TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Tacloban City Office has strengthened its campaign for effective grassroots governance by training barangay officials on alternative dispute resolution and digital governance systems.
The training course on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms under the Katarungang Pambarangay Law was organized by the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) and attended by all punong barangays of Tacloban City, members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa, and barangay secretaries.

The activity aimed to enhance the capability of barangay officials in handling community disputes through mediation, conciliation, and arbitration while promoting peaceful conflict resolution at the local level.

Officer-in-Charge City Director Jean Redi Briones reaffirmed the DILG’s commitment to strengthening barangay justice systems and improving public service delivery in communities.

Briones emphasized the importance of the Katarungang Pambarangay system as a vital mechanism in resolving disputes before they escalate into more serious conflicts.

He noted that barangay officials regularly address issues involving road concerns, permits, domestic disputes, and other community-related conflicts that require sound judgment and effective mediation skills.

According to Briones, equipping local officials with ADR competencies will not only improve conflict resolution but also help foster stronger and more harmonious relationships within communities.

“The Barangay Justice System works and continues to serve as an instrument for maintaining peaceful and harmonious communities,” Briones said.

He also highlighted the growing administrative responsibilities of barangay officials, particularly barangay secretaries, who handle reports and documentation for various government programs and services.

To improve efficiency in barangay operations, Briones encouraged local officials to invest in digital tools and reliable internet connectivity to streamline records management and report preparation.

He likewise promoted the responsible use of digitalization and artificial intelligence in governance to improve efficiency and strengthen records management systems at the barangay level.

Briones assured barangay officials that the DILG Tacloban City Office would continue extending technical assistance and support to help improve governance systems and public service delivery across barangays.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Health officials in Eastern Visayas are strengthening maternal and newborn healthcare services through an expanded prenatal care program that encourages pregnant women to complete at least eight antenatal care (ANC) visits during pregnancy.
The initiative forms part of the Department of Health’s continuing efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths by improving early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications.

Discussed during the recent Regional Implementation Team (RIT) Conference on the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law, the program shifts from the traditional four-visit prenatal care model to the World Health Organization-recommended eight-contact ANC schedule.

Health authorities are targeting at least 60 percent completion among pregnant women in the region by the end of 2026.

Regional Adolescent Health and Development focal person and midwife Leo Erner said the expanded prenatal care program will allow healthcare workers to closely monitor pregnancy conditions such as gestational hypertension, severe anemia, infections, and fetal distress.
To strengthen the implementation of the program, the DOH is introducing digital innovations including automated SMS reminders, mobile health applications, and upgraded electronic medical record systems to improve patient monitoring and continuity of care.

Community-based interventions and incentive programs are also being prepared to encourage pregnant women, especially those living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, to complete their prenatal consultations.

The initiative supports the healthcare agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which prioritizes accessible and quality healthcare services for women and children through strengthened primary healthcare systems.

As part of the rollout, an orientation and training for frontline healthcare workers will be conducted in Tacloban City in June 2026 to equip medical personnel with updated patient tracking systems and follow-up care protocols.

“Our vision is to ensure every pregnant woman receives comprehensive care that fundamentally transforms maternal and neonatal outcomes in our communities,” Erner said.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)