Green Carbon, Inc., a Japan-based firm, through its Philippine subsidiary, Verde Carbon Capture, Inc. collaborated with the provincial government of Leyte, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculture, to implement a methane reduction project aimed at revolutionizing rice farming in the province. The initiative introduces the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technology—a water-saving method that helps farmers reduce irrigation water use without compromising rice yield.

The AWD project has its pilot implementation in Santa Fe, Leyte, for the 2025 dry cropping season involving a 10-hectare demonstration site of Victor Romualdez, Jr, a rice seed grower. There will be an additional 1,000 hectares expansion for the upcoming wet season in targeted municipalities. Ultimately, it aims to cover a total of 40,000 hectares of lowland irrigated rice fields across Leyte.

Mr. Hamsha R. Saz, Project Development Manager for the Philippines, said that Leyte was chosen as one of the top project sites due to its vulnerability to climate change—most notably the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), which claimed numerous lives and caused extensive damage to property and livelihoods, particularly in agriculture. This technology is expected to be a game-changer in rice cultivation, aiming to increase farmers’ productivity while enhancing their skills and capacities. In addition to supporting local agricultural development, the project addresses global environmental challenges by promoting sustainable farming practices and generating carbon credits.

Provincial Agriculturist Imelda Sievert disclosed that the collaboration with Green Carbon, Inc. is a well-timed initiative for Leyte farmers seeking rice production technologies with no added strain on the environment, minimal vulnerability to climate-related risks, and without affecting their harvest.

A significant aspect of this partnership is that the Provincial Government will not incur any costs for the project. Green Carbon Inc. will cover all expenses. In return, the Provincial Government will provide necessary data, identify suitable sites, and coordinate with the Municipal Agricultural Officers (MAOs) of each participating municipality to connect with local farmers. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – Nearly 1,300 soldiers under the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division have exercised their right to vote ahead of the May 12 elections through the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) local absentee voting (LAV) program.

From April 28 to 30, a total of 1,290 military personnel cast their ballots across 19 units within the 8ID’s area of operations in Eastern Visayas.

The LAV covers both soldiers who are registered elsewhere but deployed in Region 8, and local troops who will be assigned to other areas for election duties.

“The LAV ensures that government workers, especially those like our soldiers who will be on active duty during election day, can still participate in the democratic process,” said Catbalogan City Election Assistant Catherine Morales, citing the program’s legal basis under Executive Order No. 157 (1997) and Republic Act No. 7166 (1991).

The 8th ID camp is located in Catbalogan City.

Under the LAV system, voters are only allowed to vote for national positions—senators and party-list groups—and are barred from voting in their regular precincts on Election Day.

Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, the commanding general of the division, underscored the importance of soldiers taking part in nation-building not just through service, but through the ballot.

“Our votes are our voices. This is how we help shape a future worthy of the sacrifices we make each day,” Orio said.

Comelec confirmed that all accomplished ballots will be sealed and submitted to the LAV Division, where they will be fed into automated counting machines for official tallying.
Orio added that the 8ID will remain focused on securing peaceful and orderly elections across Eastern Visayas.

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

In Eastern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone has called for the swift identification and arrest of the suspect responsible for the shooting death of a 44-year-old farmer in Barangay Paypayon, Oras, Eastern Samar, early Thursday morning, May 1.

The victim, Ricardo Gonda, was identified by Governor Evardone as a political supporter of his son, Ralph Vincent (RV), who is running for governor in the May 12, 2025 elections.
According to a report from the Oras municipal police, Gonda, a resident of Barangay Binalayan, was found dead around 3:54 am with a gunshot wound to the left side of his head.

Investigators recovered two empty 9mm shell casings near the crime scene, which is located within the town proper.

Despite the efforts of law enforcement, the suspect remains unidentified. Police are actively pursuing leads, urging potential witnesses to come forward, and reviewing nearby CCTV footage for any clues.

The motive behind the killing remains unclear, but the incident has prompted strong condemnation from Governor Evardone, who has called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to expedite the investigation and ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice.

“We strongly condemn the killing of one of RV’s barangay leaders in Oras. The victim was still wearing the RV baller on his wrist. We are calling the PNP to conduct a thorough investigation and arrest the suspect immediately so that justice will be served,” Evardone stated in a social media post.

Despite the political nature of the victim’s connection, no area in Eastern Samar has been categorized as a concern by the Commission on Elections ahead of the upcoming election season.

“This is the first time such an incident has happened in Eastern Samar,” the outgoing governor added, stressing the need for a prompt resolution to the case.

(JOEY A. GABIETA, ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre marked Labor Day with a renewed call for the swift passage of the legislated wage hike bill, saying economic progress must be felt by every Filipino worker.

“Progress means nothing if our workers can’t feel it in their everyday lives,” Acidre said in a statement on Thursday, May 1, emphasizing that wage increases are essential for families to meet basic needs and live with dignity.

He stressed that honoring workers goes beyond praise, pointing to the need for better wages, safe workplaces, and a decent quality of life. “This is not just a political duty—it’s a moral obligation,” he added.

The proposed wage hike, which was approved on second reading before Congress adjourned, remains a priority for Tingog. Acidre vowed to push for its final passage when session resumes.

“Our workers deserve more than promises. Now is the time to act,” he said.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)