Your voice.
Your community.
Taklub Digital News (TDN) is a digital news outlet based in Tacloban City, serving the communities of Tacloban and Eastern Visayas through local reporting, public-interest journalism, and informed conversation.
Journalism rooted in community
Led by founder and managing editor Rowel C. Montes, TDN covers the local events, decisions, and everyday concerns that shape life in Eastern Visayas—including stories that may receive little attention beyond the region.
Our mission is to strengthen community engagement through news coverage, informed discussions, and active civic participation. We provide space for residents to share their concerns and opinions while asking questions that hold government accountable.
TDN seeks to inform, inspire, and empower people to participate in democratic life. By bringing local stories and public concerns into view, we help communities engage with their leaders and with one another.
Why “Taklub”?
TDN draws its name from the Waray word taklub, understood in the outlet’s identity as “cover”—a reflection of our commitment to covering important local news.
The name also connects us to Tacloban’s cultural heritage. The city’s 2023 Ecological Profile traces Tarakluban to a place where people used a bamboo fishing device called a taklub to catch fish, crabs, and shrimp. Tarakluban later evolved into Tacloban.
Historical reference: City Planning and Development Office, 2023 Ecological Profile, Chapter 1.
Products & services
01 · Local news coverage
News articles, interviews, and features on local governance, education, development, culture, and the events that affect daily life in Tacloban and Eastern Visayas.
02 · Investigative reporting
Public-interest investigations into government accountability, public spending, and social equity. Projects such as TDN Budget Watch bring documents, community questions, and interactive reporting together.
03 · Community events & culture
Coverage of festivals, community activities, and cultural celebrations that reflects local traditions and encourages participation.
04 · Digital storytelling
Website features, social media reporting, interviews, video conversations, and interactive content that make local issues accessible and encourage dialogue.
05 · Civic engagement
Forums, community discussions, and outreach activities that create space for residents, civil society, and local leaders to discuss shared concerns.
06 · Educational resources
Explainers on civil rights, government processes, and social issues that help residents understand and participate in local governance.
07 · Local advertising
Advertising opportunities for local businesses and organizations seeking to reach audiences interested in Eastern Visayas news, services, and community initiatives.
What we’re working on
- Multilingual reporting: Local news and community stories in English, Waray-Waray, and Cebuano, shared through Facebook and LinkedIn.
- Community Matters: A podcast produced three times a week, discussing local issues, education, governance, and community development.
- Community engagement: News features, interviews, and updates that invite audiences to ask questions and participate in civic life.
Highlights of our work
- Coverage of local governance, education, and development programs across Eastern Visayas.
- Special features and campaigns on literacy, health awareness, and environmental stewardship.
- Community conversations through podcasts, social media, and interactive digital reporting.
- Educational and civic initiatives with schools, universities, and local organizations.
Our accountability to you
Who holds the watchdog accountable? TDN’s inaugural Public Accountability Report examines our journalism, audience, resources, limitations, and commitments for 2027.
This standing transparency document is management-prepared. It is not an independent financial audit or an externally verified assessment of newsroom impact.
Read our 2026 reportTDN in the community
A photo collection of learning, conversations, recognition, and community engagement. Select any image to view it larger.
Platforms & audience
Three times a week
Our audience includes local communities, government units, educational institutions, NGOs, and regional stakeholders.
Partnership & collaboration
TDN collaborates with government agencies, LGUs, universities, NGOs, and community groups on public service, education, development, and community engagement initiatives.
We welcome conversations about community stories, educational activities, civic forums, and local advertising.
Connect with TDN