An initiative of ex-Speaker Romualdez

TACLOBAN CITY— Despite challenges, including the threat of tropical depression Verbena, the government continued its support for local farmers through the distribution of financial assistance under the Farmers Assistance for Recovery and Modernization (FARM) Program on November 24, 2025, at Visayas State University in Alangalang, Leyte.

The activity was spearheaded by representatives from Leyte’s 1st District Office of Congressman Martin Romualdez, led by Chief Political Affairs Officer Atty. Mark Stephen Reyes, together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Office 8 (DSWD RO8).

More than 2,450 beneficiaries from Alangalang received financial aid aimed at sustaining and improving their agricultural production, helping ensure continued livelihood and farm productivity.

The FARM Program, an initiative of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, seeks to strengthen the agricultural sector and provide farmers—considered the backbone of food security and rural livelihood—with the necessary support to improve farm operations, not only in Leyte but across the country.

Even in the face of natural hazards and other challenges, the government remains committed to assisting farmers, emphasizing resilience, recovery, and modernization of agriculture for a better future.

(JOEY A. GABIETA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY– House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan has welcomed the P35 wage increase recently approved for workers in Eastern Visayas, calling it a “small but meaningful step” toward achieving the constitutional goal of a living wage.

“The increase gives more meaning to the constitutional right of workers to a living wage,” Libanan said in a statement, emphasizing that the adjustment helps narrow the gap between current pay levels and the standard envisioned in the 1987 Constitution, which places the dignity and welfare of workers at the heart of national policy.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Eastern Visayas issued Wage Order No. RB VIII-25, granting a P35 increase in two tranches: P17 effective December 8, 2025, and another P18 on June 1, 2026.

With the adjustment, the daily minimum wage will rise to P452 for non-agricultural workers and P422 for agricultural workers in December, and further to P470 and P440, respectively, by mid-2026.

The order covers private-sector workers in Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Biliran.

As of November 22, Eastern Visayas is the 12th region to approve a wage hike this year, with five regions—including CAR, MIMAROPA, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga—yet to issue new orders.

Libanan acknowledged the increase as modest but said it reaffirms the wage boards’ duty to align pay levels with constitutional standards.

“The Constitution mandates not just a minimum wage, but a living wage—one that allows Filipino families to live with dignity,” he said. “We must continue pushing wages toward that benchmark so workers are not left behind by inflation and economic pressures.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Police have arrested Eastern Visayas’ No. 1 most wanted person, a suspect long sought for a string of violent crimes including three counts of murder, during a law enforcement operation in Baybay City on Saturday night, November 23.

The arrest was carried out by the 1st Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company (LPMFC) with support from the Baybay City Police Station, Regional Intelligence Division, Leyte Tracker Team, Regional Intelligence Unit 8–Criminal Investigation Team Ormoc, and the Leyte Provincial Intelligence Unit.

The suspect, identified as alias “Matz,” 37, and a resident of Barangay Maypatag, Baybay City, was served multiple warrants of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Courts of Baybay City and Abuyog, Leyte.

The charges include three counts of murder — no bail recommended; carnapping — P150,000 bail; and frustrated murder — P100,000 bail.

Police said Matz was informed of his arrest and his constitutional rights in a language he understood before being transported to the Baybay City Police Station for documentation and disposition. He will be turned over to the respective courts of origin.

LPPO provincial director PCOL Dionisio DC Apas Jr. described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the campaign against organized and violent crime in the province.

“Apprehending the region’s top most wanted suspect marks a decisive victory in our fight against violent crime. This operation reflects LPPO’s unwavering commitment to enforce the law and ensure the safety and security of every community in Leyte,” Apas stressed.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Ormoc City – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) welcomed 34 third-year Civil Engineering students from the Visayas State University (VSU) Main Campus on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, for an educational tour on construction materials and testing.

The VSU instructors shared that they chose the Leyte 4th DEO for the tour since the district office has complete sets of testing equipment which makes it an ideal venue for students to see their classroom lessons applied in real-world operations.

During the visit, the students were given a guided walkthrough of the Quality Assurance Section’s materials testing laboratory by the section chief Engr. Elmer A. Napoles, materials engineers, and laboratory technicians. Demonstrations were conducted on how equipment like the Digital Compression/Flexural Testing Machine, Rammering Hammer, Triple Beam Junior Balance, and Compaction Mold are used in evaluating the quality of construction materials.

“I hope today’s visit motivates the students as they continue their journey in the engineering field,” said OIC-District Engineer Peter Scheler V. Soco. “We are always glad to open our doors to those who are eager to learn and strengthen partnerships with academic institutions.” (PR)