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Tingog pushes P200 daily wage hike while safeguarding small businesses

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TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog Party-list Representatives Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre reaffirmed their commitment to uplifting Filipino workers while supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 11376, or the “Wage Hike for Minimum Wage Workers Act,” on second reading.

The bill proposes a P200 daily wage increase for all minimum wage earners in the private sector, including those under contractual and sub-contractual arrangements in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.

However, to ease the burden on small businesses, the measure retains key exemptions and provides government-backed incentives to help MSMEs adjust to the wage hike.

Rep. Acidre emphasized that the bill strikes a balance between fair wages and business sustainability. Speaking to IBC 13, he explained:

“Klaro po sa panukalang batas na magkakaroon ng exemption. Una, ang may exemption po ay ‘yung mga enterprises na rehistrado sa ilalim ng Barangay Micro Business Enterprises Act. Pangalawa, ‘yung mga negosyo na may sampung empleyado pababa. At pangatlo, ‘yung mga negosyo sa mga lugar na nasalanta ng disaster at bagyo.”

Under Republic Act No. 9178, or the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) Act of 2002, BMBEs are exempt from the Minimum Wage Law.

Additionally, retail and service businesses with 10 or fewer employees, as well as those in disaster-affected areas, may qualify for exemptions under Republic Act No. 6727, also known as the Wage Rationalization Act.

To assist small enterprises in implementing the wage adjustment, the bill mandates financial and technical incentives through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“We recognize that some businesses may need support, which is why DOLE will provide incentives to help ease the transition,” Acidre added.

For her part, Rep. Yedda Romualdez emphasized Tingog’s commitment to policies that balance the needs of both workers and businesses.

“This wage increase is a crucial step toward ensuring that our workers receive just compensation while also considering the realities faced by small businesses. We want a strong, sustainable economy where every Filipino—whether worker or business owner—can thrive.”

Acidre credited Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez for prioritizing the concerns of workers and ensuring the bill’s swift progress in Congress.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

NFA to sell 18,000 bags of rice to LGUs under food security program

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NFA STOCK. The National Food Authority(NFA) in the region is ready to download its rice stock to help neutralize the increasing rice prices in the market. Photo shows an NFA warehouse in Alangalang, Leyte showing its rice stock. (PIA-EASTERN VISAYAS)

Aims to lower rice prices in the markets to lower rice prices in the market

NFA STOCK. The National Food Authority(NFA) in the region is ready to download its rice stock to help neutralize the increasing rice prices in the market. Photo shows an NFA warehouse in Alangalang, Leyte showing its rice stock.
(PIA-EASTERN VISAYAS)

PALO,Leyte– The National Food Authority (NFA) in Eastern Visayas is set to sell 18,000 bags of rice to various local government units (LGUs) as part of the government’s food security emergency on rice program.

NFA Regional Manager May Sara Sabarre emphasized that LGUs participating in the program are strictly prohibited from using the rice for political purposes and must ensure it reaches the public at affordable prices.

While Eastern Visayas was not initially included in the pilot areas for the program, the NFA central office directed the region to implement the initiative starting February 15.

“So far, the local government units of Ormoc City, Baybay City, and Leyte province, along with some areas in Samar province, have expressed their intent to procure rice from NFA,” Sabarre said in an interview on Tuesday, February 4.

The following LGUs have committed to purchasing NFA rice were Ormoc City, Baybay City, and Leyte province at 3,000 bags each; and Samar province, including Catbalogan City and Calbayog City with total of 9,000 bags

The program will run for three months, aiming to help stabilize rice prices amid rising costs in the market.

The Marcos administration launched the food security emergency on rice program in response to soaring rice prices, ensuring that Filipinos have access to affordable rice. The initiative allows NFA to sell rice stocks to LGUs at a lower cost compared to commercial market prices.

“Under the agreement, LGUs are mandated to sell the rice to the general public to help regulate market prices and prevent political misuse,” Sabarre stressed.

With the May 12, 2025, general elections approaching, the directive aims to prevent rice distribution from being used for political gain.

Participating LGUs are required to sell NFA rice at P38 per kilogram, significantly lower than commercial rice, which can reach up to P58 per kilogram, depending on the variety.

The NFA in Eastern Visayas currently has 18,000 bags of rice available, along with 82,000 bags of unmilled palay, which, once milled, will produce over 72,000 bags of rice.

