A delegation from the United States Air Force (USAF) Air War College (AWC), led by Captain Albert Benoit USN, visited the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on March 10, 2026, at the PAF Headquarters, Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

As part of the visit, the delegation rendered a courtesy call on Major General Jose Bonifacio F Calub PAF, the Air Force Inspector General.

The visit forms part of the delegation’s engagement with the Philippine Air Force aimed at strengthening professional exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding on key security and defense developments.

Discussions also touched on areas of shared interest related to defense initiatives, capability development, and evolving operational environments.

The engagement highlights the continuing cooperation and professional dialogue between the Philippine Air Force and its international counterparts, reinforcing shared efforts toward promoting regional security, stability, and strengthened defense partnerships. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — Tricycle drivers in Calbayog City will benefit from a city-funded fuel subsidy program as local officials move to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices while maintaining stable fares for commuters.

Mayor Raymund “Monmon” Uy formalized the program’s rollout following a meeting with representatives of Petron on March 17, after the Local Price Coordinating Council endorsed the company as the official fuel supplier due to its competitive pricing.

Under the scheme, partner fuel stations in Tinambacan, Cagsalaosao, Capoocan, Obrero, and Carayman will supply fuel to members of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA).

Mayor Uy said drivers will continue to pay a fixed rate of P58.00 per liter—based on pre-crisis prices—while the city government will shoulder the additional cost caused by recent fuel price hikes linked to tensions in the Middle East.

The city government clarified that the subsidy does not cover public utility vehicles regulated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, such as jeepneys and buses, which follow national fare policies.

Beneficiaries include TODA groups operating in Ipao, Gadgaran, Trinidad (Sabang), Oquendo, Tarabucan, Pilar, Tinambacan, and Sta. Margarita. Daily fuel allocations per tricycle will range from five to 12 liters, depending on assigned routes.

Mayor Uy emphasized that only registered TODA members are eligible for the subsidy, excluding colorum or unregistered operators.

Prior to the program’s implementation, the city government reaffirmed its no-fare-hike policy during a meeting with TODA officials on March 16, aiming to ease the burden on commuters despite increasing fuel costs.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Elementary pupils in Barugo, Leyte are being mobilized as early advocates of marine conservation following an information drive led by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Eastern Visayas.

Held on March 10 at Canomantag Elementary School, the activity gathered Grades 4 to 6 students for an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) session focusing on sustainable fisheries management, coastal habitat protection, and the Fisheries Management Area (FMA) system.

To make learning more engaging, students joined interactive discussions and games, including the “fish game,” which simulated fishing practices and demonstrated the effects of responsible fishing and the risks of overfishing.

BFAR-8 personnel also introduced common fish species and highlighted conservation efforts for ‘tamban’, a priority species under Fisheries Management Area 7, which includes Barugo and nearby coastal communities.

Municipal Agriculturist Engr. Ariel Gam encouraged the pupils to take an active role in protecting vital marine ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. The students expressed enthusiasm and willingness to help safeguard the environment.

Provincial Fisheries Officer Loreginia Briones emphasized the importance of instilling environmental awareness at a young age, noting that even small actions can lead to long-term benefits for marine conservation.

Teachers welcomed the initiative, saying it enhanced students’ understanding of responsible fishing and environmental stewardship.

The activity is part of BFAR-8’s ongoing campaign across Eastern Visayas this year to strengthen youth awareness and participation in coastal resource management, positioning them as future champions of fisheries conservation in their communities.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)