TACLOBAN CITY — Amid moves to suspend the country’s mandatory biofuel blending policy to ease rising fuel prices, Rep. Marcelino Libanan of the 4Ps party-list is pushing for immediate government subsidies to cushion the impact on millions of coconut farmers and workers.

The House Minority Leader warned that while reducing fuel costs is a priority, it should not come at the expense of those dependent on the coconut industry—one of the country’s largest agricultural sectors and a key source of rural livelihood.

Under the biofuel program, coconut-based biodiesel is blended with petroleum, creating steady demand for copra and helping support farm gate prices while promoting cleaner energy and reducing reliance on imported fuel. A suspension, however, could significantly cut demand for coconut products, leading to lower incomes for farmers.

Libanan said any temporary halt must be paired with direct and immediate assistance. He proposed that support be coursed through agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, and Department of Agriculture, including cash aid, emergency employment, and agricultural inputs.

Citing data from the Philippine Coconut Authority, Libanan noted that about 3.5 million coconut farmers cultivate some 3.6 million hectares nationwide, with an estimated 25 million Filipinos relying on the industry. More than 60 percent of these farmers live below the poverty line, making them highly vulnerable to market disruptions.

He stressed that reduced demand for coconut-based biodiesel could further deepen poverty in rural communities, particularly in coconut-producing regions such as Eastern Visayas, where many households depend heavily on copra production.

To address the issue, the House of Representatives of the Philippines has approved a measure allowing the temporary suspension of biofuel blending for up to one year in cases of significant fuel price increases. However, the Senate of the Philippines has yet to pass a counterpart bill before the Lenten break.

Libanan emphasized the need for a balanced approach, saying that policies aimed at stabilizing fuel prices must go hand in hand with safeguards that protect vulnerable sectors, particularly coconut farmers who stand to lose the most from the policy shift.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Fans of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) in Leyte are in for a treat as 3M Entertainment Production and Events presents “Hitmakers’ Serenade for a Cause: The Power Trio – Timeless OPM Legends” featuring Rey Valera, Marco Sison, and Nonoy Zuñiga.
The one-night concert is scheduled for April 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Leyte Convention Complex – Main Hall in Palo, Leyte.

Targeting both longtime OPM fans aged 40 to 60 and younger music enthusiasts, the event promises an evening of timeless hits from some of the Philippines’ most iconic singers.
Mark Susaya, chief marketing officer of 3M Entertainment, said proceeds from the concert will benefit 30 selected churches across Leyte, making it a musical event with a charitable purpose.

Tickets are priced at P700 for general admission (free seating), P1,500 for VIP reserved seats, and P2,500 for SVIP reserved seats.

Organizers anticipate 1,000 to 1,500 attendees, with tickets available at authorized outlets such as The Book Shelf, Radiant Hotel and Events, Dream Radio, and Leyte Pasalubong Center in Palo for those coming from outside Tacloban and Palo.

Susaya added that ticket sales are already at 50 percent of the target, signaling strong demand for the much-anticipated OPM concert.

This event highlights the enduring appeal of OPM legends and demonstrates how music can bring communities together for a meaningful cause.

(GRAYDELLE JANZY S. CAHAYAG,LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY — In response to rising commodity costs driven by increasing fuel prices, the city government here has installed price monitoring boards in public markets to help regulate prices and protect consumers.

The boards display the maximum suggested retail prices (MSRP) of selected basic goods, allowing buyers to easily compare prices while shopping. Vendors are also required to post visible price tags on their products to ensure transparency in market transactions.

City officials said the initiative aims to address concerns over fluctuating prices, particularly as higher fuel costs continue to impact the cost of goods and transportation.

Regular monitoring is being carried out by local authorities to ensure compliance among vendors. Officials reiterated that practices such as hoarding and overpricing remain prohibited under existing laws and ordinances.

Consumers who notice any irregularities are encouraged to report these to the Business Permits and Licensing Division (BPLD) or directly to the city government, along with necessary details for proper action.

A fruit vendor at the Tacloban Supermarket, who identified herself as Linlin, said the price monitoring board benefits both sellers and buyers by clearly indicating the prevailing prices of commodities.

The city government said it will continue strengthening monitoring measures in public markets as part of its broader efforts to maintain fair pricing and orderly market operations.

(TROY B. ABARRATIGUE, LNU STUDEN INTERN)