For 2025, the NFA aims to procure over 250,000 bags of palay from local farmers.

Last year, the agency exceeded its procurement target by acquiring 138,080 bags of palay, surpassing the initial goal of 110,000 bags.

NFA buys palay at P25 per kilogram if wet and P30 per kilogram, if dry.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

Cruise ship visits to EV on the rise

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CRUISE TOURISM. Eastern Visayas continues to shine as a premier cruise destination, as the MS Europa 2 returned for a visit to the famed Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte on Saturday, Feb. 1 with more than 400 Germans on board. (LGU PALOMPON)

Part of DOT’s cruise tourism campaign

CRUISE TOURISM. Eastern Visayas continues to shine as a premier cruise destination, as the MS Europa 2 returned for a visit to the famed Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte on Saturday, Feb. 1 with more than 400 Germans on board. (LGU PALOMPON)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the region has announced that at least three cruise ships are expected to visit Eastern Visayas this year, marking a promising start for cruise tourism in the area.

The first ship, MS Europa 2, arrived on Saturday, February 1, visiting Kalanggaman Island in Leyte. The luxury ship, which carried 490 German guests, was followed by two other cruise ships: the Heritage Adventurer and the Coral Geographer, which will also make stops in the region later this year.

Despite the relatively small number of ships, DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes expressed excitement over the growing number of cruise destinations in Eastern Visayas.

“While the number of cruise ships may not be large, we are thrilled because more places are now on the map. New cruise destinations will be added to our list this year,” Tiopes said in an earlier interview.

Tiopes highlighted that the focus on expedition cruises helps promote lesser-known destinations in the region, attracting both domestic and international tourists.

“Cruise ships visiting less-traveled spots will introduce new areas to the public, encouraging travelers to explore and experience the unique culture and traditions of Eastern Visayas,” she said.

She added that these cruises serve as an important way to showcase the region’s untapped potential. “One reason we’re focusing on expedition cruises is that they help us attract visitors, whether local, domestic, or foreign. This is our chance to show the world the many destinations in Eastern Visayas that are still unfamiliar to many,” Tiopes said. “We invite tourists to explore our region, offering a harmonious blend of nature that you won’t find in more well-known tourist spots.”

Kalanggaman Island, stunning 6.8-hectare island more than 15 kilometers from Palompon, Leyte, was the first stop for MS Europa 2.

The island, named after the Visayan word for bird due to its bird-shaped sandbars, offered guests a chance to swim, sunbathe, and try stand-up paddle boarding. Guests were welcomed by performances from Taberna National High School students and a local band playing bossa nova songs.

For Claudine Sieras, a crew member from Bulacan, it was a special moment.

Although this was her fifth visit to Kalanggaman Island, it was her first time setting foot on its shores. “As a Filipino, I am proud that people from other countries can see our beautiful islands. It’s heartwarming to know that our country is being recognized on the world stage,” Sieras shared.

She also expressed pride in welcoming the ship’s guests and emphasized the importance of showing hospitality to international visitors.

After a day in Kalanggaman, MS Europa 2 continued its journey to Boracay Island, with Bohol as its previous stop.

In addition to Kalanggaman Island, the region now boasts several new destinations for cruise ships.

Among the sites featured in the growing list of cruise destinations are Limasawa Island, Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte; Cuatro Islas, Tacloban City, Palo in Leyte; Sambawan Island, Maripipi, and Higatangan Island in Biliran, as well as Biri Island, Capul Island, and the La Laguna Mangrove Eco-Park in Lavezares, Northern Samar.

The DOT continues to explore additional locations for cruise ship visits, offering guests a variety of experiences ranging from recreational activities to cultural, heritage, and educational tours.

ROEL T. AMAZONA

Military launches ‘Love Will Lead You Back’ campaign to encourage NPA surrender

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TACLOBAN CITY – In a bid to encourage members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to return to the fold of the law, the military in Eastern Visayas is leveraging the observance of Love Month this February.

The campaign, dubbed “Love Will Lead You Back,” is spearheaded by the 802nd Infantry Brigade, which oversees the provinces of Leyte, and parts of Samar and Eastern Samar.
The initiative seeks to persuade rebels to abandon their armed struggle and lay down their arms, said Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, the brigade’s commanding officer, based in Ormoc City.

“This month of love, the 802nd Infantry Brigade delivers a strong message: abandon the fight, for love will lead you back home—to your family, to peace, to the heart’s true victory,” Vestuir said in an interview on Saturday.

