On March 30, 2026, during the grand opening of Management Days at Abuyog Community College, history was made with the formal launching of the Abuyog Community College Employees Credit Cooperative (ACCECC). The highlight of the event was the solemn oath-taking of the founding officers, administered by Hon. Mayor Lemuel Gin K. Traya. This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter for the college community, as employees unite under one cooperative to strengthen financial empowerment and solidarity.

The founding officers who took their oath of office are distinguished leaders and educators of the institution. Dr. Teofilo O. Montallana, Chairman of the Board of Directors, leads the cooperative alongside Dr. Clemelle L. Montallana and Prof. Ella Krista B. Traya as Board Members. Prof. Alfredo M. Gaganao serves as Board Secretary, while Prof. Christopher P. Gallos chairs the Audit Committee. Prof. Jacob C. Tupas heads the Credit Committee, Dr. Joel D. Comaling leads the Ethics Committee, and Prof. Dennis C. Rizaldo assumes the role of Coop Manager. Their collective expertise and commitment will serve as the backbone of ACCECC’s operations.

While some officers were excused due to personal and professional obligations, their presence in spirit was acknowledged. Prof. Jasper V. Dulosa, a Board Member, is currently on leave; Prof. Irene A. Belleza, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, attended her son’s moving-up ceremony; and Prof. Ritchie Deloria, Treasurer, attended to important matters with the Department of Education. Their dedication remains integral to the cooperative’s vision, and they will continue to contribute to its growth.

ACCECC was officially registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) on February 16, 2026, under Certificate Registration No. 9520-100800038788. Its mission is clear: to empower employees of Abuyog Community College by offering accessible financial services such as savings programs, low-interest loans, protection schemes, and livelihood support initiatives. By fostering financial stability and inclusivity, ACCECC aims to uplift the welfare of its members and promote a culture of cooperation and mutual aid.

Membership in ACCECC is open to all employees of Abuyog Community College, including job order workers, contract of service personnel, regular and permanent staff, and retirees. This inclusivity, as outlined in Article 2, Section 2 of the cooperative’s By-Laws, ensures that every member of the college community has the opportunity to benefit from its programs. The cooperative stands as a beacon of hope, offering financial security and opportunities for growth to its members.

The cooperative’s journey is further strengthened by the unwavering support of Hon. Mayor Lemuel Gin K. Traya, who graciously approved the free use of a two-door vacant space near the SMAW area within the ACC campus. This office will serve as the hub of ACCECC’s operations and future canteen services. Such support, authorized under Republic Act No. 9520, underscores the vital role of local government in nurturing cooperatives. With gratitude, the officers and members of ACCECC extend their heartfelt appreciation to Mayor Traya for his commitment to community development and cooperative empowerment.

(Dr. Teofilo O. Montallana, College Dean, College of Hospitality Management and Entrepreneurship, Abuyog Community College, Abuyog, Leyte)

TACLOBAN CITY — Baybay City has been named among the Top 10 winners of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Galing Pook Foundation’s Walang Gutom Awards 2025, in recognition of its efforts to strengthen food security and community resilience.

The city’s recognition came after it advanced as one of the top performers among 20 national finalists during the final presentation and deliberation held on May 11.
Mayor Jose Carlos “Boying” Cari presented Baybay City’s Food Resiliency Program, which showcases local initiatives aimed at addressing hunger, improving nutrition, and supporting sustainable livelihoods for residents.

The program emphasizes collaboration among the local government, farmers, partner agencies, and community organizations to ensure a more stable and accessible food supply, particularly for vulnerable sectors.

City officials said the award reflects the collective efforts of Baybayanons in promoting long-term food sustainability and strengthening local systems that respond to food insecurity.

Aside from Baybay City, other local government units from Eastern Visayas that made it to the Top 10 include the municipalities of Palompon in Leyte and Arteche in Eastern Samar.
The Walang Gutom Awards recognizes local government units across the country that implement innovative and effective programs to combat hunger, improve nutrition, and build stronger, more resilient communities.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY-A proposed measure seeking to extend the validity of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) identification cards from three years to five years has passed second reading in the House of Representatives, a development expected to ease renewal burdens for thousands of Filipino professionals.

The lawmakers approved the measure on second reading House Bill 8876, which consolidates several proposals, including House Bill 6752 authored by former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and other legislators.

The bill aims to lengthen the validity period of PRC IDs from the current three years to five years.

Once enacted into law, the measure is expected to benefit licensed professionals such as teachers, nurses, engineers, and other PRC-registered workers by reducing the frequency of renewals.

Rep. Romualdez said the proposal seeks to lessen both the financial cost and inconvenience associated with repeated renewal processes. He added that extending the validity period would help professionals focus more on their work and public service rather than administrative requirements.

The proposed measure is also being pushed as part of broader efforts to streamline government services and reduce bureaucratic red tape.

The PRC regulates and licenses various professions in the Philippines, including educators, healthcare workers, architects, accountants, and engineers. PRC-issued identification cards currently require renewal every three years, often involving fees, documentary requirements, and continuing professional development (CPD) compliance.

If approved on third and final reading and eventually signed into law, the measure would amend existing PRC regulations to implement the longer five-year validity period nationwide.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)