FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Philippine Army’s office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, OG9, the National Capital Region Regional Community Defense Group (NCR RCDG), Reserve Command, Philippine Army (RCPA) with the leadership of The Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), relive the heroism of the Hunter ROTC Guerillas in a commemoration program and wreath-laying activity on December 16, 2024, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, Libingan ng mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. The activity forms part of the TUP’s week-long celebration of its 123rd Founding Anniversary.

The event was graced by Col. Rey Ferdinand Ga, NCR RCDG Commander, Col. Joey B. Baybayan, TUP ROTC Commandant, Engr. Reynaldo P. Ramos, TUP President, TUP officials and alumni.

TUP, formerly the Philippine School of Arts and Trades (PSAT), was one of the schools that produced ROTC cadets and reserve officers who selflessly fought to defend the country during World War II. Other schools that comprise the Hunters ROTC guerillas include the Philippine Military Academy, University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila, La Salle College, Far Eastern University, Jose Rizal College, Mapua Institute of Technology, Letran College, and San Beda College.

Engr. Reynaldo P. Ramos, TUP President, called on the TUP students to emulate the sacrifice and volunteerism of those who came before them. Chief Engr. Elmer Calayag, TUP Advance ROTC CMT Alumni Association (TUPARCAA), emphasized that TUP ROTC students and reservists should always be prepared to answer the country’s call at any given time.

The TUP leadership ensures full support and sustainment of its ROTC Program to help increase the country’s pool of reservists. Meanwhile, the Philippine Army prioritizes reserve force development to solidify the reservists’ role in the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept towards Territorial Defense. (PR)

ORMOC CITY-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) completes the construction of a multi-purpose facility in Barangay Juaton, Ormoc City, featuring a pump track, designed for skateboarding, cycling and other wheeled sports.

With a contract cost of P34,649,124.85, and covering an area of 1,300 square meters, the facility is packed with features meant for both recreational enjoyment and competitive events.

Among its amenities are male and female comfort rooms with electricity and water, a shaded canopy for viewers, and a landscaped area that adds to the overall aesthetic of the venue.

The pump track is expected to become a hub for sports competitions, attracting athletes, enthusiasts and spectators alike. This development promises to boost Ormoc City’s tourism and local economy as it opens opportunities for events that will bring increased foot traffic and business to Ormoc City. (PR)

ORMOC CITY-Two newly identified drug personalities were apprehended by the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of the local police during a buy-bust operation on December 6, at about 9:43 pm in Sitio Swerte, Barangay Natubgan, Kananga, Leyte.

The suspects were identified as alias “Mike,” 28, single, jobless, and a resident of Zone Saturn, Brgy. Montebello, Kananga, and alias “Philip,” 45, married, jobless, and a resident of Brgy. Cagbuhangin, Ormoc City.

Alias “Mike” was the primary target of the operation. Police reported that he frequently visited the area to distribute illegal drugs. During the buy-bust, authorities recovered one sachet of suspected shabu purchased for P500 by an undercover operative. A subsequent body search, conducted in the presence of mandatory witnesses, yielded:

Five additional sachets of suspected shabu concealed in a cigarette box, one marked P500 bill; and a bundle of cash amounting to P832 in various denominations.

Meanwhile, a body search of alias “Philip” resulted in the recovery of three sachets of suspected shabu, and A bundle of cash amounting to P221 in various denominations.

Both suspects admitted ownership of the confiscated illegal drugs during the operation.

The two are now facing charges for violations of Sections 5 (selling illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs) under Article II of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The charges were filed at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Ormoc City.

The suspects are currently detained at the Kananga Municipal Police Station lock-up facility. (ROBERT DEJON)

Manila-From December 2 to 6, the United States Peace Corps, in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), hosted its second workshop on Marine Protected Area (MPA) management in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. The event brought together 23 Peace Corps Volunteers, 47 local government partners, and 12 fisherfolk leaders from 24 communities across the Philippines to learn new strategies on marine protection.

The Philippines’ rich marine biodiversity faces a number of critical threats. To address this challenge, the workshop provided a platform for participants to exchange best practices in MPA management, explore strategies for managing interconnected MPAs, and to learn about biodiversity monitoring and assessment.

Participants also learned practical approaches to managing fisheries, new tools for studying marine life, and strategies for promoting a sustainable marine resource economy—methods designed to balance marine conservation with economic growth in coastal communities.

“Through this workshop, we have brought local communities together to build relationships and promote knowledge exchange needed to protect their marine resources and promote sustainable growth. By working together, we can build a brighter future for our oceans,” said Matthew Tully, Peace Corps Director for Program and Training.

This workshop also highlighted local success stories on MPA management, including Oriental Mindoro’s “STAR MPA Awards,” which celebrate community efforts in marine conservation. Puerto Galera showcased its environmental initiatives, emphasizing how a well-managed marine ecosystem can support livelihoods and boost the local economy. Field visits to marine and mangrove conservation areas in Oriental Mindoro also provided participants with valuable hands-on learning experiences.

“The United States counts the Philippines among its closest friends, partners, and allies, and that cooperation is very apparent in this workshop. I wish the participants the best of luck and utmost success in pushing forward these marine protection efforts in their respective communities,” said Ryder Rogers, Director of USAID’s Environment Office.

The Peace Corps is the U.S. government’s premier volunteer organization and has supported Filipino communities across the country for more than 60 years. Since 1961, over 9,300 Peace Corps Volunteers have worked alongside Filipino communities to support sustainable development and create lasting impacts nationwide.(PR)