TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list, represented by House Deputy Speaker Rep. Yedda Romualdez and Rep. Jude Acidre, emerged as the top choice among voters in the latest Tugon ng Masa Pre-Election Survey conducted by OCTA Research from April 10 to 16, 2025.
Based on the nationwide survey, Tingog secured 5.23% of voter preference—ranking first among all party-list groups and projected to win three seats in the House of Representatives.

“We are deeply grateful and humbled by the latest Tugon ng Masa Pre-Election Survey released by OCTA Research, showing TINGOG Party-list as the No. 1 choice of Filipino voters nationwide,” the group said in a statement. “This is not just a number—it reflects the trust given to us because of sincere listening and genuine service.”

Tingog attributed its strong performance to consistent grassroots engagement across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, highlighting the support network of 218 Tingog Centers and dedicated local volunteers nationwide.

“This survey result is the outcome of our tireless work in both rural and urban communities. With the help of our 218 centers and volunteers, the united voice for change is being heard across the country,” the group said.

With just 10 days to go before the elections, Tingog underscored the importance of turning survey momentum into actual votes. “Come election day, earning the trust of the people is what truly matters. Let’s protect this trust. Let’s vote. Let’s turn this momentum into a real mandate.”

The party-list also extended its appreciation to its supporters: “To our Ka-Tingog, volunteers, and friends—thank you. You are the reason we continue to listen and serve with heart, humility, and hope.”

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

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)