JIABONG, Samar– “Whatever the baby in the womb needs must be provided. If not, the baby could die in the womb,” said Jessica Cabael, 25, a resident of Jiabong, Samar, expecting her fourth child in April while already caring for three young children. The growing family has amplified the financial strain on their modest home.

The family’s meager earnings from selling ‘tahong’ (mussels) barely covered daily expenses as food costs climbed, making healthy meals a seemingly unattainable luxury.

Cabael often worried about her children’s nutrition, never imagining she could provide them with what they needed until the Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program (TKDSP) came to serve as a lifeline.

This vital nutrition support initiative, a collaboration between the National Nutrition Council and the Local Government Unit of Jiabong, aimed to prevent stunting in children under two years.

It focused on enhancing food quality and nutrition intake while improving access to early childhood care and development services for at-risk pregnant women and children aged 6 to 23 months.

For over 90 days, Cabael participated in the program, receiving carefully planned meals with wet and dry feeding options. These included dishes like adobong atay ng manok (chicken liver adobo), kangkong salad (water spinach salad), fortified rice, fried chicken, mongo (mung bean stew) and biscuits – all aligned with the recommended dietary guidelines for pregnant women based on the Pinggang Pinoy model developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Marisse A. Ladrera, a registered nurse and municipal nutrition action officer of Jiabong, reported that Cabael and 201 other participants showed health improvements within just 30 days, a progress attributed to regular weight and height monitoring.

The nutritious meals not only sustained Cabael but also supported her unborn baby’s healthy growth, offering not just sustenance but the reassurance of a healthier future for her children.

Barangay nutrition scholars and healthcare workers actively participated by preparing healthy meals and providing support to pregnant women.

“This is the first time I’ve joined a program like this. Even though I already have three children, it’s only now that I’ve been able to avail myself of something like this,” Cabael said. “I’m very thankful because I was included in the Tutok Kainan Program. Thank you very much to the midwives here in the LGU and the mayor.”

As her due date approached, Cabael expressed gratitude for the supportive community around her, who recognized the importance of nutrition. Seeing her children receive better nourishment, she felt empowered as a mother, her heart swelling with pride as she watched them thrive. (AAC, PIA Samar)

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Philippine Army with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Embassy in Manila held a Wreath-Laying Ceremony in commemoration of the 74th Anniversary of the Battle of Yuldong on April 22, 2025 at the Korean War Memorial Pylon, Libingan Ng Mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The event relives the heroism of the 10th, 20th, 19th, 14th, and 2nd Battalion Combat Teams along with the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) against the attacks of Chinese communists and North Korean Soldiers in South Korea during the Korean War.

The Commanding General Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido led the ceremony in honor of the living veterans and the Filipino soldiers who braved unfamiliar territory and overwhelming opposing forces during the Korean War. The families and descendants of the soldiers also graced the ceremony and received the CGPA’s appreciation for keeping the memories and heroism of the soldiers alive. Lt. Gen. Galido also highlighted the strong bond between the Philippines and South Korea during the ceremony and expressed his gratitude for more than seven decades of friendship.

Officials and members of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office and the PEFTOK Veterans Association Inc., in coordination with the Philippine Army, organized the momentous occasion that will continue to inspire generations of the Filipino and South Korean nations. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has certified 39 farms in Eastern Visayas for passing the Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP), meant to secure better market opportunities.

The 39 farms belong to the first batch that obtained certification from the government based on measures that ensure food safety, environmental care, worker health and safety, and produce quality.

“Food safety from farm to table is guaranteed by PhilGAP certification. With GAP, we follow the right way of farming – from land preparation and pesticide use to harvest, which will protect the farmers and the consumers,” DA senior agriculturist Randy Dante said.
Of the 39 farms, 35 are in Leyte and one each in the provinces of Southern Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar.

Dante encouraged local farmers to take advantage of the free certification process.
Farmers need to visit their local agriculture office or the DA field officer to get started.
He noted that PhilGAP has high standards set by law, and it can be challenging for farmers to comply with the requirements.

“The standard is high because it requires proper space or facilities, and farmers need to have at least four months of records and evaluations to ensure the safety and quality of farm production.

PhilGAP is a certification for crops primarily intended for food consumption.
The certification program is led by the Bureau of Plant Industry with the support of the DA regional field offices to ensure food safety and quality while also emphasizing environmental protection and the health, safety, and welfare of workers.

(With reports from Desiree Daga & Allysa Verzosa, OJT/PNA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Various sectors in Eastern Visayas, under the Eastern Visayas Peace Builders and Development Federation, once again called for the rejection of armed struggles during a lightning peace rally held on Wednesday, April 23.

The rally was organized in connection with the 52nd anniversary of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

A total of 59 representatives from various groups, including women, youth, farmers, workers, urban poor, teachers, small business owners, government employees, and professionals, attended the rally to express their support for peace over violence.

Alma Gabin, president of the former rebels in the region, emphasized that the NDFP has no reason to celebrate. She pointed out that many former organizers have returned to the government and voluntarily abandoned the armed struggle. She further stated that the public is now more supportive of peace than of continued conflict and violence.

Paul Escalona, president of the Tacloban Integrated Peace and Development Workers Association (IPDWA), condemned the presence of Makabayan bloc senatorial candidates and the Bayan Muna party-list, who are currently campaigning in the region ahead of the mid-term elections.

Escalona accused these left-leaning groups of using their campaign presence to recruit people and bolster their strength and resources for the armed struggle.

He called for their rejection, urging voters not to support these groups in the upcoming elections.

The rally was a call for unity and peace, urging the people of Eastern Visayas to choose a future free from violence and armed conflict.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Philippine Army with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Embassy in Manila held a Wreath-Laying Ceremony in commemoration of the 74th Anniversary of the Battle of Yuldong on April 22, 2025 at the Korean War Memorial Pylon, Libingan Ng Mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The event relives the heroism of the 10th, 20th, 19th, 14th, and 2nd Battalion Combat Teams along with the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) against the attacks of Chinese communists and North Korean Soldiers in South Korea during the Korean War.

The Commanding General Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido led the ceremony in honor of the living veterans and the Filipino soldiers who braved unfamiliar territory and overwhelming opposing forces during the Korean War. The families and descendants of the soldiers also graced the ceremony and received the CGPA’s appreciation for keeping the memories and heroism of the soldiers alive. Lt. Gen. Galido also highlighted the strong bond between the Philippines and South Korea during the ceremony and expressed his gratitude for more than seven decades of friendship.

Officials and members of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office and the PEFTOK Veterans Association Inc., in coordination with the Philippine Army, organized the momentous occasion that will continue to inspire generations of the Filipino and South Korean nations. (PR)