TACLOBAN CITY – A total of 66 information officers from various government agencies in Eastern Visayas have partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to intensify efforts in raising consumer awareness and promoting intellectual property (IP) rights in the region.

“DTI’s two-pronged mandate is enabling businesses and empowering consumers. While we support economic growth among enterprises, we also ensure that consumer rights are respected and upheld,” said DTI Regional Director Celerina Bato during the recent inter-agency orientation held in Tacloban City.

Reyan Arinto, regional head of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), praised DTI for spearheading the initiative and commended the participating agencies for their commitment to public service and collaborative learning.

“When citizens are well-informed, we empower them to make better decisions. When we support and protect local ideas, products, and talent, we help strengthen our economy and preserve our cultural identity,” he said.

The event was organized with support from the DTI’s Consumer Protection Division (CPD).
Key topics discussed during the orientation included Consumer Rights and Responsibilities, the Price Act of the Philippines, and the Internet Transactions Act, led by CPD chief Eleanor Etulle and DTI Legal Officer Atty. Justine Ynnes Oballo.

Meanwhile, Romeo Jason Padulla, an IP specialist, provided insights into the importance of intellectual property rights.

According to Anthea Aivi Iancheta, DTI regional information officer, collaborating with government communicators through the Association of Government Information Officers in Region 8 (AGIO-8) plays a vital role in amplifying public awareness of consumer-related laws and protections.

“This partnership is essential in promoting well-informed, empowered consumers and in building a culture of respect for intellectual property,” she said.

(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY – A minor road mishap caused a brief traffic slowdown along Real Street in front of the Tacloban City Convention Center (Astrodome) late Wednesday morning, May 1.

At around 11:15 am, a white pickup truck accidentally backed into a public utility van bound for the downtown area. The van, which originated from Abuyog, had several passengers onboard at the time of the incident.

The driver of the pickup, 65-year-old Carlito Corbe, admitted he didn’t notice the van behind him. “The engine was loud and I got distracted,” he said. “Next thing I knew, I had already bumped the van.”

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although the van sustained minor damage to its front bumper and headlight.

The two vehicles remained on the roadside while awaiting assistance from traffic authorities, leading to a temporary traffic buildup in the busy area.

Another van later arrived to continue transporting the stranded passengers downtown, while both drivers worked on settling the incident.

(JHARRLYN O. NAPOLES, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), formerly known as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), has signed a memorandum of agreement with key stakeholders to roll out the Farmers Assistance for Recovery and Modernization (FARM) program in Eastern Visayas.

The agreement was signed in partnership with the Office of the House Speaker, Tingog Party-list secretary general Luningning Lariosa, Visayas State University, various regional line agencies, local government units (LGUs), and leaders of irrigators’ associations.

The FARM program seeks to strengthen food supply security by boosting rice production, lowering rice prices, and supporting the social and economic transformation of rice-farming communities.

Under the agreement, the government will provide farmers with standardized support packages, organize barangay-based farm worker groups, implement capacity-building activities, improve market linkages, streamline distribution channels, and establish a responsive monitoring and evaluation system.

These initiatives aim to make rice more affordable and ensure farmers have better access to production support.

Pilot implementation of the FARM program will begin in the top rice-producing municipalities of Leyte’s first district: Palo, Sta. Fe, Alangalang, and San Miguel.

If successful, the program will be expanded to other areas in the region to benefit more farming communities.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – A minor road mishap caused a brief traffic slowdown along Real Street in front of the Tacloban City Convention Center (Astrodome) late Wednesday morning, May 1.

At around 11:15 am, a white pickup truck accidentally backed into a public utility van bound for the downtown area. The van, which originated from Abuyog, had several passengers onboard at the time of the incident.

The driver of the pickup, 65-year-old Carlito Corbe, admitted he didn’t notice the van behind him. “The engine was loud and I got distracted,” he said. “Next thing I knew, I had already bumped the van.”

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although the van sustained minor damage to its front bumper and headlight.

The two vehicles remained on the roadside while awaiting assistance from traffic authorities, leading to a temporary traffic buildup in the busy area.

Another van later arrived to continue transporting the stranded passengers downtown, while both drivers worked on settling the incident.

(JHARRLYN O. NAPOLES, LNU STUDENT INTERN)