TACLOBAN CITY — Patients, companions and visitors at three hospitals in Tacloban City now have additional seating areas following the installation of benches by Maxim Rides & Food Delivery as part of its public infrastructure improvement program.
The benches were installed at the Leyte Provincial Hospital, Governor Benjamin T. Romualdez General Hospital and Schistosomiasis Center, and Tacloban City Hospital.
Maxim said the initiative aims to provide more comfortable spaces in public facilities that accommodate large numbers of patients and visitors, particularly where existing seating is limited.
The company said the improvements are provided at no cost to users.
“On behalf of Leyte Provincial Hospital, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the benches you have given to our facility. They have been helpful in serving our clients,” a hospital representative said.
Sedpre Jabagat, head of Maxim Tacloban, said the company wants to support communities where it operates through practical improvements.
“We want to contribute in practical ways that can make everyday experiences a little more comfortable for people in the communities where Maxim operates,” Jabagat said.
Maxim said the program will be expanded to other community spaces in Tacloban, with possible projects including benches, pickup points, information boards, signs and other equipment based on local needs.
The company also plans to coordinate with establishments and public spaces to identify areas where infrastructure improvements may be useful.
Similar initiatives are being implemented by Maxim in other areas of Metro Manila, where the company has installed benches at community spaces such as bus stops, schools, barangay health centers and transport terminals.
NPA-FREE DECLARATION.Gamay Mayor Timoteo Capoquian Jr. (center) joins military, police and local government officials during the declaration of the municipality under Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) on Sept. 18. Gamay is the 19th of Northern Samar’s 24 municipalities to attain the status, following Palapag’s declaration a day earlier. (8ID PHOTO)
NPA-FREE DECLARATION.Gamay Mayor Timoteo Capoquian Jr. (center) joins military, police and local government officials during the declaration of the municipality under Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) on Sept. 18. Gamay is the 19th of Northern Samar’s 24 municipalities to attain the status, following Palapag’s declaration a day earlier. (8ID PHOTO)
TACLOBAN CITY – Northern Samar now has 19 of its 24 municipalities under Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) following the declaration of Gamay on Sept. 18, a day after Palapag town attained the same status.
The consecutive declarations bring the province closer to its goal of sustaining peace in all of its municipalities after years of armed conflict involving communist insurgents.
The 8th Infantry Division (8ID) said the declarations reflect sustained cooperation among local governments, national government agencies, security forces and communities in addressing security concerns and creating conditions for development.
8ID commander Maj. Gen. Peter Burgonio said the SIPSC declarations were the result of years of coordinated efforts by the military, Philippine National Police, local governments and residents.
He said the military’s role does not end with the declarations, adding that the 8ID will continue supporting local governments in sustaining peace gains, assisting former rebels in their reintegration into communities and helping ensure that development reaches areas previously affected by armed conflict.
Burgonio also called on remaining members of communist armed groups to abandon the armed struggle and return to the folds of the law, saying government reintegration programs are available to those who choose to surrender and rebuild their lives with their families.
Gamay Mayor Timoteo Capoquian Jr. said the SIPSC declaration should be measured by its impact on ordinary residents.
“Peace is not just a word. Peace is not just a government program. Peace is not just the absence of armed encounters. Peace is being able to live without fear,” he said.
Capoquian, who survived an ambush by members of the New People’s Army in 2008, said the declaration marks the beginning of a new phase for Gamay.
He said the municipality can now focus more strongly on development programs, basic services, livelihood opportunities, education, infrastructure and youth initiatives.
“This declaration is not the end. It is a beginning,” he said.
Palapag Mayor Florence Batula, whose municipality was declared under SIPSC on Sept. 17, described the milestone as a turning point after nearly four decades of armed conflict.
“For almost four decades, peace in Palapag was a promise repeatedly pursued, but never fully realized. Today, we finally have an answer,” Batula said.
She credited the declaration to the combined efforts of the military, police, local and national government agencies, barangay officials, residents and former rebels who chose to return to the folds of the law.
Batula said Palapag is already seeing signs of renewed economic activity, including increased tourism, business activity and investments.
She stressed, however, that the SIPSC declaration should not be regarded as the end of the peace process.
“This declaration is not the ending of a chapter. It is the beginning of a more difficult period of sustainment. Our responsibility now shifts from achieving peace to protecting peace,” Batula said.
She urged barangay officials, youth leaders and community organizations to remain vigilant, maintain dialogue and address grievances before they escalate, while protecting young people from exploitation.
The 19 municipalities now under SIPSC include all 14 towns in Northern Samar’s first congressional district—Allen, Biri, Bobon, Capul, Catarman, Lavezares, Lope de Vega, Mondragon, Rosario, San Antonio, San Isidro, San Jose, San Vicente and Victoria.
The second district municipalities under SIPSC are Laoang, Lapinig, San Roque, Palapag and Gamay.
The 8ID said sustaining the peace gains will require continued cooperation among security forces, local governments, national agencies and communities.
It said maintaining peace and security would provide a stronger foundation for governance, investment and development in communities previously affected by armed conflict.
