PALO, Leyte – Some 2,778 non-teaching personnel have been hired by the government as part of its effort to remove additional paper work from public school teachers, the Department of Education (DepEd) regional office here said Tuesday.
The hiring of administrative officers is part of the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to free teachers from administrative tasks, said DepEd Eastern Visayas Regional Director Evelyn Fetalvero during the “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” press briefing at the agency’s regional office here.
“Hiring more administrative personnel will enable teachers to maximize their time in actual classroom teaching. Ideally, there should be one administrative for every school,” Fetalvero said.
This academic year, the region has 4,179 public elementary and secondary schools.
Of the 2,778 hired workers since 2020, some 1,280 of them are regular employees, and 1,498 are under contract of service. These include the 842 regular administrative officers hired this year.
Nationwide, the target is to hire 5,000 administrative officer II positions this year with a PHP27,000 monthly starting salary.
Included in the administrative tasks removed from teachers are personnel administration, property or physical facility custodianship, general administrative support, financial management, records management, feeding, school disaster risk reduction, and management, among others. (SARWELL Q. MENIANO/PNA)
TACLOBAN CITY– The political dominance of the Ongchuans and Dazas in Northern Samar province appears to continue.
Incumbent Governor Edwin Ongchuan sprung a surprise by not seeking a reelection bid but instead chose to run for Congress, representing the province’s second congressional district.
The current occupant of the said congressional post, Harris Christopher Ongchuan will run instead as governor in next year’s elections.
The Ongchuan cousins are serving their second terms, respectively.
In the first congressional district, which includes the provincial capital of Catarman, incumbent Rep. Paul Daza chose not to seek for his possible third term.
Instead, he fielded his son, Niko Raul, 31, to run for the post also occupied by his grandfather, former congressman Raul Daza, a Liberal Party stalwart.
Rep. Daza said that his son while a neophyte, is capable to seek for a congressional post. “This is the time for the millennials like my son. But I will always be behind my son who is qualified to run for the post,” he said.
Gov. Ongchuan, in a statement, admitted that his move to seek for a congressional post, which he held for a single term ending in 2019, instead could have surprised his supporters.
“I may be taking another role this time as a congressman, but this will still be a great avenue for me to be able to help improve the lives of not only the Nortehanons but other individuals thru significant and meaningful legislative agenda,” he said.
“Not an overnight and easy decision but I think that I would be able to help more,” the outgoing governor said.
Gov. Ongchuan will face Rosalinda Capoquian, wife of former Gamay mayor, Rodolfo Capoquian.
Meantime, Christopher Harris vowed to continue the ‘legacy of progress’ made under the administration of his cousin.
“I have decided to run as governor of Northern Samar as I hope to continue the legacy of progress initiated under Gov. Edwin’s leadership,” he said in a separate statement.
“I know this is going to be a big responsibility at handa po ako mag-serbisyo para sa minamahal kong Nortehanon,” Christopher Harris added.
He will be facing former governor Harlin Abayon who served the province for nine years ending in 1998.
The remaining Filipino veterans of World War II are fast disappearing, and their plight demands urgent attention. Many of them have not fully received the recognition and support they deserve, despite their immense sacrifices. As time slips by, fewer veterans are physically able to attend significant commemorations, like the Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary, an event that once meant so much to them. This reality underscores the neglect that these heroes face not just in the realm of ceremonies, but in the benefits they are owed.
In previous years, these veterans were regular attendees of the Leyte Gulf Landings commemoration, where they were honored for their bravery during the war. However, as they grow older, fewer veterans are physically capable of making the journey, if they are even still alive. Their absence at these ceremonies serves as a painful reminder of how time and a lack of sufficient support have eroded their ability to participate in events meant to celebrate their heroism. It’s tragic to think that these men, once strong enough to stand up to an invading force, now find themselves too frail to stand at all.
