TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Agriculture(DA) has expanded its flagship rice support program to Eastern Samar, bringing additional assistance and modern farming interventions to boost local production.

The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) was formally launched in the province on March 19, extending benefits such as financial aid, free seeds, and fertilizers to rice farmers.

Jennelyn Ameria of DA-8 said Eastern Samar has been identified as a priority area for farm mechanization, with new equipment set to be deployed through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization. These include four-wheel tractors and harvesting units to improve farm efficiency.

The program also includes the construction of a drying facility for seed growers and training programs to help farmers adopt modern agricultural practices.

Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone said the provincial government will complement the initiative through the Sagip Saka Act, which allows direct procurement of rice from local farmers while supporting food distribution to vulnerable sectors.

Officials said the expanded support aims to increase rice production in Eastern Samar and reduce dependence on imported supply, contributing to the country’s broader goal of food security.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) is seeking a P505.5-million budget for 2027 to expand its facilities and training capacity, responding to a record number of Filipino seafarers trained in 2025.

NMP reported that 22,972 active and aspiring seafarers completed training last year, marking the highest number of successful trainees since the institution opened in 1978.
The milestone underscores the growing global demand for skilled Filipino seafarers and the need for accessible, high-quality maritime education.

To meet this demand, NMP’s proposed budget will fund major infrastructure projects, including a new training building with a roof deck, a three-storey maritime resource center, and improvements to the road network within its 17-hectare training complex. Modern training equipment acquisitions are also included in the plan.

Executive Director Victor Del Rosario presented the proposal during the first-quarter meeting of the Regional Development Council – Social Development Committee (RDC-SDC), highlighting the urgency to expand learning facilities in line with increasing trainee numbers.

The proposed expansion follows NMP’s 2026 budget of P427 million, its largest allocation to date under the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), which funded upgrades such as the rehabilitation of officers’ dormitory, construction of a ratings’ dormitory, and development of a training pool.

Once endorsed by the RDC-SDC, the proposed 2027 budget will advance to the national level for further deliberation and is expected to be presented at the upcoming RDC Full Council Meeting.

Based in Cabalawan, Tacloban City, NMP continues to position itself as the country’s premier government maritime training and research center, strengthening the Philippines’ capacity to supply highly skilled seafarers to the global maritime industry.

(HALLEBERT FRANCIS S. HIPE, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY — Transport operators in Southern Leyte underwent a series of joint government inspections as authorities intensified efforts to enforce labor standards and ensure public safety across land and maritime sectors.

The initiative, dubbed High-Impact, High-Visibility Inspections (HIHVI), was led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Southern Leyte Field Office on March 23, 2026, in coordination with multiple government agencies.

The inspection drive covered key transport establishments and aimed to check compliance with existing labor laws, including Labor Code of the Philippines and Occupational Safety and Health Standards Law, which mandate fair labor practices and safe working conditions.
DOLE Southern Leyte Field Office head Eden Ligaya Golong led the activity, joined by representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group, Land Transportation Office, Maritime Industry Authority, PhilHealth, Philippine Ports Authority, Social Security System, and the local government of Maasin City, among others.
A total of eight transport establishments were inspected, with authorities assessing compliance on proper wage payment, workers’ benefits, and occupational safety and health measures.

Inspectors also checked workplace conditions, availability of safety equipment, and the implementation of preventive measures to protect both employees and commuters.
Alongside enforcement, participating agencies conducted on-site information drives to guide operators and workers on regulatory requirements, social protection programs, and industry standards—promoting voluntary compliance within the sector.

The HIHVI forms part of the government’s broader push to strengthen labor rights and safety standards, particularly in high-risk sectors such as transportation, where compliance directly impacts both workers and the riding public.

Officials said the coordinated effort reflects a whole-of-government approach to building a safer and more accountable transport system in Southern Leyte.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)