CATARMAN, Northern Samar – Northern Samar has strengthened its peace-building efforts through closer collaboration among government agencies, local communities and other stakeholders, provincial officials said during the culmination of Peace Month activities on Sept. 25.

The Provincial Government of Northern Samar, through its Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), held the culmination program at Ibabao Hall, highlighting the province’s continuing efforts to promote peace as a foundation for development and improved public welfare.

The celebration carried the theme, “One People, One Province, One Peace,” emphasizing the shared responsibility of government institutions, communities and other sectors in maintaining peace and security.

Gov. Harris Christopher Ongchuan thanked government agencies, communities and other stakeholders for their contributions to the province’s peace initiatives.

Ongchuan said the success of peace efforts should ultimately be reflected in improvements in the lives of Northern Samar residents.

Vice Gov. Clarence Dato, meanwhile, reaffirmed the commitment of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to supporting programs aimed at sustaining peace in the province.

Provincial officials also cited the increase in municipalities declared under the SIPSC program, from eight municipalities in 2024 to 19 as of the third quarter of 2026.

The increase was presented as an indication of the progress made in the province’s peace and security efforts through coordination among local governments and other stakeholders.
The provincial government said it would continue working with communities and partner agencies to strengthen peace initiatives, support development and promote a stable environment for Northern Samar residents.

(EUGENE M. ENANO)

CATARMAN, Northern Samar– Workers, employers and other stakeholders in this province presented competing views on proposed minimum wage adjustments during a consultation on Sept. 24, with workers citing rising living costs while employers raised concerns over their ability to absorb higher labor expenses.

The second-leg consultation, held at Sumuroy Hall at the Northern Samar Provincial Capitol, brought together private-sector workers, employers, cooperatives, construction representatives and domestic workers, or kasambahays, as part of the ongoing wage determination process in Eastern Visayas.

Workers said increases in electricity, fuel, transportation and food prices have made it necessary to raise the minimum wage to help households cope with higher living expenses.
Employers and business representatives, however, expressed concern that a substantial wage increase would add to their operating costs and could affect prices, business operations and employment.

Proposed adjustments presented during the consultation varied, ranging from about 5% to 23% of the current regional minimum wage.

Under Wage Order No.25, the current private-sector minimum wage in Eastern Visayas ranges from P440 to P470 per day, following the implementation of its second tranche on June 1, 2026.

For domestic workers, Wage Order No.06 sets the minimum monthly wage at P5,800 to P6,400.

The consultation also highlighted the need for employers of kasambahays to be aware of and comply with existing wage standards.

Board Member Ferdinand Ulalan, the workers’ representative, said the positions raised by various sectors would serve as inputs in the deliberations of the DOLE Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board VIII.

“Malaking bagay po ‘yan sa amin bilang batayan sa aming deliberasyon,” Ulalan said, referring to the views presented by workers, employers, cooperatives and construction representatives.

Board Member Edwin Mañas, representing employers, acknowledged the challenge of balancing the concerns of workers and employers amid rising fuel and electricity costs.
Mañas said the board would carefully review the information and positions presented during the consultation.

The Northern Samar consultation was organized with the support of the provincial government under Gov. Harris Ongchuan through the Northern Samar Provincial Employment Service Office, in coordination with the DOLE RTWPB VIII.

The consultation is part of a regional wage determination process covering Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar. The first consultation was held in Biliran on Sept. 17.

Mañas urged participants to submit their position papers, with the deadline set on Nov. 5, the date of the last public hearing.

He stressed that any wage adjustment discussed during the consultations remains a proposal and will still be subject to further deliberation, taking into consideration the positions and concerns of both workers and employers.

(EUGENE M. ENANO)

TACLOBAN CITY – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged soldiers of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division to sustain their efforts in maintaining peace and security in Eastern Visayas, saying the government is behind them as they carry out their mission in the region.

Marcos delivered the message during his visit to the 8ID headquarters at Camp General Vicente Lukban in Tacloban City on Sept. 25, where he met with officers and enlisted personnel and acknowledged their dedication and sacrifices.

“Whatever it is that you are doing, kung anuman ang inyong nagiging strategy, kung anuman ang nagiging tactics ninyo, ituloy ninyo dahil maganda ang nakikita nating resulta. We will continue to do that and the government is here standing behind you in anything that you need,” Marcos told the troops.

The President, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, heard from 8ID personnel about the security situation and challenges they encounter in carrying out their duties across Eastern Visayas.

Marcos emphasized the military’s role not only in addressing security threats but also in helping create conditions that allow communities to pursue peace and development.
The 8ID said its peace and security efforts include coordination with local governments, law enforcement agencies and communities in addressing security concerns within its area of responsibility.

The Army said a stable security environment helps facilitate the delivery of government services, implementation of infrastructure projects, expansion of livelihood opportunities and growth of economic activities in communities.

Marcos also recognized the sacrifices of military personnel and their families and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the capabilities and welfare of the AFP.
The 8ID said it would continue to maintain operational readiness, protect communities and work with government and other stakeholders in pursuing peace and development in Eastern Visayas.

(LLIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Carabao owners and prospective beneficiaries in Borongan City are being prepared to take part in a government program aimed at increasing the local carabao population and improving milk and meat production.

The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC), through the Philippine Carabao Center-Visayas State University (PCC-VSU), conducted a two-day Social Preparation and Carabao Management Training for local carabao owners on Sept. 24 and 25.

Held at the ABC Multi-Purpose Hall in Barangay Campesao, the training brought together carabao owners, beneficiaries of artificial insemination (AI) services and members of the Borongan Carabao Association.

PCC personnel Jimmy Espina Jr., science specialist II, and Ric Posas, assistant AI coordinator, served as resource speakers. They discussed social preparation, management of pregnant animals and calving, record keeping, feeds and feeding, and breeding and reproduction.

The social preparation component was designed to orient participants on their roles and responsibilities as beneficiaries of the Carabao Herd Build-up (CHB) Project and strengthen their commitment to the proper care and management of animals to be distributed under the program.

The carabao management component provided participants with practical knowledge on feeding, health management, breeding and general animal care.

The activity was conducted in partnership with the Borongan City Government through the City Agriculturist’s Office-Livestock and Poultry Section and the Borongan Carabao Raisers Association.

It followed the project orientation conducted for the association on June 22 as part of the implementation of the CHB Project in the city.

The CHB Project is a nationwide initiative of the DA-PCC that seeks to increase the country’s carabao population while supporting local milk and meat production.
The program also promotes the genetic improvement of dairy buffaloes through artificial insemination and backcrossing using high-grade Riverine dairy semen to improve milk production.

Under the program, dairy carabaos are entrusted to qualified farmers’ cooperatives, associations and individual beneficiaries, or “carapreneurs,” to help establish and develop community-level enterprises.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)