The issue of unclaimed war benefits further highlights the unfair treatment these veterans have endured. Many have fought for decades to receive the compensation promised to them, only to be met with bureaucracy, red tape, or outright neglect. Some have passed away waiting for these claims to be settled, leaving their families to shoulder the burden of their medical and living expenses. Those who do receive benefits often find that the support is inadequate for their needs, particularly as healthcare costs rise.
Health-wise, the remaining veterans are in dire straits. Most of them are in their late 90s or even past 100, and many suffer from a host of age-related health issues. Without substantial government support for their medical care, these veterans are left dependent on family members or charity organizations to survive. For those without family, life becomes a daily battle for necessities like food, medicine, and shelter. It’s a disgrace that men who risked their lives for the nation are now left to struggle in their twilight years.
The government and related agencies must prioritize not just the timely release of benefits, but also the welfare of these veterans in their final years. The few who remain should not have to spend their last days in poverty, waiting for help that never arrives. Expedited claims processing, increased healthcare assistance, and proper recognition at ceremonies like the Leyte Gulf Landings should be non-negotiable. We owe it to these veterans to ensure they are treated with the dignity they deserve.
Buying land is one of the smartest investments one can make. Whether it’s a small plot for a future house or a vast stretch of farmland, land doesn’t lose its value—it grows, quietly and steadily, even when you’re not paying attention. If it’s in a good location, you might just find yourself sitting on a gold mine without lifting a finger.
Take my friend, for example. He bought a small residential lot on the outskirts of a town that barely had a grocery store at the time. We all thought he was nuts. Fast forward a few years, and that same town is now a bustling suburb with a mall, schools, and coffee shops. His land? Multiplied in value. He didn’t build a house on it, didn’t plant a tree. It just sat there, gathering value like a patient investor who knows that time, not effort, is the secret ingredient.
Farmlands are no different. Even if you don’t know the first thing about farming (trust me, I’m not that expert), buying agricultural land in strategic areas means you’re investing in future possibilities. Food production is never going out of style, and as populations grow, land becomes more precious. I’ve seen farmers who inherited barren-looking fields that, after a decade of urban expansion, turned into prime real estate worth millions. You don’t have to plow the field yourself to reap its rewards—sometimes, the land does the work for you.
Another advantage of land is that it’s tangible. Unlike stocks that rise and fall with the whims of the market, or cryptocurrencies that seem to disappear into thin air when you need them the most, land stays put. You can walk on it, build on it, fence it in, or just sit there and admire the horizon. It’s real, and there’s something deeply satisfying about that. It doesn’t vanish overnight because some distant CEO made a bad decision.
And let’s be honest, land is one of those investments that rarely gets you into trouble. It’s simple. You buy it, you own it. You don’t have to check its value every day, unlike stocks that have you glued to financial reports and market trends. With land, you can sleep soundly knowing that as long as the world keeps spinning, people will need a place to live, work, and grow food.
There’s also a certain peace of mind that comes with owning land. It’s like having an ace up your sleeve, a safety net in case things go south in other areas of life. You might not need it today, or even tomorrow, but one day, you might find yourself grateful that you invested in something that isn’t going anywhere. Land doesn’t age, it doesn’t depreciate, and it doesn’t disappear—it’s the ultimate long-term partner.
Some people hesitate, thinking it’s too much of a commitment. But I say the land is patient. It doesn’t rush you to make decisions. You can leave it untouched for years and come back to find it’s still there, waiting for its time to shine. And when that time comes, whether it’s for building your dream home or selling it at a hefty profit, you’ll be glad you held onto it.
Yes, buying land is a slow but steady race. You might not see immediate gains, and that’s okay. It’s not about short-term thrills; it’s about securing something lasting, something that, over time, can become one of the best decisions you ever made. You can’t go wrong with land—after all, as they say, they’re not making any more of it.
