TACLOBAN CITY – The National Food Authority (NFA) in the region is set to receive 20,000 bags of rice from Caraga and the Bicol Region to help support the launch of the P20 per kilo rice program in Eastern Visayas.

NFA-8 Regional Manager May Sara Sabarre revealed that the region’s rice procurement has exceeded expectations, with a significant increase from the typical 80,000 bags to nearly 210,000 bags, despite being in the early stages of the first cropping.

However, Sabarre emphasized that the region’s milling capacity is currently limited to 600 bags per day due to full warehouses.

“Nasa maximum of 80,000 lang ang nabibili ni Region 8 pero ngayon, umabot na tayo ng halos 210,000. First cropping pa lang so napakalayo,” Sabarre said, highlighting the region’s progress.

With the demand for rice expected to rise, neighboring regions such as Caraga and Bicol have stepped forward to assist, agreeing to supply rice once the specific quantities needed by Region 8 are finalized in an upcoming meeting at the NFA central office.

The rice designated for the P20 per kilo program will be the freshest stock, with the NFA specifying that only rice aged between 0 to 2 months will be sold, ensuring the quality of the product.

“The bigas na ibebenta natin sa P20 program natin, ‘yong 0–2 months na age. ‘Yong pinakabago talaga. ‘Yong 3 months, hindi na,” Sabarre explained.

A key meeting with local government units is scheduled for this week to determine the precise quantities of rice needed for distribution.

The P20 per kilo rice program is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to addressing rising rice prices and improving food security across the country.

(HNZ MORPHEUS OLAYA, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY– A global women’s organization has launched a peace initiative in the Philippines by declaring April 26 as International Women’s Peace Day, aiming to unite women worldwide in advocating for the end of war and the establishment of lasting peace.
“This day is about encouraging women peace advocates—regardless of borders, race, religion, or ideology—to continue working for peace, with the hope that many more women will join the movement,” said Na Hyeong Jeon, secretary general of the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), during a commemorative event hosted by the local government of Kapalong in Davao del Norte.

In a statement, IWPG called on women around the world “to join hands in the pursuit of peace,” adding that the visit of its international branch managers to the Philippines is expected to inspire more collaborations after witnessing local peacebuilding efforts firsthand.

Joining the celebration were IWPG officials and peace advocates from several countries, including Hwi Young Lee, Bitna Lee, and Hyeju Park (IWPG Headquarters); Cecilia Ao, IWPG Hong Kong branch manager; Cathy Xuan and Jiong Xu from IWPG Shanghai; Ana Milana Puspita Sari and Noinsen Elita Helpria Rumapea from IWPG Indonesia’ and April Otadoy and Crysthel Catalan from IWPG Manila.

The event also gathered IWPG Kapalong members, graduates of the Peace Lecturer Training Education (PLTE), wives of pastors from the Moral Recovery Program (MRP), and various local stakeholders.

“The initiative aims to bring together women who share a motherly heart and a desire to protect the lives of their children and future generations,” IWPG noted.

IWPG is a non-governmental organization with special consultative status under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It advocates for a sustainable global peace order by addressing the root causes of conflicts and war—whether among individuals or between nations.

(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY– The Department of Education (DepEd) Leyte Division honored local government units and institutional partners during its Local Stakeholders’ Convergence, LGU Forum, and Partnership Appreciation Program held recently in Dulag, Leyte.

Among those recognized were Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla and 40 municipal mayors of the province; district representatives, and partner organizations including Teach for the Philippines, Food for the Hungry, Global Care Philippines, Manila Teachers’ Mutual Aid System, City Savings Bank, China Savings Bank, the Leyte Provincial PTA Federation, Boy and Girl Scouts of the Philippines, the Philippine Red Cross, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Nestlé Philippines, and members of the local media.

Leyte Board Member Raissa Villasin lauded DepEd-Leyte Schools Division Superintendent Mariza Magan, Dulag Mayor Mildred Joy Que, and the host districts for their dedication to improving the province’s education system.

“This gathering reflects the enduring collaboration and support of our partners whose efforts are vital in advancing education across the region,” Villasin said.

In her message, Magan expressed appreciation for the collective efforts of stakeholders and acknowledged the presence of DepEd Director Lucio Jesus Abalos from the Office of the Secretary and Project Development Officer IV Eden Dadap, who represented Regional Director Evelyn Fetalvero.

The event’s success was also attributed to the leadership of Leyte Division Assistant Superintendents Atty. Calick Arrieta and Teodorico Peliño Jr., along with Curriculum Implementation Division Chief Grace Villanueva and SGOD Chief Gil Esplanada.

(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY– A 32-year-old farmer fatally stabbed his wife before taking his own life inside their home in Barangay Pagsulhugon on Wednesday morning, April 30, leaving their five-day-old child unharmed.

The suspect, identified only as alias “Rey,” and his 20-year-old wife “Julie,” were found dead by police responding to reports from concerned neighbors who said the man had taken his wife and newborn hostage.

According to police, “Rey” had shown unusual behavior days before the incident, allegedly driven by personal and marital problems. Responding officers from Sta. Rita Municipal Police Station found the couple lifeless in their locked room.

The baby, miraculously, was found unharmed.

The wife was rushed to the Basey District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Investigators believe the suspect killed his wife with a knife and then fatally slashed his own throat.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the tragic incident.

(ROBERT DEJON/RONALD O. REYES)

ORMOC CITY-Two motorcycle riders sustained injuries following a head-on collision along the circumferential road in Sitio Anas, Barangay Ungale, Kawayan, Biliran at around 8 pm on Wednesday, April 29.

According to the Kawayan Municipal Police Station, the incident involved a red Rusi 150 motorcycle with no plate number, driven by a certain alias “Utad,” of legal age, single, and a resident of Sitio Anas, Brgy. Ungale.

The other vehicle, a blue Honda TMX 125 also without a plate number, was driven by alias “Obet,” also of legal age and a resident of Brgy. Inasuyan. Neither of the two drivers presented a valid driver’s license.

Police said they received a report of the crash from a concerned citizen through a phone call. Responding officers immediately proceeded to the scene and conducted an investigation.

Initial findings revealed that the red Rusi motorcycle was traveling towards Brgy. Ungale, while the blue Honda TMX was en route to Brgy. Inasuyan. Upon reaching Sitio Anas, the Honda TMX allegedly veered into the opposite lane, resulting in a collision with the oncoming Rusi motorcycle.

Both drivers sustained injuries from the crash and were brought to the Kawayan Rural Health Unit (RHU) for immediate medical attention. However, the driver of the Rusi motorcycle was later referred to the Biliran Provincial Hospital for further treatment.

The involved motorcycles were brought to the Kawayan Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and disposition.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY– A 62-year-old public official was arrested in Barangay Naga-asan, Babatngon, Leyte for graft charges, police reported.

The accused, identified as “Sarah,” was apprehended on April 23, 2025, by personnel of the Babatngon Municipal Police Station based on a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 44 in Tacloban City.

She is facing charges for violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The court recommended bail was set at P90,000.

Police Regional Director Brigadier General Jay Cumigad commended the operating team for their diligence and professionalism, citing the arrest as part of the PNP’s campaign for clean governance.

“This is a testament to our commitment to public accountability. We will not hesitate to hold any public official accountable, regardless of their position,” Cumigad said.

The suspect was brought to the police station for proper documentation prior to being turned over to the court.

(RONALD O. REYES)