DEPDev Region VIII

11/06/2026

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | 𝐑𝐃𝐂 𝐕𝐈𝐈𝐈-𝐄𝐃𝐂 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬, 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬

The RDC VIII-Economic Development Committee (EDC) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth in Eastern Visayas during its Second Quarter 2026 Meeting held on 8 June at the Summit Hotel, Tacloban City.

Key highlights included the endorsement of two major national government projects proposed for Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding: 1) the Promoting Sustainability and Productivity for Enterprise Resilience and Upscaling in the Philippines (ProSPER) Project of the Department of Trade and Industry; and 2) the Inclusive Partnerships for Agrarian Reform Communities (IPARC) Project of the Department of Agrarian Reform.

The ProSPER Project aims to modernize and strengthen the country’s agri-food sector by supporting small and medium agri-fishery enterprises, while the IPARC Project seeks to enhance agricultural productivity, improve market access, and build stronger institutions in agrarian reform communities.

The Committee also recommended the approval of the economic chapters of the 2025 Eastern Visayas Regional Development Report and advanced key initiatives on infrastructure development, labor productivity, food security, energy resilience, and inflation mitigation.

11/06/2026

𝗚𝗜𝗭 𝗘𝟰𝗗𝗥 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

The GIZ-Philippines implemented IKI-project “Strengthening Disaster Resilience and Risk Mitigation through Ecosystem-based Planning and Adaptation (E4DR)" was featured as an official Impact Story in the Global Shield Vision 2025 Final Report: "Six Years of Collaborative Action to Boost Financial Protection for the Most Vulnerable."

The report recognizes E4DR’s work in the Philippines to strengthen climate risk insurance solutions that protect both vulnerable communities and the ecosystems they depend on. Through collaboration with national and local partners, the project is advancing innovative approaches such as:
✅ Developing climate risk insurance products for coastal ecosystems and communities
✅ Supporting the adoption of a regulatory framework on climate risk insurance
✅ Promoting nature-based and ecosystem-focused resilience solutions
✅ Integrating climate risk insurance into local development planning processes

Among the highlighted initiatives is the development of a mangrove parametric insurance product designed to provide rapid funding for assessment, clean-up, and restoration following typhoons and storm surges in Eastern Visayas.

This recognition underscores the importance of innovative financing and insurance mechanisms in building climate resilience and safeguarding livelihoods in the face of increasing climate risks.

GIZ E4DR Project Recognized in Global Shield Vision 2025 Final Report

The GIZ-Philippines implemented IKI-project “Strengthening Disaster Resilience and Risk Mitigation through Ecosystem-based Planning and Adaptation (E4DR)" was featured as an official Impact Story in the Global Shield Vision 2025 Final Report: "Six Years of Collaborative Action to Boost Financial Protection for the Most Vulnerable."

The report recognizes E4DR’s work in the Philippines to strengthen climate risk insurance solutions that protect both vulnerable communities and the ecosystems they depend on. Through collaboration with national and local partners, the project is advancing innovative approaches such as:

✅ Developing climate risk insurance products for coastal ecosystems and communities
✅ Supporting the adoption of a regulatory framework on climate risk insurance
✅ Promoting nature-based and ecosystem-focused resilience solutions
✅ Integrating climate risk insurance into local development planning processes

Among the highlighted initiatives is the development of a mangrove parametric insurance product designed to provide rapid funding for assessment, clean-up, and restoration following typhoons and storm surges in Eastern Visayas.

This recognition underscores the importance of innovative financing and insurance mechanisms in building climate resilience and safeguarding livelihoods in the face of increasing climate risks.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our partners, including the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Regional Office VIII, Department of Agriculture - Philippines, Insurance Commission, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), local government units, communities, and all stakeholders of the E4DR Project who continue to support this important work.

Read the full Global Shield Vision 2025 Final Report here: https://www.adaptationcommunity.net/publications/vision-2025-final-update-six-years-of-collaborative-action-to-boost-financial-protection-for-the-most-vulnerable/

10/06/2026

CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR EASTERN VISAYAS

From the Be RICEponsible

Marunong ka bang gumawa ng kuwentong pambata? 💡📚

Sali na sa Be RICEponsible Everyday Children’s Storybook Challenge!
Ibahagi ang iyong pagkamalikhain sa paggawa ng kuwento na kapupulutan ng aral ng mga bata (5-10 years old) kung paano maging RICEponsible araw-araw.

I-scan lang ang QR code para sa buong detalye at para makita ang assigned regional focal person sa inyong lugar, kung saan ninyo isa-submit ang inyong entries.
Excited na kaming mabasa ang inyong mga kuwento, kaya sali na!

You may send out your entries to [email protected] with the Subject in the following format :

R8_StorybookChallenge_Your Last Name_Your First Name

09/06/2026

🌱 𝗥𝗗𝗖 𝗩𝗜𝗜𝗜-𝗘𝗻𝗖 𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 ♻️🌏

The Regional Development Council (RDC) VIII–Environment Committee (EnC) advanced initiatives on green economy, climate resilience, and environmental governance during its 2nd Quarter 2026 Meeting on 2 June 2026 at the DEPDev Regional Office VIII, Palo, Leyte. 🌿🏞️

The meeting highlighted efforts to accelerate the region’s green economy transition, strengthen local environmental governance through the proposed institutionalization of Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Offices, and reinforce accountability in plastic waste management through the Extended Producer Responsibility Act, among other priority concerns.

