RTWPB orders wage hike for EV workers and kasambahays

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November 25, 2025

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BANNER — Fishing boats remain docked at the Tacloban City port as the Philippine Coast Guard enforces a no-sailing policy on Monday, Nov.24, due to the threat of tropical depression Verbena. The order temporarily halts sea travel to ensure the safety of fishermen and passengers amid rough seas and worsening weather conditions.(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Fishing boats remain docked at the Tacloban City port as the Philippine Coast Guard enforces a no-sailing policy on Monday, Nov.24, due to the threat of tropical depression Verbena. The order temporarily halts sea travel to ensure the safety of fishermen and passengers amid rough seas and worsening weather conditions.(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

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TACLOBAN CITY —Private sector employees and domestic workers in Eastern Visayas are set to receive salary increases after the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB–VIII) approved two new wage orders aimed at cushioning workers from rising living costs and improving income standards in the region.

The wage issuances — Wage Order No. 25 for private sector workers and Wage Order No. 06 for domestic workers — were published in this paper on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Both will take effect 15 days after publication.

Under Wage Order No. RB VIII-25, minimum wage earners in the private sector will receive a P35 increase in daily pay, implemented in two stages to allow employers to adjust.
First tranche will involve a P17/day upon effectivity of the order while the second tranche is P18/day that will take effect on June 1, 2026.

When the full increase takes effect in 2026, the new daily minimum wages will be P470 in the non-agriculture sector and retail/service establishments with more than 10 workers; and P440 in the agriculture, cottage and handicraft sectors, and retail/service establishments with 10 workers or fewer workers.

The board cited economic indicators — including 0.68% regional inflation (Dec 2024–Sept 2025), a poverty threshold of P444 for a family of five, and 6.2% regional economic growth — as basis for granting the increase.

Currently, minimum wage earners in Eastern Visayas receive P405 per day, making the adjustment the first since the previous wage order took effect in 2023.

Meanwhile, Wage Order No.06 mandates new minimum monthly salaries for domestic workers or kasambahays.

In chartered cities & 1st-class municipalities it will be now P6,400 and P5, 800 for other municipalities.

The wage order covers general househelp, babysitters (yayas), cooks, gardeners, and laundry workers. It does not apply to family drivers or service providers hired through recruitment agencies.

Domestic workers in the region currently earn P5,500 to P6,000, depending on their location.

Both wage orders were approved on November 10, 2025,and signed by Atty. Dax Villaruel, DOLE regional director & RTWPB-VIII chairperson and representatives of the workers’ and employers’ sectors

The wage hike comes amid continuing calls from labor groups for adjustments that keep pace with the cost of living, while business groups have cautioned against sudden rates that could strain micro and small enterprises. RTWPB’s staggered implementation is intended to balance both concerns.

JOEY A. GABIETA

Northern Samar’s anti-insurgency model draws national attention as Ilocos delegation benchmarks its peace programs

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November 25, 2025

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TACLOBAN CITY — Northern Samar’s sustained campaign to end decades-long NPA insurgency — anchored on intensive reintegration programs and community-based peace initiatives — continues to draw nationwide recognition, most recently from the Ilocos Region, whose officials visited the province on Friday, November 21, to learn from its successful model.

The 18-member delegation, led by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Regional Director Paulino Lalata Jr., was composed of E-CLIP committee officials and local government representatives from Region I.

The group studied Northern Samar’s approaches to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other peacebuilding strategies that have contributed to the steady decline of communist armed activities in the province.

Northern Samar, once among the most affected by NPA presence in Eastern Visayas, has gained national attention for its peace and reintegration programs built on strong collaboration between the provincial government, LGUs, the military, and partner agencies.
A major focus of the benchmarking was the “Balay Darangpan”, a halfway house managed by the provincial government for former rebels. Since opening in 2019, it has assisted more than 200 former combatants through personality development activities, healing and debriefing sessions, livelihood and skills training, and preparation for civilian life.

Vice Governor Clarence Dato, speaking on behalf of Governor Edwin Ongchuan, welcomed the delegation and emphasized the province’s commitment to peace.

“Thank you for placing Northern Samar on your radars. May this visit be just the beginning of future exchanges that will help strengthen the programs of our respective LGUs,” Dato said.

Northern Samar was chosen as a benchmarking site after it was named ‘Best E-CLIP Implementer’ by the National Task Force ELCAC and Balik-Loob earlier this year.

The province’s peace framework also includes the ‘Local Social Integration Program (LSIP)’ — implemented as early as 2011, even before the national E-CLIP was institutionalized — offering socio-economic support and psychological services to former rebels.

Other long-term reintegration programs include the ‘Kauswagan Village’ , a settlement site providing housing for former NPA members and their families.

Delegates from the Ilocos Region included DILG provincial directors from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan, along with representatives from the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and other E-CLIP stakeholders.

Vice Governor Dato noted that the provincial government intends to sustain its anti-insurgency momentum.

“With Governor Harris leading the way toward peace and reconciliation, our E-CLIP and LSIP programs continue to perform well. We are proud to share our experience so others may learn how to address similar challenges,” he added.

Provincial officials reiterated that these initiatives form part of the government’s long-term effort to ensure that former rebels can rebuild their lives — and that lasting peace can take root in Northern Samar.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

Rep. Acidre stresses law and faith as drivers of women, peace, and security at international forum

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November 25, 2025

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MORAL ROLE OF LAW AND FAITH. Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog party-list group was the guest speaker during the 7th International Forum on Law and Religion wherein he discussed the moral role of law and faith and how religious principles and constitutional law can strengthen democratic participation and support women’s leadership in peace and security.(PHOTO COURTESY)

TACLOBAN CITY — House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson and Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre highlighted the moral role of law and faith in advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda during the 7th International Forum on Law and Religion at the University of the Philippines Bonifacio Global City on Nov. 21, 2025.

