TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog Party-list Representatives Jude Acidre and Andrew Julian Romualdez have filed three landmark bills in the House of Representatives seeking to overhaul the governance of the country’s higher and technical-vocational education system.
The measures aim to modernize the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), strengthen the governance of state universities and colleges (SUCs), and establish a unified framework for local universities and colleges (LUCs). Collectively, the bills are intended to create a more coordinated, responsive, and accountable post-secondary education system in the Philippines.

Rep. Acidre, chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and co-chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), said the reforms focus on ensuring schools and training institutions genuinely serve the aspirations of Filipino learners.

“Our young people deserve schools and training centers that can prepare them for the future they dream of. Modernizing TESDA, strengthening governance in SUCs, and setting clear standards for LUCs are steps to make sure our institutions are not just keeping up with change, but helping students get ahead,” Acidre said. “At the heart of these reforms is a simple promise—that every Filipino learner will have the chance to succeed and build a better life.”

Rep. Romualdez, vice chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, emphasized that the bills go beyond institutions to address the needs of students and their families.

“At its core, education reform is about fostering potential. It’s about recognizing the dreams of our students and their families who look to us for guidance and support. This legislative initiative is intended to fortify our educational framework, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to excel and carve out a future that reflects their ambitions and capabilities,” Romualdez said.

The three bills filed by TINGOG are: House Bill 4798 (TESDA Modernization Act of 2025) – Updates RA 7796 to strengthen TESDA’s authority, devolve certain training functions to local government units (LGUs), establish industry boards, and modernize assessment and scholarship systems; House Bill 4799 – Amends RA 8292 (Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997) to revise the composition and powers of SUC governing boards, clarify CHED’s role, introduce differentiated autonomy, and establish a Philippine Higher Education Academy to professionalize leadership; and House Bill 4800 (Local Universities and Colleges Governance Act) – Prescribes mandatory guidelines for establishing and governing LUCs, strengthens workforce development functions, and grants fiscal autonomy to ensure quality and relevant education.

“These reforms represent our covenant with future generations—to transform education from a maze of uncertainties into a clear pathway of possibilities. When we succeed here, we’re not just reforming institutions; we’re giving every Filipino student the tools that can transform not just their lives, but our nation’s future,” Acidre said.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – A ranking member of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) has surrendered to government forces in Northern Samar, the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) reported on Tuesday, Sept.24.

The Army said the individual, vice squad leader of Squad 3 of the EVRPC’s Regional Security Force, yielded on September 19, 2025, in Barangay Magsaysay, Lope de Vega. His decision was attributed to sustained military operations, localized peace engagement efforts, dwindling community support for the insurgency, and family appeals for him to lead a peaceful life.

After his surrender, the former rebel disclosed the location of two arms caches in Barangay San Isidro, Matuguinao, Samar. Troops later recovered an M16 rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, and two magazines.

Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, 8ID commander, praised the move, calling it a major blow to the EVRPC.

“The decision of this key personality to embrace a peaceful life and his cooperation in recovering the hidden firearms are a strong blow to the EVRPC. This proves that our comprehensive and decisive military approaches and strengthened local government partnerships have effectively weakened the EVRPC’s operational capabilities,” he said in a statement.

The 8ID reiterated its call for remaining communist fighters to abandon armed struggle and avail themselves of government reintegration programs such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which offers support to help former rebels rebuild their lives.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

CAMP DOWNES,Ormoc City — To honor the more than 38 years of faithful and dedicated military service of BGen. Noel A. Vestuir PA, commander, 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, Philippine Army, the Ormoc Tandaya Eagle’s Club, led by its president, Mel Dimzon, hosted a medical, dental, and agri-mission to the residents of Brgy. Quezon Jr., Ormoc City, on September 20, 2025.

Among the services offered during the activity were medical check-up, dental extraction, dental cleaning, ultrasound, minor surgery, eye check-up, blood typing, haircut, and feeding, wherein a total of 967 residents benefited from it.

The Ormoc Tandaya Eagle’s Club partnered with the 802nd Infantry Brigade, wherein they provided security and haircut services during the activity.

Participating units during the event include the 93rd Infantry Battalion, 14th Infantry Battalion, and 8th Regional Community Defense Group, Reserve Command, Philippine Army along with the personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary 1105th Squadron, Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas, Ormoc City Police Office, and Brgy. Quezon Jr. Local officials.

Lieutenant Colonel Charlie L. Saclot, the Brigade’s Executive Officer, represented BGen Vestuir during the activity, wherein he delivered the message of the commander to the organizers and the participating agencies for their commitment to serve the community through collaboration.

“Sa ngalan po ng 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, Philippine Army lubos akong nagagalak na makasalamuha kayo ngayon sa isang makabuluhan at makataong gawain—ang ating Medical, Dental Mission at Agri-Mission na pinangunahan ng Ormoc Tandaya Eagles Club. Ang aktibidad na ito ay isang patunay na ang ating Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas ay hindi lamang nakatuon sa pagtatanggol ng bansa laban sa anumang banta sa kapayapaan at seguridad, kundi higit sa lahat ay katuwang ng sambayanan sa pagsusulong ng kalusugan, kapakanan, at kaunlaran ng bawat Pilipino katuwang ang mga pribadong sector o organisasyon,” Lt. Col. Saclot said. (PR)