TACLOBAN CITY– AGRI party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee has filed a measure to liberalize and expand opportunities in Agarwood industry that will not only increase the income of farmers, but also has the potential to create up to 30,000 jobs and livelihood in the country.

According to Lee, principal author of House Bill No. 10320 or the “Agarwood Industry Development Act”, “Our countrymen deserve to be given more opportunities to venture into such a high-value industry and to compete globally.”

“Napakalaki ng potensyal na makatulong nitong Agarwood industry hindi lang sa sektor ng agrikultura kundi sa ating buong ekonomiya. Mula sa seedlings hanggang sa pagiging puno, lahat may pakinabang,” said the solon from Bicol.

“Its seedlings alone can generate income of thousands of pesos per month. If maximized, it could also generate opportunities up to approximately 20,000 to 30,000 jobs directly and indirectly, including roles in cultivation, harvesting, processing, marketing, and sales,” he added.

Agarwood, locally known as “lapnisan,” is a high-value tree known for its distinctive fragrance which is commonly sourced from Aquilaria. This forest product is used as a material for incense, perfume, and medicine.

Reportedly, price of Agarwood per kilo ranges from P24,000 to P53 million, depending on quality. Being classified as a threatened plant and endangered species, the government highly regulates its trade and commercialization to protect it from further extinction.

“Currently, we have regulations for farmed Aquilaria, those which are cultivated for trade.

But with the promising profits from a sustainable Agarwood industry which can generate jobs and livelihood across the country and contribute to the Philippine economy, the government must optimize the industry by allowing more Filipinos to venture into it while ensuring protection of our natural resources to avoid exploitation,” Lee pointed out.

Under HB 10320, the Agarwood Industry Authority (AIA) shall be created to promote and provide direction for farming, propagation, harvesting, trading, commercialization, development, and sustainability of Aquilaria.

It will also institutionalize the Agarwood Research Office (ARO) which will lead in conducting extensive research on the value chain and best practices in cultivation of Aquilaria to guide our farmers to maximize its benefits.

And to prevent proliferation of poaching Agarwood species, the said measure will also establish the Aquilaria Registration Office which will facilitate the registration of Aquilaria farms and trees, nursery farm permit, and report of harvest and trade to keep a consolidated record of data of all value chains of Aquilaria in the Philippines.(PR)

The Tactical Operations Group 8 (TOG 8) actively participated in the Brigada Eskwela from July 22-26, 2024, with the theme “Bayanihan para sa Matatag na Paaralan” wherein its involvement highlighted the power of collective effort in enhancing school facilities.

TOG 8 personnel engaged in various schools including San Jose Central School and Mercyville Elementary School, Tacloban City, as well as Malaguinabot Elementary School, San Miguel Central School, and Bahay Elementary School, San Miguel, Leyte. The Unit’s contributions were crucial in preparing these schools for the upcoming school year.

The team took on essential tasks such as cutting grasses, repairing fences, and sweeping school grounds. These activities were integral to the Brigada Eskwela program, which mobilizes education stakeholders to ensure public schools are ready for the new school year.

TOG 8 helped create a safer and more welcoming learning environment for students and teachers alike. The efforts underscore the importance of community support in education and the collective responsibility to foster a positive and effective learning atmosphere.

Likewise, TOG 8 donated a total of seventy-two (72) trash cans to the following schools:Guadalupe Heights Integrated School,Tigbao Elementary School, Alternative Learning System, Tacloban City Night High School, Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Elementary School, Marasbaras Elementary School, Nula Tula Elementary School, Kapuso Village Integrated School. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) has released at least 61.54 percent of the P700 million Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) allocation for healthcare workers in Eastern Visayas who helped in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

The health department has identified 193,765 workers qualified to receive the benefits.
“All processing units within the office are actively working to handle HEA claims from eligible health facilities. The processing of these claims is contingent on the submission of complete documentary requirements,” DOH regional information officer Jelyn Lopez-Malibago said on Tuesday.

Payments are faster for health workers employed by facilities without any pending unliquidated funds from previously transferred funds from the DOH.

HEA is meant for both public and private healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers in facilities involved in the Covid-19 response.

The DOH regional office facilitates the disbursement of the HEA to the local government units and private health facilities under their jurisdiction.

The Department of Budget and Management earlier announced that around P27 billion has been set aside in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to settle all unpaid claims for the HEA of healthcare workers.
(SARWELL Q. MENIANO/PNA)