Speaking before legal scholars, religious leaders, and peace practitioners from Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Pacific, Acidre explored how religious principles and constitutional law can strengthen democratic participation and support women’s leadership in peace and security. He outlined a “three-fold framework” of conscience, complementarity, and community, emphasizing that faith-based engagement complements democratic institutions and promotes the common good.

Acidre cited the Philippine doctrine of benevolent neutrality, noting how legal frameworks allow religious communities to contribute to public life without undermining pluralism. He stressed that faith plays a vital role in sustaining community support during crises, mediating local conflicts, and empowering women in peacebuilding efforts.

During the forum, Acidre also announced the creation of the Southeast Asia Consortium on Law and Religion Studies (SEACRS), aimed at fostering regional research, policy dialogues, and interfaith collaboration.

He concluded by underscoring that meaningful engagement between law, faith, and public policy strengthens democracy: “When faith finds its rightful place in public life, it unites, liberates, and gives voice—turning belief into service and conviction into compassion.”

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

Eastern Visayas suspends classes as tropical depression ‘Verbena’ approaches

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November 25, 2025

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TACLOBAN CITY — Local government units across Eastern Visayas have suspended in-person classes at all levels, both in public and private schools, on Monday, Nov. 24, as the region was placed under Signal No. 1 due to tropical depression ‘Verbena.’

Among those that declared the suspension were Daram in Samar; Ormoc City, Alangalang, Bato, Tabango, Palompon, San Isidro, Carigara, Dulag, Abuyog, Villaba, Bato, and MacArthur in Leyte; Caibiran, Kawayan, Almeria, Culaba, Cabucgayan, and the provincial capital Naval in Biliran; and Hinunangan, Sogod, Saint Bernard, Pintuyan, Tomas Oppus, and Maasin City in Southern Leyte.

In Tacloban City, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Idelbrando Bernadas said in a radio interview that Mayor Alfred Romualdez has not issued a formal class suspension order. However, parents may opt to keep children at home if rainfall reaches the yellow category.

Vice Mayor Raymund Romualdez later on the day reported of the no classes across the city except in college. Work in both government and private offices, meanwhile, continues as usual. The Philippine Coast Guard has also suspended sea travel in Calbayog and Catbalogan in Samar province due to the approaching storm.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

New TNVS starts operations in Eastern Visayas

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November 25, 2025

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NEW PLAYER. A new transport network vehicle service (TNVS) provider now operating in the region as UTOL (Unified Transport Operations League) launched its operation on November 21, offering another mobility option for commuters in the region. (PHOTO COURTESY)

TACLOBAN CITY — A new transport network vehicle service (TNVS) provider has entered Eastern Visayas with the formal launch of UTOL (Unified Transport Operations League) on November 21, offering another mobility option for commuters in the region.

The launch was attended by company officials led by Corporate Secretary Atty. Orlando Ocampo, and UTOL Region VIII representative Christian Bañez.

Bañez expressed gratitude to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for approving the franchise and said the company hopes to help address common commuting difficulties such as long waiting times and unreliable transport availability.

He said UTOL’s services are anchored on accessibility, reliability, and safety, including real-time tracking, fare transparency, and driver and vehicle screening.

Ocampo highlighted that UTOL is Filipino-owned and that even its mobile app system was developed locally. The service first operated in Metro Manila and has since expanded to Iloilo, Bohol, Cebu, and now Region VIII.

With its rollout in Eastern Visayas, commuters are expected to gain an additional transport option as the government continues its nationwide push for public transport modernization.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Eastern Samar farmers boost rice skills through provincial training program

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November 25, 2025

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TACLOBAN CITY – Farmers in Balangkayan, Eastern Samar are getting a boost in rice production as the provincial government launched a three-day rice-based technology demonstration and intensive training on November 22.

The program, organized by the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services, selected 25 qualified local farmers cultivating no more than two hectares each.

Participants received both theoretical instruction and hands-on demonstrations of advanced rice-farming methods and farm management practices aimed at increasing productivity and efficiency.

Balangkayan, which ranks third in the province in terms of rice-planted area, has yet to earn the title of “rice granary of the south” due to relatively low production output.

The training seeks to address this gap by equipping farmers with modern techniques and innovative technologies that can enhance yield and strengthen food security—one of Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone’s five-point agenda for agricultural development.

Vice Mayor Edith Anne Contado, representing Mayor Allan Contado, thanked the provincial government for supporting local farmers and highlighted their vital role in ensuring the municipality’s food supply.

Provincial Rice Program Coordinator Teodoro Apura emphasized that initiatives like these are key to empowering farmers, improving rice output, and sustaining the agricultural backbone of Eastern Samar.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Leyte Samar Daily News

RTWPB orders wage hike for EV workers and kasambahays

Northern Samar’s anti-insurgency model draws national attention as Ilocos delegation benchmarks its peace programs

Rep. Acidre stresses law and faith as drivers of women, peace, and security at international forum

Eastern Visayas suspends classes as tropical depression ‘Verbena’ approaches

New TNVS starts operations in Eastern Visayas

Eastern Samar farmers boost rice skills through provincial training program

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