TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Eastern Visayas has pledged continued support for a farming and livelihood program inside the Northern Samar Provincial Jail, highlighting its role in inmate rehabilitation and food production.

Department of Agriculture-8 Regional Executive Director Rodel Macapañas recently visited the facility in Barangay Dancalan, Bobon town, together with Provincial Agriculturist Jose Luis Acompanado and OIC Provincial Warden Jay Keenson Acebuche to assess ongoing agricultural activities and identify areas for further assistance.

The farming initiative, implemented within the jail compound, forms part of the rehabilitation program for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), providing them with productive skills and livelihood opportunities.

PDLs are currently engaged in cultivating various crops, including pechay and ampalaya, as well as managing poultry and duck raising for egg production, piggery operations, and tilapia farming in the facility’s fishpond.

Beyond agriculture, inmates are also involved in producing bread, woodcrafts, bonsai plants, and artworks, which are sold to local buyers.

These livelihood efforts complement other rehabilitation programs such as skills training, Alternative Learning System (ALS) classes, literacy initiatives, sports development, and spiritual formation.

Macapañas expressed support for expanding training programs, particularly in urban gardening and agricultural production, to further enhance the skills and productivity of the PDLs.

He emphasized that strengthening such initiatives not only contributes to food sustainability within the facility but also equips inmates with competencies that can help them reintegrate into society upon release.

The visit followed a meeting between Macapañas and Northern Samar officials, including Governor Harris Ongchuan and Vice Governor Clarence Dato, to discuss additional agricultural support for the province and reinforce collaboration between national and local governments in advancing both the agriculture sector and rehabilitation programs.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Nearly 1,800 tricycle drivers in Tacloban City received P5,000 each in government aid on Wednesday, April 8, offering temporary relief as soaring fuel prices continue to cut into their daily earnings.

The cash assistance, distributed at the Tacloban City Astrodome Convention Center, benefited 1,796 drivers and forms part of a wider P49-million subsidy released to 9,569 registered tricycle drivers across seven cities in Eastern Visayas, including Ormoc, Baybay, Borongan, Catbalogan, Calbayog, and Maasin.

The program, implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is part of the national government’s fuel subsidy initiative aimed at cushioning the impact of rising oil prices on the transport sector.

DSWD Regional Director Grace Subong said beneficiaries were identified through validated lists submitted by local government units, prioritizing drivers who depend on fuel for their livelihood.

For many drivers, the assistance comes at a critical time.

Tricycle driver Castro Faller, 72, said the subsidy provides much-needed relief as his income has significantly declined due to high fuel costs.

A driver for more than two decades, Faller shared that he was forced to temporarily stop operating because earnings could no longer cover daily expenses.

He noted that his fuel expenses have surged from about P100 to P150 per day before the crisis to as much as P500 to P600 at present.

While grateful, Faller said the one-time assistance may not be enough if fuel prices continue to rise, echoing the concerns of other drivers who are calling for sustained government support.

(ALEXA A. PATAWARAN, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

In Leyte

ORMOC CITY — The municipality of San Isidro in Leyte has been declared under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), signaling a major milestone in the government’s efforts to end insurgency and shift toward sustained development.

The 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army said the declaration reflects the effective neutralization of communist terrorist group influence in the area, creating a safer environment for economic activities, investments, and improved delivery of basic services.
Military officials attributed the achievement to the coordinated efforts of the 93rd Infantry Battalion under the 802nd Infantry Brigade, in partnership with the local government unit, national agencies, and residents of San Isidro.

“This achievement is a testament to the strong partnership between our security forces, local government units, and the people. It reflects our shared commitment to ending insurgency and signals the readiness of the LGU in leading a peaceful environment conducive to development,” the division said.

With the SIPSC declaration, authorities said the municipality can now focus more on infrastructure development, social services, and livelihood programs, as government efforts transition from security operations to community development initiatives.

The 8ID described the milestone as a “people-centered victory,” emphasizing that long-term peace is sustained through active community participation, good governance, and continued vigilance against the possible resurgence of threat groups.

Residents were encouraged to support programs that promote unity, resilience, and peacebuilding to ensure that the gains achieved will translate into lasting progress.
The Army also reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with stakeholders to maintain stability in the area and support inclusive growth.

(ROBERT DEJON)