TACLOBAN CITY—In line with its 19th Charter Anniversary, the Borongan City government brought essential public services directly to the people through a Serbisyo Caravan that benefited more than 1,600 residents at the City Plaza.

The event underscored the local government’s commitment to public service under the theme, “Gugma ha Katawhan, Serbisyo nga Waray Undang—ha Krisis man o Kamurayawan.”

This year’s celebration placed greater emphasis on service delivery rather than traditional festivities, with more than 30 government services offered free of charge.

A major highlight of the activity was the job fair, which opened about 1,500 employment opportunities and enabled same-day hiring for qualified applicants.

Health services from the City Health Office benefited over 500 individuals through medical consultations, laboratory tests, free medicines, and dental care. The City Civil Registry Office also served 435 residents through free registration and other civil registry transactions.

The City Agriculturist’s Office assisted 166 farmers and fisherfolk by distributing rice seeds, fertilizers, tilapia fingerlings, and conducting technical briefings.

Other services included a candle-making workshop facilitated by the City Cooperatives and Development Office as part of its livelihood program. The City Social Welfare and Development Office also provided free haircut, massage, manicure, and pedicure services.
The City Environment and Natural Resources Office showcased honey products from the DENR ERDB-ARDEC Integrated Floriculture and Apiculture Project, which were reportedly sold out by the end of the event.

Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda said the initiative reflects the city government’s commitment to bringing services closer to the people and ensuring equitable access to basic government programs.

On the same day, the city government also honored outstanding Boronganons during the annual Pasidungog Awards held at the Mayor Luis Capito Cultural Stage.

The awards recognized more than 200 individuals and institutions, including government employees, students, athletes, barangays, and top taxpayers who contributed to the city’s growth and achievements.

In his message, Mayor Agda thanked awardees for their dedication and also acknowledged House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan for authoring Republic Act No. 9394, which converted Borongan into a component city in 2007.

Honorees included winners of the Inter-Agency Sports Fest, long-serving government employees, exemplary barangays, EVRAA medalists, student achievers, board exam topnotchers, and honest tricycle drivers, among others.

Awards were presented by local officials and representatives from various government offices led by Atty. Romeo Alexis Devora, Vice Mayor Emmanuel Tiu Sonco, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and other officials.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured that the two minors implicated in the June 22 school shooting in Tacloban City will remain under government custody at a DSWD rehabilitation facility, with the 15-year-old continuing to serve a suspended sentence there if convicted, while the 14-year-old will also stay at the same center under an intervention program.

Gatchalian, in an interview, explained that the two minors will be handled in accordance with the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act through age-appropriate interventions, emphasizing that the law does not exempt them from accountability.

“For the 15-year-old, who is above the minimum age of criminal responsibility and has been assessed to have acted with discernment—subject to the court’s confirmation—there is criminal liability. In most cases involving children below 18, if found guilty, the sentence is suspended. The child will remain in our Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY), where an individualized diversion and rehabilitation plan will be implemented,” Gatchalian said.

The DSWD chief clarified that the suspended sentence does not mean immediate freedom. Instead, the minor will continue to stay at the rehabilitation center while undergoing rehabilitation, with social workers regularly evaluating the child’s progress and submitting reports to the court.

“If, upon reaching the age of majority, the court determines that the child has not been successfully rehabilitated, the suspended sentence may be enforced and the individual may then be committed to prison,” Gatchalian explained.

The 14-year-old suspect, although below the minimum age of criminal responsibility, will likewise remain under DSWD custody and will not be allowed to return to the community.
“Even if the 14-year-old has no criminal liability under the law, the child will no longer return to the community. For both the child’s safety and the safety of the community, the child will remain under our custody,” Gatchalian said.

He added that the younger suspect’s stay at the rehabilitation facility will depend on the intervention plan crafted by DSWD social workers and the case manager. If assessments show little or no progress, the child may continue residing at the center.

“That will depend on the intervention plan and the assessment of our social workers. If they determine there has been no improvement, we have cases where children continue to stay in our care. It is similar to being placed in secure custody, but in a Bahay Pag-asa or Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth. Their lives will no longer be normal—they will no longer be in their communities because they are now under our custody and rehabilitation,” he said.

Gatchalian emphasized that both the DSWD-operated RRCY and local government-run Bahay Pag-asa facilities are designed to provide an age-appropriate environment consistent with the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act and the country’s international commitments on the rights of children in conflict with the law.

The DSWD chief also assured that the agency will continue extending all necessary assistance to everyone affected by the school shooting, particularly the families of the three victims.

Meanwhile, Gatchalian reiterated that the DSWD supports President Marcos’ openness to reviewing the country’s minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR), stressing that any policy changes should be guided by scientific evidence and expert recommendations.

“The President has made it clear that he is open to listening, participating in discussions, and finding the best way forward. The Department likewise continues to work closely with policy experts,” Gatchalian said.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)