounded by indigenous leaves called “Paku.” Extracting fern is their common practices making their lives healthier, and making the "baryo" known as “Capacuhan Green".

Divided into five purok (districts), most of the residents are coconut farmers, rice farmers, and abaca farmers. The high mountain with the fresh and calming presence of a lake found in "Guin-hinulugan sa Bangkaw Fall" is one of the famous landmarks seen in the community.

Catering to the spiritual needs of the community, a chapel serves the Roman Catholic faithful and is located near the covered court, Purok 3. Residents actively participate in clean-up drive activities every weekend, working as a whole to build relationships and a strong socialized community.

Living up to its name, Barangay Capacuhan preserves its agricultural practices while maintaining mitigation against climate change to maintain a leafy green community.

[Photos and Text by Reylan Taneo | BSDevCom 2]

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30/03/2024

𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐅𝐅

"Journalism can never be silent: that is its greatest virtue and its greatest fault." -Henry Anatole Grunwald

Introducing the staff of Samar Dev News. Meet our dedicated, hardworking, and reliable student development reporters from NwSSU Development Communication program, who will be providing you with timely and relevant information from the community, for the community.

05/03/2024

𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚, 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞

[𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: This story talks about su***de and mental health. If you need help, you may contact National Center for Health Hotline at DOH EVCHD (09744238423 or 09665316464]

THE Department of Health - Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-EVCHD) encouraged media practitioners and other organizations to practice self-regulation in practicing responsible reporting about mental health and su***de cases.

This is following reports of su***de cases in the region in the past weeks published by local media outlets.

In a virtual orientation program held February 12, Donna Salazar, health program officer of DOH-EVCHD, discussed the DOH Administrative Order 2023-0004 or the "Guidelines for Ethical and Responsible Reporting and Portrayal of Su***de in the Media, Audiovisual and Films.”

Salazar emphasized that su***de is a public health issue which is tied with a lot of factors.

"Iwasan po natin na i-over simplify yung su***de sa iisang reason. There's a lot of factors, there's a lot of reasons kung bakit nag re-resort to su***de ang isang individual," Salazar explained.

𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

Salazar also mentioned that media reporting of su***de is a risk factor citing that the way media report can have a positive or negative effect on the public.

"According to the studies people are more likely to engage in dangerous deviant behavior if someone else had set example first, so individual have a tendency to copy upon learning someone else su***de especially when if the situation nung namatay is similar to their own," said Salazar.

This phenomenon is referred to as Werther Effect where media reporting of su***de cases may lead to an increase of copycat su***de.

Salazar explained that responsible reporting of su***de may likewise contribute to the prevention of su***de through what is known as Papageno Effect.

"So pano natin gagawin yan? By sensitively presenting positive coping mechanism, providing stories of hope, resilience and recovery after crisis,” Salazar explained

“So mga media practitioners, content creators at tayo as individuals we should focus on responsible reporting para instead of the murder effect, ang society ay maiimpluwensyahan nitong Papageno effect," she added.

𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

Salazar provided the media practitioners and civil organizations who attended the orientation on some principles to practice when reporting su***de cases.

"Hanggat maari po we have to limit the details included in the report. Avoid reporting or posting a death that was caused by su***de while not confirmed by the authorities, so mag pacheck po sana tayo let’s make sure na yong ating iuulat o ireport ay tama at accurate," she said.

She also stated that in keeping the data privacy act, reports must keep out personal and sensitive information including names, graphic images, suspected su***de notes.

DOH also recommends avoiding stating the method and location of the incident in su***de reports, and be cautious with interviewing the brief to ensure that their parts are respectful and considerate of their privacy.

"So respetuhin po sana natin ang namatay at namatayan, iwasan po natin yung mai-associate sa namatay ang imahe kung paano siya namatay. As much as possible po, humingi po tayo ng permiso sa mga namatayan kung yung detalye na pwedeng ilagay sa ulat o report," Salazar said.

The health department also encouraged media practitioners and content creators to highlight stories that feature coping mechanisms in overcoming mental health issues.

[Story by NICOLE CABACANG, SDN Managing Editor, BSDevCom 2]