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Acidre urges ChEd to crack down on ‘diploma mills,’ elevate quality of teacher graduate programs

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ENDING ‘DIPLOMA MILLS. Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre has asked the Commission on Higher Education to boost its campaign against the continued proliferation of so-called diploma mills and straightened campaign to improve the quality of education in the country. (FILE PHOTO)
ENDING ‘DIPLOMA MILLS. Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre has asked the Commission on Higher Education to boost its campaign against the continued proliferation of so-called diploma mills and straightened campaign to improve the quality of education in the country. (FILE PHOTO)

TACLOBAN CITY — House committee on higher and technical education chairperson and EDCOM II co-chair Representative Jude Acidre has called on the Commission on Higher Education (ChEd) to intensify its campaign against so-called “diploma mills” and to strengthen quality control in graduate teacher education programs.

Citing recent findings by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), Acidre expressed concern that many graduate programs in the country prioritize credentials over competence, turning higher education into a mere stepping stone for promotions rather than a means for genuine professional development.

“Graduate studies for teachers should not be about collecting diplomas but about deepening competence,” Acidre said. “It must be a meaningful journey that helps educators think critically, teach creatively, and lead with purpose.”

EDCOM II data showed that more than half of the nation’s graduate students are enrolled in education-related programs, yet many of these programs fail to produce impactful research or measurable improvement in teaching quality.

Acidre urged ChEd to impose stricter quality assurance measures and ensure that all graduate programs truly contribute to enhancing teaching standards. Strong oversight, he said, is crucial to protect both educators and students from substandard programs that waste valuable time and resources.

He also echoed EDCOM II’s recommendation to focus graduate training in critical fields such as science, mathematics, literacy, inclusive education, and digital learning—areas essential to addressing long-standing gaps in the Philippine education system.

“When we invest in our teachers’ growth, we invest in our nation’s future,” Acidre emphasized. “Strengthening graduate education is not just reform—it is renewal, one teacher at a time.”

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

RTWPB-8 calls a public hearing on minimum wage

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TACLOBAN CITY-The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)- VIII held a public hearing on minimum determination last October 27, 2025 at Radiant Hotel and Events, this city. The public hearing was attended by more than a hundred participants coming from the labor, management, and kasambahay sectors.

Under Republic Act No. 6727 otherwise known as the “Wage Rationalization Act”, the RTWPB is mandated to determine and fix minimum wage rates applicable in their region, provinces or industries therein and to issue the corresponding wage orders. Further, the wage determination may be by virtue of a petition for wage increase or motu proprio, the Board may initiate an inquiry to determine whether a Wage Order shall be issued.
In his preliminary statement, RTWPB Chairman Atty. Dax B. Villaruel, explained that the Board did not receive a petition for wage increase, thus, it is reviewing the prevailing minimum wage rates motu proprio.

Chairman Villaruel reported that the RTWPB-8 has conducted a series of sectoral consultations in Ormoc City on August 27; in Maasin City on September 3; in Borongan City on September 17; and in Calbayog City on September 18 in order to receive and hear testimonies that will help them to determine if wage adjustment is necessary.

To guide the labor, management, kasambahay, and stakeholders, government agencies presented correct and accurate view of the socio-economic conditions of the region.

Bernadette R. Montana, supervising statistical specialist of PSA-Leyte discussed statistics on the socio-economic indicators in Tacloban City such as poverty and employment statistics. Chief Anna Eunice A. Baylen of DTI Leyte then discussed the comparative prevailing price report of basic necessities and prime commodities. This was followed by the discussion on price and supply situation of selected agri-commodities in Tacloban City Public Market by Marilou Saporas, marketing specialist II of AMAD-DA VIII. Lastly, Lady Jane A. Fermano, senior economic development specialist of DEPDev VIII, presented the Eastern Visayas regional economic performance.

After the presentation of relevant data and statistics, labor, management, and the kasambahay were given the opportunity to express their positions on the issue of wage increase. First, Nelida Cawaa, a kasambahay from Tacloban City, appealed for a monthly wage increase ranging from P1,000.00 to P1,500.00. She shared that just like other kasambahay, her current salary is insufficient to meet the needs of her family.

For labor, Bellsedaize C. Acaso, labor union president of SOLECO, Inc., presented the position of Associated Labor Unions -Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) for a P200.00 daily wage increase for all workers in Region VIII.

Acaso reiterated IBON Foundation’s report that as of July 2025, the family living wage for a family of five is P870 per day and highlighted the 50% wage gap from the current minimum wage. ALU-TUCP laments that even with the proposed P200 increase, the daily wage remains below the P870 family living wage.