NEW PCL-Leyte PRESIDENT. Palo municipal councilor Chiqui Ruth C. Uy takes her oath as president of the Philippine Councilors League-Leyte Chapter before Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho “Icot” L. Petilla on Sept. 11. Uy’s assumption as PCL-Leyte president also makes her an ex-officio member of the Leyte Sangguniang Panlalawigan, representing the province’s municipal and city councilors.(PHOTO COURTESY)
NEW PCL-Leyte PRESIDENT. Palo municipal councilor Chiqui Ruth C. Uy takes her oath as president of the Philippine Councilors League-Leyte Chapter before Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho “Icot” L. Petilla on Sept. 11. Uy’s assumption as PCL-Leyte president also makes her an ex-officio member of the Leyte Sangguniang Panlalawigan, representing the province’s municipal and city councilors.(PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — Palo municipal councilor Chiqui Ruth Uy has assumed the presidency of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL)-Leyte Chapter, succeeding longtime public servant Carmen Cari, who died earlier this month.
Uy took her oath of office before Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla on Sept. 11, formally beginning her tenure as head of the provincial organization of municipal and city councilors.
As PCL-Leyte president, Uy also becomes an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board), where she will represent the province’s local legislators.
Uy previously served as vice president of the PCL-Leyte Chapter. She is currently a member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Palo.
Her new position gives her a seat in the provincial legislative body and a role in bringing the concerns and interests of local councilors to the Provincial Board.
The Leyte provincial government lists the PCL president among the ex-officio members of the Provincial Board.
Uy succeeds Cari, who died on Sept. 1 at age 90 after a lingering illness. Cari had also served as an ex-officio member of the Provincial Board during her tenure as PCL-Leyte president.
A former congresswoman and mayor of Baybay City, Cari was a longtime public servant in Leyte.
Uy’s assumption of the PCL presidency marks a transition in the leadership of the provincial councilors’ organization as she takes on both her league responsibilities and her new role in the Provincial Board.
FISHERIES SCHOLARSHIP ADVOCATE. The municipal government of Tanauan, Leyte receives the FSP Advocate Award – Outstanding Local Government Unit Category from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources during the 63rd Fish Conservation Week celebration and stakeholders’ recognition event at the Luxent Hotel in Diliman, Quezon City on Sept. 18, 2026. The award recognizes the municipality’s support for the Fisheries Scholarship Program in Eastern Visayas. (Photo Courtesy)
FISHERIES SCHOLARSHIP ADVOCATE. The municipal government of Tanauan, Leyte receives the FSP Advocate Award – Outstanding Local Government Unit Category from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources during the 63rd Fish Conservation Week celebration and stakeholders’ recognition event at the Luxent Hotel in Diliman, Quezon City on Sept. 18, 2026. The award recognizes the municipality’s support for the Fisheries Scholarship Program in Eastern Visayas. (Photo Courtesy)
TACLOBAN CITY — The municipality of Tanauan in Leyte has been recognized for its contribution to fisheries education through its support for the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP) in Eastern Visayas.
Tanauan received the FSP Advocate Award – Outstanding Local Government Unit Category during the 63rd Fish Conservation Week celebration and stakeholders’ recognition event held at the Luxent Hotel in Diliman, Quezon City on Sept. 18, 2026.
The award from the Department of Agriculture-BFAR recognized Tanauan’s active collaboration and sustained support for the implementation of the FSP in Region VIII.
BFAR cited the municipality’s support for fisheries education and scholar development, including practices that helped strengthen the implementation of the scholarship program.
The agency said such efforts contribute to developing fisheries professionals who can help advance and sustainably manage the country’s fisheries sector.
The recognition was given as BFAR and its partners observed the 63rd Fish Conservation Week, which promotes the protection of fisheries and aquatic resources and stronger cooperation among government agencies, local governments, fisherfolk, academic institutions and other stakeholders.
This year’s celebration carries the theme “Lusay, Korales, at Bakawan: Yaman ng Karagatan, Masaganang Buhay ng Pamayanan,” highlighting the importance of healthy marine ecosystems to communities and livelihoods.
The BFAR Fisheries Scholarship Program provides educational opportunities to qualified students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries. It includes scholarship components for honor students, children of registered municipal fisherfolk and qualified Indigenous students.
For Tanauan, the recognition underscores its partnership with BFAR in supporting young people who could contribute to the sustainable management and development of fisheries resources.
GIANT CARABAOS. DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminant Livestock Dr. Benjamin C. Albarece (center) examines a giant carabao during a technical mission in San Roque, Northern Samar, on Sept. 15. The DA and the Northern Samar provincial government are exploring conservation and genetic improvement measures, including possible crossbreeding, to improve the productivity of the province’s carabao population. (The Provincial Government of Northern Samar Facebook)
GIANT CARABAOS. DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminant Livestock Dr. Benjamin C. Albarece (center) examines a giant carabao during a technical mission in San Roque, Northern Samar, on Sept. 15. The DA and the Northern Samar provincial government are exploring conservation and genetic improvement measures, including possible crossbreeding, to improve the productivity of the province’s carabao population. (The Provincial Government of Northern Samar Facebook)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Northern Samar provincial government are looking at establishing conservation and breeding programs for giant carabaos as part of efforts to improve livestock productivity and support farmers in the province.