Set against the backdrop of Valentine’s Day, the campaign aims to remind insurgents that peace and the warmth of their families await them.

“We hope that the love and support of their families will inspire active rebels to surrender, just like their former comrades who have already chosen to embrace peace,” Vestuir added.
In addition to emotional appeals, the brigade will harness technology to reach out to active rebels. Online campaigns will feature former insurgents, alongside their families, sharing their stories of reintegration and peacebuilding, aiming to inspire others to follow suit.

“This initiative blends technology and emotion to reach insurgents in ways that traditional methods may not,” Vestuir explained.

By showcasing the successful reintegration stories of former rebels, the program seeks to ease fears about surrendering and highlight the government’s commitment to peace, rehabilitation, and second chances for those who choose to leave the armed struggle behind.

As of now, 72 former NPA members have applied for the government’s amnesty program. Of these, 66 are from the Samar provinces, while 6 are from Leyte.

Under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the government has extended the offer of amnesty not only to NPA members but also to members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

BFAR-8 to distribute P3,000 fuel subsidies to 3,140 fishermen

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TACLOBAN CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will distribute fuel subsidies worth P3,000 to 3,140 fishermen across the six provinces of Eastern Visayas starting this month, as part of its ongoing fuel subsidy program aimed at easing the financial burden on local fisherfolk.

According to Christine Gresola, BFAR’s regional information officer, the program, which began in 2022, provides financial assistance to help fishermen cope with the rising costs of fuel.

“This initiative is designed to alleviate the financial strain on our fisherfolk and enable them to make the most of their motorized boats and fishing equipment,” Gresola said in an interview.

For 2024, BFAR has allocated a total of P9.4 million for the program. Each of the 3,140 qualified beneficiaries will receive a one-time subsidy of P3,000 this month.

The breakdown of the recipients by province is as follows: Southern Leyte with 735 beneficiaries; Leyte, 576 beneficiaries; Samar, 558 beneficiaries; Eastern Samar,496 beneficiaries; Northern Samar, 394; and Biliran with 381 beneficiaries.

Gresola clarified that the fuel subsidy is a one-time benefit for each recipient.

These 3,140 fishermen are part of the second tranche of the program, which covers the 2023-2024 period. The first tranche, launched in 2022, benefited 5,729 fishermen, with a total funding of P17.1 million.

To qualify for the program, fishermen must be registered under one of the following: Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA); Municipal Fisherfolk Registry (FishR); and Boat Registration (BoatR).

“Additionally, applicants must own or operate motorized bancas with a gross tonnage of three tons or below,” Gresola said.

Eligible beneficiaries will receive cash cards that can be used exclusively to claim the fuel subsidy at designated partner fuel stations under BFAR’s program.

“Beneficiaries can only use the cash card for fuel purchases at our partner oil companies and fuel stations,” Gresola explained.

The program continues to support the livelihoods of local fishermen, helping them maintain their productivity and sustain their work despite rising operational costs.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

DPWH in Leyte’s 2nd district reports nears completion of a multi-purpose building in Dulag

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MULTI-PURPOSE CENTER. The Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office announced the completion of a multi-purpose center which can also served as a health center in Dulag town(L2DEO)
MULTI-PURPOSE CENTER. The Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office announced the completion of a multi-purpose center which can also served as a health center in Dulag town(L2DEO)

TACLOBAN CITY—The Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is making progress on the completion of a multi-purpose building in Dulag, designed to function as a mini-hospital for local residents.

District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura stated that the district office had previously completed the structural concrete works, and ongoing implementation activities will finalize the facility.

The project, with an allocated budget of P14.67 million, features a two-story building equipped with spacious labor and delivery rooms for pregnant women, ward and private rooms, emergency rooms, and laboratory rooms.

Additionally, it includes a nurse station, pharmacy, service area, and doctor’s office to ensure comprehensive healthcare services for the community.

Multi-purpose buildings like this serve as vital healthcare hubs in local communities, providing primary healthcare services and serving as referral centers for patients requiring more specialized treatment in urban hospitals, Oppura emphasized.

As of the latest report, the project has achieved 32.24% completion and is expected to be finished by June 24, 2025. It is funded under the Sustainable Infrastructure Projects Alleviating Gaps (SIPAG) – Public Health Facilities program.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

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