Lastly, from the management, Atty. Federico Felipe G. Noel, representative of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) – Tacloban-Leyte, presented the position of the management sector. The management sector prayed that the status quo be maintained due to several factors.

The RTWPB-8 is set to resolve within thirty days, whether a new Wage Order should be issued. Earlier, RTWPB-8 issued Wage Order No. 24 granting a P30 increase in two tranches took effect on December 2, 2024 while the second tranche was effective on June 1, 2025. As for the kasambahay, Wage Order No. 05 took effect on December 2, 2024, that raised the minimum wage of kasambahay in chartered cities and first class municipalities to P6,000 per month and P5,500 for other municipalities. (PR)

Army’s 14th IB on full alert as Typhoon “Tino” nears Eastern Visayas

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ASSIST. Soldiers from the 14th Infantry Battalion helped in the evacuation of families before tropical storm ‘Tino’ hit the region on Monday, Nov. 3. (14TH IB)
ASSIST. Soldiers from the 14th Infantry Battalion helped in the evacuation of families before tropical storm ‘Tino’ hit the region on Monday, Nov. 3. (14TH IB)

TACLOBAN CITY — The 14th Infantry Battalion(IB) of the Philippine Army has activated its disaster preparedness and response operations to assist communities that may be affected by Typhoon “Tino” as it moves closer to the Eastern Visayas region.

Lieutenant Colonel Esmeraldo Sumalinog, acting commanding officer of the battalion, said they have coordinated closely with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMOs) in the 5th district of Leyte and in Southern Leyte to implement early response measures.

To strengthen readiness, the battalion has pre-positioned disaster response teams (DRTs) in flood- and landslide-prone areas, ready to conduct preemptive evacuations, search and rescue operations, and relief efforts when necessary.

All line companies have been directed to maintain high alert status while continuously monitoring weather updates from Pagasa and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
Lt. Col. Sumalinog emphasized the battalion’s dedication to ensuring public safety and supporting local disaster response efforts.

“Our Avenger troops are fully ready to respond and assist local authorities. We are in close coordination with LGUs and MDRRMOs to make sure communities are safe and informed. The welfare and safety of our people remain our highest priority,” he said.

The battalion also reminded residents, particularly those in low-lying and coastal areas, to remain vigilant, stay updated on official advisories, and heed evacuation orders from local officials.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

PRO 8 mobilizes over 3,400 personnel across Eastern Visayas as Typhoon “Tino” impacts region

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TACLOBAN CITY — The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8) under the leadership of PB/Gen. Jason Capoy, regional director, has deployed thousands of police personnel across Eastern Visayas to ensure public safety and assist in disaster response operations as typhoon “Tino” continues to affect the region.

As of 5:00 a.m., November 4, 2025, a total of 1,450 PNP personnel and 1,953 RSSF personnel have been mobilized across the region’s provinces and cities for disaster response, security, and evacuation assistance. Of these, 465 personnel were assigned to evacuation centers, 157 to vital installations, and 176 as Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) personnel.

In addition, 116 Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) personnel were deployed to various evacuation centers to safeguard vulnerable sectors during the storm.

A total of 3,319 evacuation centers were opened across the region, with 1,577 currently occupied. Reports showed that 54,273 families or 183,726 individuals have sought shelter in these facilities, mostly in Leyte, Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar provinces.
Leyte recorded the highest number of evacuees, with 19,813 families (67,946 individuals).
Rescue operations are ongoing, with three SRR operations conducted in Leyte, rescuing 60 individuals.

Meanwhile, the storm disrupted transportation services in parts of the region.
Seven domestic flights were cancelled in Tacloban City, while three sea voyages were halted in Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Samar.

A total of 431 passengers were stranded in seaports and 105 in airports, with 176 vehicles unable to leave port areas—71 of which were in Liloan, Southern Leyte, and 105 in Northern Samar.

PRO 8 reported no damaged police facilities, vehicles, or communication systems. However, 26 power lines were affected—11 in Leyte, 10 in Southern Leyte, two in Biliran, and three in Eastern Samar.

Flooding was noted in three barangays—one in Leyte and two in Northern Samar—though no communities were reported as isolated.

The PRO-8 also confirmed that no lawless incidents or crimes related to the storm were recorded, including looting or gender-based violence.

Capoy assured the public that all police units remain on heightened alert and are coordinating closely with local disaster response teams and local government units.
“The safety of our people remains our top priority. Our personnel are working round the clock to assist in evacuation, maintain peace and order, and provide immediate response where needed,” he said.

