TACLOBAN CITY — A new education report on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has revealed persistent gaps in child development and learning, prompting Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog party-list group to call for stronger coordination between national and regional institutions.

The findings were presented following the turnover of the Year 3 Final Report of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) to the Bangsamoro Parliament during the Philippine Congress–Bangsamoro Parliament Forum.

The report cited major challenges in early childhood development, nutrition, foundational learning, and teacher training across BARMM.

Data showed the region has the highest rates of childhood stunting (34.3%), anemia (16.9%), and food insecurity (48.2%). Functional literacy stands at 64.7%, with many young learners struggling to read.

Despite these concerns, the report noted that Grade 3 students in BARMM performed above the national average in mathematics, indicating areas of potential progress.
Acidre said the findings underscore the urgency of addressing education issues in BARMM, emphasizing that these concerns go beyond the region and require national attention and accountability.

Among the key recommendations are the passage of a Bangsamoro Teacher Education Reform Code, the creation of a 10-year roadmap for early childhood care, and enhanced coordination among agencies such as the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and Professional Regulation Commission.

Lawmakers also agreed to establish a Technical Working Group to improve policy alignment and implementation between the national government and BARMM.

Rep. Acidre stressed that sustained collaboration among stakeholders will be crucial, describing the report as a step toward long-term education reform in the region.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

ORMOC CITY-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office completes the construction of concrete road in Brgy. Anislag, Isabel, Leyte with a project cost of P19,207,799.61 funded under the General Appropriations Act 2025.

The project involved the construction of 1900 lane kilometers of concrete road with a width of 6.1 meters. It also included the construction of 55.90 linear meters of stone masonry slope protection to help stabilize the road section. This replaced the existing 4-meter-wide dilapidated road with a wider and more durable pavement which significantly improves road capacity and provides a safer and more convenient access for motorists in the rural residential area.

During its turnover ceremony held on March 24, 2026, Barangay Captain Dindo Noya shared his gratitude for the completed road, stating, “Amo kini ampingan nga project ug atimanon namo kini kay dako kaayo ni ug benepisyo sa mga katawhan namo diri sa Barangay Anislag.”

With its completion, mobility in Brgy. Anislag is expected to improve, supporting the transport of goods and agricultural products through a more reliable route and boosting the community’s overall socioeconomic activity. (PR)

Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, N. Samar – In support of the national goal of fostering a society where women have equal rights, power, and opportunities, the Department of Public works and Highways-Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH- NSSDEO) proudly celebrated the National Women’s Month with the sub-theme, “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas”.

The celebration served as a meaningful platform to recognize the achievements of women and to further promote awareness on women’s empowerment within the organization. Key officials graced the event, including District Engineer Atty. Arthur Eric L. Sabong, OIC-Assistant District Engineer Francisco Y. Tañala, Chief of the Administrative Section Ma. Amparo Mariam T. Dapug, Chief of Construction Section Fiona A. Anunciado along with other Unit Heads.

A significant highlight of the program was an informative discussion led by Chief of the Finance Section Ms. Michelle G. Suan and Ms. Hazel D. Balberan, Assistant Chief of the Finance Section. The speakers emphasized important laws that protect women’s rights, equipping participants with essential knowledge crucial to safeguarding their well-being and promoting gender sensitivity in the workplace.

The tokens included basic household necessities and wellness vouchers, encouraging women to prioritize self-care and personal well-being. The DPWH- NSSDEO remains steadfast in its commitment to championing gender equality and empowering women, recognizing their vital role in nation building and organizational success.

(Jinky A. Dela Cruz/PR)

As chair of this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines is in a pivotal position to advance regional solidarity amid global energy uncertainty.
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said Manila must exert efforts to push forward the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA) and ensure member states can support one another during petroleum supply disruptions.

The APSA is ASEAN’s proposed framework for emergency fuel-sharing, designed to allow member states to supply petroleum to neighbors facing shortages of at least 10 percent of their domestic needs. Its objectives are to stabilize energy supply, prevent economic shocks, and reinforce ASEAN’s collective resilience in times of crisis.

The senator noted that the APSA scheme is modeled after the International Energy Agency (IEA), which pioneered coordinated fuel-sharing among its members.

“By accelerating APSA’s completion, ASEAN can establish its own mechanism for emergency fuel supply, triggered when a member state experiences a shortfall of at least 10 percent,” Escudero said.

He added that this arrangement supports ASEAN’s three priority pillars—Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment—reflecting the region’s collective focus on resilience, economic integration, and community solidarity.

“The current volatility in the Middle East highlights the urgency of a regional action, with oil prices rising and supply chains vulnerable. We have to act as one ASEAN,” he said.
The veteran lawmaker underscored that ASEAN’s fuel-sharing framework will be most effective if backed by member states with oil reserves and production capacity, such as Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

“Their role is crucial in anchoring the agreement. By pooling resources, ASEAN can ensure that emergency supplies are not only pledged but delivered when needed,” he said. “Fuel-sharing is not only about barrels of oil. It is also about trust, reciprocity, and the assurance that no member state will be left behind.” (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — The local government of Borongan City is planning to roll out a fuel subsidy program for tricycle drivers and boat operators in a bid to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices and prevent fare increases that could burden commuters.

Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda said the city government is willing to extend fuel assistance to drivers and boat operators on the condition that current fares will remain unchanged while fuel prices remain elevated.

He emphasized that a fare hike could adversely affect daily commuters and disrupt economic activity in the city.

Under the proposed scheme, the city government will coordinate with selected fuel stations for the procurement and distribution of fuel. Assistance may be provided through a coupon system, which drivers can use at accredited gas stations to ensure transparency and avoid conflicts of interest.

Meanwhile, transport workers in Borongan are also set to receive financial assistance from the national government.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has announced cash aid for affected drivers.

Based on city government data, about 1,908 tricycle drivers and 20 boat operators are expected to benefit from the program, with each receiving P5,000 in assistance.

City officials said the combined local and national interventions aim to ease the financial strain on transport workers while ensuring that fares remain affordable for the riding public.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)