TACLOBAN CITY — Transport operators in Southern Leyte underwent a series of joint government inspections as authorities intensified efforts to enforce labor standards and ensure public safety across land and maritime sectors.

The initiative, dubbed High-Impact, High-Visibility Inspections (HIHVI), was led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Southern Leyte Field Office on March 23, 2026, in coordination with multiple government agencies.

The inspection drive covered key transport establishments and aimed to check compliance with existing labor laws, including Labor Code of the Philippines and Occupational Safety and Health Standards Law, which mandate fair labor practices and safe working conditions.
DOLE Southern Leyte Field Office head Eden Ligaya Golong led the activity, joined by representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group, Land Transportation Office, Maritime Industry Authority, PhilHealth, Philippine Ports Authority, Social Security System, and the local government of Maasin City, among others.
A total of eight transport establishments were inspected, with authorities assessing compliance on proper wage payment, workers’ benefits, and occupational safety and health measures.

Inspectors also checked workplace conditions, availability of safety equipment, and the implementation of preventive measures to protect both employees and commuters.
Alongside enforcement, participating agencies conducted on-site information drives to guide operators and workers on regulatory requirements, social protection programs, and industry standards—promoting voluntary compliance within the sector.

The HIHVI forms part of the government’s broader push to strengthen labor rights and safety standards, particularly in high-risk sectors such as transportation, where compliance directly impacts both workers and the riding public.

Officials said the coordinated effort reflects a whole-of-government approach to building a safer and more accountable transport system in Southern Leyte.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

ORMOC CITY– An 18-year-old Grade 12 student was arrested in a buy-bust operation for allegedly selling marijuana in Poblacion, Biliran, Biliran here on Wednesday evening, March 25, police said.

The suspect, identified only as alias “Boss,” a resident of Naval, Biliran, was apprehended by operatives of the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) at around 6:13 p.m.

Seized from the suspect was a plastic sachet containing suspected dried marijuana leaves, stalks, and fruiting tops, which was reportedly sold to an undercover operative for P500.

A subsequent body search, conducted in the presence of required witnesses, yielded another sachet containing the same substance and the marked P500 bill used in the operation.

Authorities said the exact weight of the confiscated items has yet to be determined by the Regional Forensic Unit.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, have been filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. He is currently detained at the lock-up cell of the Biliran Municipal Police Station.

(ROBERT DEJON)

QUEZON CITY– The Social Security System (SSS) assured its members in the Middle East that they can access benefits and services via digital platforms despite escalating regional conflicts.

SSS President Robert Joseph M. de Claro highlighted the My.SSS Portal’s reliability, enabling Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to file benefit claims and loan applications without interruption, provided they meet qualifying conditions.

For example, OFWs who were involuntarily separated can avail of unemployment benefit provided they meet the qualifying conditions and certified by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

“Even in these challenging times, our digital infrastructure ensures seamless service delivery,” de Claro said. “Members in the Middle East need not worry; they can manage their accounts safely from anywhere with internet access.”

He noted that SSS pensioners in the region can comply with the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) using the recently launched Facial Authentication feature on the SSS website, www.sss.gov.ph.

“A standout innovation is the ACOP Facial Authentication with Liveness Check, enabling secure identity verification from smartphones anywhere,” de Claro explained. “It reduces fraud risks and eliminates the need for travel amid the current security situation in the Middle East. These tools were purpose-built to empower OFWs, allowing transactions ‘whenever, wherever’ even in crisis zones.”

As of December 2025, there are 1,476,645 OFWs covered with the SSS with 540,018 as active paying members.

“We remain committed to supporting our OFWs through innovation and resilience, no matter the circumstances,” de Claro concluded. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — In a bid to boost wellness tourism and create alternative livelihood opportunities, the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Eastern Visayas has trained 34 residents of Baybay City in the traditional Filipino healing practice of hilot.

The training, dubbed “Filipino Brand of Wellness: Introduction to Filipino Massage ‘Hilot,’” forms part of the government’s push to promote indigenous wellness practices while supporting community-based tourism initiatives across the region.

All 34 participants, who are residents of Baybay City, completed the program, which introduced them to the core principles of hilot. The sessions included demonstrations of traditional rituals such as ‘tuob’ or ‘suob’ (herbal steam therapy), ‘hingut-an’ (head and shoulder massage), and proper foot care.

Participants also underwent hands-on training on basic hilot massage techniques for both the front and back of the body, including the proper use of banana or kasla leaves, which are traditionally used in the practice.

To help them start their practice, the trainees received start-up kits from DOT-8.
The Baybay City government also committed to provide additional support, including uniforms and portable massage chairs.

According to DOT-8, the initiative aims to equip residents with practical skills while enhancing the city’s tourism offerings, particularly in the growing wellness sector.

One of the participants, Richard Caña, said the training opened up opportunities even for those with full-time jobs. A member of the Baybay Emergency Response Unit (BERU), Caña shared that practicing hilot has become a source of extra income for him.

The program also aligns with the city government’s plan to establish wellness facilities in key tourist destinations in Baybay, further positioning the area as a hub for wellness tourism.

Officials said the initiative underscores the potential of traditional Filipino healing practices not only in preserving cultural heritage but also in generating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)