PRO 8 continues to monitor the situation as Tino moves across Eastern Visayas, urging the public to stay alert, follow local advisories, and cooperate with authorities.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Silago town declared insurgency-free, paving way for growth and development

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NPA-FREE. The town of Silago in Southern Leyte was declared as free from insurgency with local officials led by Mayor Lemuel Honor and Amy officers releasing doves to symbolize the status of the town. (PHOTO COURTESY)
NPA-FREE. The town of Silago in Southern Leyte was declared as free from insurgency with local officials led by Mayor Lemuel Honor and Amy officers releasing doves to symbolize the status of the town. (PHOTO COURTESY)

TACLOBAN CITY — The municipality of Silago in Southern Leyte is poised for accelerated growth and development following its official declaration as being under a stable internal peace and security condition (SIPSC), or more commonly referred to as “insurgency-free.”
The declaration, made on October 28, was formalized through a memorandum of understanding between local government officials, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other peace and security stakeholders—marking Silago’s transition from years of insurgent activity to a state of lasting peace and stability.

Mayor Lemuel Honor welcomed the milestone, describing it as a historic turning point for Silago.

“Peace is the foundation of progress. Now that our town is free from insurgency, we can welcome more investors and push forward with development projects that will uplift our communities,” he said.

The Sangguniang Bayan, led by Vice Mayor Sandielito Ando and peace and order committee chair Artemio Montana, affirmed Silago’s peaceful status through Resolution No. 01-2025. The resolution confirmed the absence of New People’s Army (NPA) presence and recognized the local government’s capacity to sustain peace and order without direct military intervention.

Colonel Rico Amaro, acting commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, described the declaration as both a triumph against insurgency and a new opportunity for local advancement.

“This achievement proves that cooperation among the local government, national agencies, and the community can create a climate where peace and development thrive side by side,” he said.

Amaro added that Silago’s new status will allow government services to reach even the most remote communities without disruption, enabling better livelihood programs, improved access to education and healthcare, and increased economic activity.
“The declaration sends a clear message — Silago is open, peaceful, and ready for business,” he emphasized.

Lieutenant Colonel Esmeraldo Sumalinog, commanding officer of the 14th Infantry Battalion, credited the unwavering support of local leaders and residents for helping the Army secure lasting peace in the town.

Silago’s SIPSC recognition leaves only the municipalities of Sogod and Hinunangan still in the process of attaining the same status in Southern Leyte. Once completed, the province will be closer to being fully declared insurgency-free — a milestone that promises sustained peace, development, and prosperity across all its municipalities.

In Eastern Visayas, Biliran remains the only province that has so far achieved an insurgency-free status at the provincial level.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Man-made disasters

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The recurring tragedy of floods in the Philippines is not merely a matter of natural disaster. Each year, countless Filipinos lose their lives and livelihoods due to these floods, exacerbated by substandard or nonexistent flood control projects. These projects, often funded by public money, are meant to protect communities, but instead become conduits for corruption, leaving vulnerable citizens exposed to the ravages of floodwaters. The human cost is immeasurable, with families displaced, homes destroyed, and lives tragically cut short, as exemplified among Cebu residents right now.

The root of this problem lies in the pervasive corruption that plagues many government projects. Funds allocated for flood control are siphoned off through inflated contracts, ghost projects, and outright embezzlement. Corrupt politicians, contractors, and government officials collude to divert resources, prioritizing personal gain over public safety. The result is poorly constructed infrastructure that crumbles under pressure or projects that exist only on paper, offering no real protection to communities in need, turning natural hazards into man-made disasters.

The impact of these corrupt practices extends far beyond the immediate aftermath of a flood. The destruction of homes and infrastructure disrupts lives and livelihoods, pushing families into poverty. The lack of adequate sanitation and clean water in flood-affected areas leads to the spread of disease, further compounding the suffering. Moreover, the psychological toll of repeated displacement and loss can be immense, leaving lasting scars on individuals and communities. The cycle of corruption and disaster perpetuates a state of vulnerability and despair for many Filipinos.

Stricter oversight and transparency in government procurement processes are essential to prevent corruption. Whistleblowers must be protected, and corrupt officials and contractors must be held accountable for their actions. Investing in quality infrastructure and sustainable flood management strategies is also crucial. This includes building robust flood control systems, improving drainage, and promoting responsible land use planning.

The fight against corruption in flood control projects is a fight for the lives and well-being of Filipinos. It requires a collective effort from government, civil society, and ordinary citizens to demand accountability, transparency, and integrity in public service. Dismantle the structures of corruption and prioritize the needs of the people so we can build a more resilient and equitable future for all Filipinos, where communities are protected from the devastating impact of floods and where public funds are used for the common good.

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