TACLOBAN CITY — Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has called on fellow members of the Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) to unite and actively advance the priority legislative agenda of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.

In an official statement issued on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Romualdez stressed the need for solidarity and close coordination within the House of Representatives to ensure the smooth passage of key measures endorsed by the administration.

“As legislators, our foremost responsibility is to pass laws that directly improve the lives of our people,” Romualdez said, adding that Lakas-CMD is fully committed to supporting the President’s legislative priorities and working constructively with House Speaker Martin Romualdez—esteemed in the statement as Speaker Faustino “Boije” G. Dy III—and other party leaders.

He underscored that the House remains firmly under the leadership of Speaker Dy, who is steering the chamber in acting on priority measures endorsed by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

Romualdez emphasized that unity, discipline, and cross-party cooperation are crucial in translating the President’s agenda into concrete legislation.

He also highlighted the role of House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, noting that strong coordination between the House leadership and the majority bloc is vital to ensuring the efficient and orderly passage of priority bills.
As representative of Leyte’s first district, Romualdez said he remains focused on substantive lawmaking that promotes inclusive growth, protects public welfare, and supports long-term national development.

“With limited time and a heavy workload, what matters most is that we stay focused on legislation that delivers real, tangible benefits to Filipinos,” he said. “This is how we help shape the enduring legacy of this administration.”

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY — In a bid to strengthen the morale and emotional well-being of police personnel, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) has launched “Project Kalinga,” a peer mentoring program designed to promote compassion and mutual support within its ranks.
The initiative formally kicked off with a five-day face-to-face Peer Mentoring Orientation Seminar held from February 9 to 13, 2026, bringing together 150 police officers from across Eastern Visayas.

Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy, regional director of PRO-8, said the program aims to ensure that police personnel feel valued, supported, and guided as they carry out their duties.
“I am confident that our personnel, guided by trained peer mentors, will continue to serve our communities with dedication and care,” Capoy said.

Participants included representatives from municipal police stations, with 15 delegates each from the police provincial offices and city police offices. Personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8 and the PRO-8 Regional Headquarters also took part in the seminar.

According to PRO-8, Project Kalinga will be implemented in phases. These include the orientation and training of peer mentors, the establishment of peer monitoring teams, regular mentoring and monitoring sessions, as well as evaluation and feedback mechanisms. Outstanding peer mentors and teams will also be recognized.

Capoy said the project underscores the regional command’s commitment to strengthening the welfare and professional growth of its personnel.

“Project Kalinga reflects our strong commitment to the welfare, morale, and well-being of our personnel while fostering compassion, understanding, and mutual support within our ranks,” he said.

PRO-8 emphasized that a motivated and well-supported police force is essential in delivering effective and community-centered service across Eastern Visayas.

(RONALD O. REYES)