The initiative was discussed during a technical mission led by DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminant Livestock Dr. Benjamin Albarece on Sept. 15, which included an assessment of existing giant carabaos and consultations with local officials and farmers.
Albarece met with Northern Samar Gov. Harris Christopher Ongchuan to discuss possible conservation measures and genetic improvement strategies for the province’s carabao population.
Also joining the meeting were Dr. Felicidad Anthea Naputo of the DA Regional Field Office VIII Livestock Program and Dr. Julius Abela of Visayas State University.
Albarece proposed exploring the crossbreeding of giant carabaos with existing water buffalo in Northern Samar to develop improved genetic stocks with traits that could increase milk and meat production.
He also recommended the establishment of privately led livestock breeders for each livestock commodity to complement government programs and accelerate genetic improvement, population growth and productivity.
The DA’s Unified National Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP) could also provide farmers access to quality livestock genetics, training and technical assistance, particularly for small-scale producers
The provincial government and the DA will identify potential sites for conservation farms and work with farmers to assess their animals and existing management practices.
Stakeholder consultations will also be conducted to develop appropriate conservation and genetic improvement strategies for carabaos and other livestock in the province.
Ongchuan said carabaos remain important to farmers, particularly those who depend on the animals for farm operations and the production of meat and milk.
“While we adopt modern technologies and advanced mechanisms in agriculture, we also recognize the importance of sustaining our livelihood animals, particularly the water buffaloes or carabaos as these remain vital to our farmers,” Ongchuan said.
He said many farmers continue to use carabaos for land preparation, hauling and transporting agricultural products.
Ongchuan also cited the potential of carabaos to help farmers reduce dependence on fuel-powered machinery amid rising fuel costs.
“In these trying times, we have to practice being less reliant on costly fuel-powered machinery. Instead, turn to carabaos, which can perform the same tasks without requiring fuel, for a practical and cost-efficient option for our farmers,” he said.
During the technical mission, the DA delegation inspected existing giant carabaos in San Roque, where Mayor Mary Ann Avalon joined the site visit and discussions.
The team also proceeded to Palapag to assess areas with existing cattle-farming activities and their potential for further livestock development.
A consultation involving Palapag Mayor Florence Batula, Pambujan Mayor Owen Lamberto Siervo, Municipal Administrator Jesus Acebuche, representing Laoang Mayor Charlene Ongchuan, artificial insemination technicians and local farmers discussed the status, challenges and opportunities in cattle and carabao production and breeding.
The mission included private consultant Leo Abuela, Mel Montenegro, executive assistant, members of the DA and LGU Guinobatan technical teams, and veterinary experts from the academe, including Bicol University Dean Dr. Rosefe Dy and faculty member Adrian Sula.
The Provincial Agriculture and Veterinary Office, headed by Dr. Jose Luis Acompañado, will work with the DA in identifying potential conservation sites and coordinating with farmers as the proposed breeding and conservation program is developed.
Ongchuan said the provincial government would continue coordinating with national agencies, local governments, academic institutions and the private sector to support livestock development and agricultural livelihoods in Northern Samar.
The proposed initiative seeks to conserve the province’s giant carabao population while improving livestock genetics and productivity for the benefit of local farmers.
Life has become unbearably difficult for millions of working Filipinos. Honest labor no longer guarantees food, shelter, health care, security, or a dignified future. This condition is not merely a personal failure but a grave indictment of an economic and political system that demands much from workers while giving too little in return.
A worker may spend eight hours on the job and another four hours trapped in traffic, leaving almost no time for family, rest, or personal growth. From a monthly salary of P15,000, rent, electricity, water, transportation, and food can consume everything before emergencies are even considered. When employment pays barely enough to remain employed, work loses its promise as a path out of poverty and becomes a daily struggle to avoid sinking deeper into debt.
The cruelty becomes clearer when illness strikes, or employment ends. Medical bills can destroy a family’s savings in days, while contractual workers live under the constant threat of dismissal before they qualify for regular status and full benefits. Skilled welders, electricians, mechanics, plumbers, teachers, and health professionals are also driven abroad because their competence is poorly rewarded at home. The country then loses valuable workers after failing to give them a compelling reason to stay.
Economic hardship is made worse by weak governance, favoritism, and unequal opportunity. Public assistance, government projects, and salaries may arrive late, yet taxes, penalties, loan payments, and utility disconnections recognize no delay. Connections can outweigh competence in hiring and promotion, while capable workers without influential backers remain underpaid and overlooked. It is unjust to call struggling people lazy when many already work long hours, endure exhausting travel, accept overtime, and borrow money simply to survive until the next payday.
The country is not hopeless, but hope must never excuse continued neglect. The government must enforce security of tenure, set wages based on the actual cost of living, improve mass transportation, regulate abusive lending, strengthen public health care, punish favoritism, and deliver services on time. Citizens should develop practical ways to improve their lives, but no worker should be told to build a private system merely because public institutions have failed. The system must be corrected by law, competent leadership, public accountability, and citizens who refuse to accept poverty as the natural reward for honest work.