THEY, of course, are reasons to be happy. But, given our wounded condition, we should also be wary of their tendency to spoil us. Thus, whenever they come into our life, we should exert effort to intensify our will to be humble and to make use of that fortunate status to strengthen our will to serve and not to be served.
We are reminded of this truth of our Christian faith in that gospel episode where two of Christ’s disciples, James and John, asked for a favored position in God’s kingdom. (cfr. Mk 10,25-35)
That was when Christ told them in so many words that the privilege of being close associates of Christ would always involve greater sacrifices, that they should have the mind of a servant, and that they sharpen their attitude of serving and not of being served.
In this regard, we should be reminded of what Christ told his disciples: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.” (Lk 12,48)
Thus, the proper attitude to develop when we enjoy certain honors and privileges should be that of becoming more aware that they actually give us more responsibilities, more tasks to carry out, more self-giving.
May we be generous in this department of giving back, convinced that what we seem to lose by giving is actually regained and multiplied a number of times, as Christ himself said, “For everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for my name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.” (Mt 19,29)
By giving back what we receive, we foster greater connectivity and communion among ourselves. This is urgently needed especially these days when, ironically, we have many more communication technologies than before and yet we seem to have more people isolating themselves from others now than before.
We have to cultivate a strong appetite for communion by giving ourselves to others unstintingly, not so much for what they give us as for what God has given us.
We need to cultivate this appetite for communion with Christ. We have to develop a holy fear of simply being by ourselves, relying solely on our human powers and resources. This is a dangerous situation to be in.
We need to enter into communion with Christ, which is actually what is proper to us, since our life is not meant only to be ours alone, but rather to be vitally united with God through Christ in the Holy Spirit. We are made in his image and likeness. We cannot be without him in our mind and heart, and in our life as a whole.
With him, we can enter into communion with everybody else as a necessary consequence, because loving God is necessarily loving others also.
We have to be men and women for God and for others. That’s actually the objectively proper trajectory of our thoughts and desires. We have to be wary when we get trapped thinking only of ourselves, which is a constant danger to us.
These considerations can truly help us avoid falling into the sweet poison of feeling entitled and put us in the proper condition to be like Christ as we should be. “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many,” he said. That’s the standard to follow!
CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
Perhaps the question is why is Agriculture put in a lower status even on a campus survey which asks what new courses shall be offered in the future of Abuyog Community College? Why would an obvious Agricultural area shun away from its roots ?
Though it has long been the foundation of the Philippine economy, especially in areas like Leyte and Samar, agriculture is sometimes ignored and trivialized. These regions have enormous agricultural potential, yet the agriculture industry is generally underappreciated and unloved for a variety of reasons. A major source of income and economic activity in the Philippines historically has been agriculture. But as time has gone on, the industry has faced several difficulties, such as poor government support, restricted access to contemporary technologies, and inadequate infrastructure. Typhoons and floods, which destroy crops and interfere with farming operations, are frequent natural calamities that worsen these problems in Leyte and Samar.
One of the primary reasons for the disinterest in agriculture is the socio-economic landscape. Many young Filipinos view agriculture as an unattractive career option due to the perception of low income and hard labor. This is particularly evident in Leyte and Samar, where many young people migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities.
Leyte and Samar’s agriculture is greatly impacted by environmental conditions. Sustainable farming is severely hampered by the areas’ vulnerability to extreme weather occurrences as well as problems like soil erosion and deforestation. In addition to lowering agricultural output, these environmental issues deter investment in the industry.
Addressing the disinterest and trivialization of agriculture requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, there needs to be a concerted effort to change cultural perceptions of farming. This can be achieved through educational campaigns that highlight the importance and potential of agriculture. Secondly, improving infrastructure and access to modern farming technologies can make agriculture more attractive and profitable. Thirdly, government policies must be more effectively implemented, with a focus on transparency and accountability to ensure that resources reach the intended beneficiaries.
It is about time we make a reset and treat Agriculture as a vital field of work and study , our future, and our existence rest on it.
