TACLOBAN CITY — In a move aimed at strengthening science-driven agriculture and supporting farmers in Southern Leyte, the Southern Leyte State University (SLSU)–Hinunangan Campus has formally opened its BIO-GROWTH Tissue Culture Laboratory, a facility expected to enhance agricultural research and improve the supply of high-quality planting materials in the province.

The laboratory was launched on January 22 in a ceremony led by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., together with DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho Mabborang, DOST Regional Director John Glenn Ocaña.
Also present were Southern Leyte 2nd District Representative Christopherson Yap, and Hinunangan Mayor Ymard Joseph Tocmo.

University officials present included SLSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services Francis Ann Sy, SLSU–Hinunangan Campus Director Ian Navarrete, and John Paul R. Gapasin, faculty dean and project leader of the tissue culture laboratory.

The BIO-GROWTH Tissue Culture Laboratory will focus on the production of disease-free and high-quality planting materials, particularly for abaca, one of Southern Leyte’s major agricultural commodities and a key source of livelihood for many farmers in the province.
SLSU officials said the facility is intended to help improve farm productivity and strengthen the local abaca industry through the application of modern biotechnology.

In his message, Solidum said tissue culture technology plays a critical role in enhancing agricultural resilience, improving yields, and addressing production challenges brought about by pests, diseases, and climate-related risks.

“With this tissue culture laboratory, we hope to further empower farmers, modernize agriculture, and help transform communities here in Hinunangan and across Southern Leyte. Leyte is proving that when science reaches the grassroots, progress truly takes root—and when it takes root, it bears fruit,” Solidum said.

He added that the facility is a strategic investment not only in research but also in the country’s broader agribusiness sector. “We ensure that our farmers stay in profit while promoting agricultural diversification. The tissue culture laboratory is not merely a facility—it is a strategic investment in the country’s agribusiness sector,” he said.

Local officials and university leaders expressed support for the project, citing its potential to generate long-term benefits for farmers, researchers, and the local economy.

SLSU said the establishment of the BIO-GROWTH Tissue Culture Laboratory underscores the university’s commitment to research-based solutions and its partnership with the DOST in advancing inclusive and sustainable agricultural development in Southern Leyte.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Principally authored by Rep. Martin Romualdez

TACLOBAN CITY— Lawmakers are pushing for the passage of House Bill No. 2, a measure that would exempt millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from directly paying PhilHealth premiums, in response to mounting financial pressures faced by Filipinos working abroad.

The bill, principally authored by former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and co-authored by House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chair Jude A. Acidre of Tingog party-list, is currently under review by the House Committee on Health and its technical working group.

Under the proposal, the national government would shoulder half of OFWs’ PhilHealth contributions, while the remaining half would be covered by their employers. Any unused subsidy would be redirected to improve benefits or lower future premiums.

Acidre emphasized that the measure recognizes the economic sacrifices of OFWs, who sustain families and businesses back home through remittances and taxes. “Requiring them to pay more for health coverage would be unfair, especially amid rising global costs,” he said.

The move also responds to concerns from labor groups and health policy experts that mandatory payments are often difficult to access abroad, particularly for land-based workers on short-term contracts. Experts note that the bill aligns with global best practices, where migrant workers’ health coverage is typically shared between employers and host governments.

“This is a corrective measure,” Acidre said. “Universal health care must be universal in protection, not universal in burden.”

Economists warn that while remittances remain resilient, OFWs are increasingly affected by higher housing, food, and medical expenses overseas.

Lawmakers stress that swift approval of HB No. 2 would provide timely relief to millions of migrant workers and affirm the government’s commitment to their welfare.

If enacted, the bill would represent one of the most significant reforms in OFW social protection in recent years.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Visayas’ own Onie Balintong Jr. has been elected unopposed as national president of the Local Government Unions of the Philippines (LGUP) for the 2026–2028 term, pledging to lead with integrity, transparency, and a strong focus on empowering government workers.

In his acceptance speech, Balintong, who hails from Leyte, expressed gratitude to union members and officers from organizations in the region, including PAGE Leyte, GATE, PLEA, and REACH, for entrusting him with the leadership role.

“For me, being elected unopposed is one of the highest compliments. It tells me that you trust my leadership, my integrity, and my commitment to the workers we all serve,” he said, emphasizing that the mandate comes with greater responsibility rather than ease.
Under this year’s theme, “Empowering Workers Through Excellent Service, Good Governance, and Transparency,” Balintong vowed to ensure that government employees are treated fairly, have safe working conditions, and enjoy opportunities for growth. He also stressed that leadership must be ethical, accountable, and transparent to maintain public trust.

Eastern Visayas officers elected under the new LGUP administration include: Vice President: Vicente Balajadia (PAGE Leyte); Secretary: Eden Benusa Reyes (REACH); Treasurer: Eumelia Creer (GATE); and Auditor 1: Agapito S. Dela Cruz (PLEA).

Balintong assured members that he will work alongside them to strengthen LGUP as a model organization that is united, empowered, and forward-looking, focusing on service and governance that truly benefits public sector workers.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)