Through these actions, the Committee reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable, resilient, and inclusive development in Eastern Visayas. 🤝🌱

08/06/2026

𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 🎯 🧩

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev VIII) gathered regional line agencies, local government units, and private sector partners for the Ideation Workshop on the 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘩𝘰 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘴𝘢 𝘉𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘯 (TPB) Regional Action Plan on 3-4 June 2026 at the Felipina Hall, DEPDev VIII, Palo, Leyte.

Building on initial inputs from the TPB Roadshow and Action Planning held in December 2025, the workshop helped identify priority actions for a grounded and actionable TPB Regional Action Plan.

The DEPDev VIII and its partners aim to align efforts toward a more strategic and responsive employment agenda — one that links people to better work opportunities and supports more productive and resilient communities in Eastern Visayas.

08/06/2026

📖 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗪 𝗤𝟭 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲!

Discover the stories, milestones, and initiatives driving Eastern Visayas forward—from major investments and regional reforms to innovation, inclusion, and community development.

Anchored on the theme "Forward Eastern Visayas," this issue captures the region's continuing journey toward resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth. Featured stories include RDC VIII's endorsement of ₱175.44 billion worth of priority investments for FY 2027, the reorganization of key regional development bodies, advancements in research and innovation, support for women-led enterprises, and initiatives that strengthen communities across the region.

More than a collection of accomplishments, LANTAW offers a snapshot of how government, private sector, civil society, and development partners continue to work together in building a stronger and more future-ready Eastern Visayas.

📲 Scan the QR code and read the latest issue today.

https://heyzine.com/flip-book/a91a2d54d4.html

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eDpztLv1tXsvrVZj6tM5XbeDKQI1lVN2/view?usp=sharing

05/06/2026

🌏 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀, 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀.

During the 2026 Visayas Regional Scientific Meeting, DEPDev VIII Regional Director Meylene C. Rosales emphasized that while the Visayas shares many development challenges, solutions must be grounded in local realities and informed by evidence.

With only a few years left before the 2030 deadline, accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals will require stronger partnerships, coordinated action, and data-driven policies that deliver results for communities.

04/06/2026

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | 𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗗𝗲𝘃 𝗩𝗜𝗜𝗜 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗸𝗶𝗰𝗸-𝗼𝗳𝗳, 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀

DEPDev VIII joined the National ICT Month 2026 Kick-Off Ceremony on 1 June 2026 at the Research, Extension, and Innovation Center of Leyte Normal University (LNU) in Palo, Leyte, reaffirming support for ongoing efforts to strengthen digital connectivity and accelerate digital transformation.

💻 The event highlighted the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s initiatives to expand digital infrastructure through programs such as the Public Community Wi-Fi with Management System (PCWMS), Provision of Internet Connectivity Services in Public Places Phase 2, PCWMS expansion projects, and the Level 2 Digital Transformation Center.

📶 A key milestone was the launch of 2,096 free Wi-Fi access points across 519 sites in Biliran and Leyte, expanding internet access in schools, health facilities, and public spaces, and improving access to essential services for communities.

🎓 LNU President Dr. Nicetas B. Villarino underscored the importance of reliable internet connectivity in strengthening education, governance, research, and public service delivery, emphasizing its role as a basic necessity in the digital age.

🌐 The activity also marked a decade of digital transformation in Eastern Visayas, bringing together national government agencies, LGUs, academe, and development partners in support of inclusive and people-centered digital development.

🤝 DEPDev VIII remains committed to advancing digital transformation and building more connected and empowered communities across Eastern Visayas.

Read full article here: https://dro8.depdev.gov.ph/depdev-viii-joins-national-ict-month-2026-kick-off-backs-digital-connectivity-initiatives/

📸 Photos by: DICT VIII and DEPDev VIII

03/06/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | 𝗥𝗗𝗖 𝗩𝗜𝗜𝗜-𝗥𝗣𝗠𝗖 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀, 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

The Regional Development Council (RDC) VIII - Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC), chaired by DEPDev VIII Regional Director Meylene C. Rosales, reviewed major infrastructure projects during its Second Quarter 2026 Meeting at the DEPDev Regional Office VIII, Palo, Leyte.

The Committee discussed implementation updates, field monitoring findings, and measures to address bottlenecks, strengthen coordination, and ensure stronger accountability among implementing agencies and contractors.

Key projects reviewed included:

✈️ Tacloban Airport Development Project
🏥 Samar Island Medical Center
💼 Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Center in Alangalang, Leyte
🏟️ Visayas Sports and Tourism Complex in Tolosa, Leyte
🛣️ Daang Maharlika (N1) Improvement Project in Samar
🏛️ Benjamin Romualdez International Convention Center
🌊 Flood control projects in Eastern Samar and Tacloban City

02/06/2026