As the chime of the “Bell of Joy” rang through the hall during the National Authority on Child Care (NACC) agreement signing with local government units for the institutionalization of adoption and child care programs, the deep shrill of the bell signaled that once again, a child has been welcomed into a permanent, loving family.

Officer-in-Charge Josamae Sedillo of the Regional Alternative Child Care Office Eastern Visayas (RACCO VIII) heartfully read the Certificate of Finality and Order of Adoption of “Eric” and “Mae,” marking the formal beginning with their forever family. Eric becomes officially the first born of a couple from Maasin City, while Mae legally becomes the daughter of another couple from Limasawa, Southern Leyte.

The symbolic bell, mounted on a modest wooden stand, rang twice for the two children, as social welfare staff and visitors present were smiling, some in tears and applauding quietly, showing the unwavering dedication to child welfare. The ceremonial ringing of the bell symbolizes the successful completion of the child’s adoption journey from hope to home.
In Eastern Visayas, there are 56 children declared legally available for adoption and are expected to benefit from the partnership recently forged by NACC together with 46 LGUs across the region.

The partnership will strengthen the implementation of domestic administrative adoption, foster care, and other forms of alternative child care for abandoned, neglected, foundlings, orphaned, surrendered, abused, or exploited children in the region.

RACCO VIII has placed 29 children with their forever family. Some 53 children are under the care of licensed foster parents and a total 343 children have been provided with adoption and alternative child care programs and services since 2023.

NACC Usec. Janella Ejercito Estrada encouraged the public to support administrative adoption and other forms of alternative child care and ensure the safety and interest of a child by rejecting all forms of illegal adoption, particularly online selling of babies.

She made a heartfelt plea to desperate parents not to sell their child, and to instead come forward to NACC or the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for help.
“Hindi po natin dapat hayaan na maging negosyo ang buhay ng isang bata. Bawal pong magbenta ng bata, bawal pong magbigay ng bata sa iba, bawal pong mag-iwan ng bata kung saan-saan, bawal pong mag-tamper ng certificate ng bata, dapat pong sumunod sa proseso ng legal na pag-aampon,” Usec. Estrada said during the MOA signing with local government units in Eastern Visayas.

For RACCO VIII, the bell of joy has rung several times over the past months which represent months and even years of collaborative work among social workers, foster families, psychologists, and the adoptive parents who open their hearts and homes to a child in need.

For now, the bell stood still once more, quietly waiting for the next child who will soon find a forever home. (ACR/PIA Leyte)

The stories of three independent working students — Xander, Lee, and Crysquei — highlight their resilience and determination as they defy financial odds in pursuit of a college degree- juggling jobs, studies, and personal challenges to achieve their dreams and aspirations.
Working students are now a step closer to finishing their studies through the Study Now, Pay Later (SNPL) program of Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash. This flexible lending option powered by GGives provides students and families with an installment-based payment system that covers up to 100% of tuition with no down payment and lower interest rates.

For many Filipinos, financial challenges remain the biggest barrier to completing a college degree. Tertiary education in the country faces high dropout rates, with financial strain as the primary cause. The SNPL program seeks to help close this gap and empower more students to finish their education.

As for the 21-year-old accounting student, Xander Gandionco faced his own hurdles. As the eldest of three siblings, he worked as a service crew employee to help support his family and fund his education. While he managed to balance both responsibilities, there were moments when tuition became a concern.

Discovering the SNPL program through an email from his school changed that. The fast approval and manageable terms gave him a lifeline to continue his education. “I thought I wouldn’t be able to enroll this semester. But when I saw that I was approved for the loan, I gained hope,” he shared.

The most profound impact, however, is often felt by those who are completely independent. Lee Visitacion, a 21-year-old Psychology student and a call center agent in a BPO company, has been living and supporting herself for almost 10 years. Her life, which she describes as “independent”, meant there was no safety net when an unexpected financial crunch hit during the enrollment deadline.

“There was a time when I didn’t have hope because it was the last week of enrollment, and I was planning to abandon my job,” Kim recalls. “But when the loan was approved, it was a big help because it allowed me to enroll.” The quick and easy approval process was a lifesaver that prevented her from dropping out at the last minute.

Similarly, Crysquei Aiko, a 22-year-old Information Technology student, described her life as “challenging” because she supports herself entirely, managing expenses like rent, bills, and food alongside her studies. For her, the loan provided necessary breathing room when her salary couldn’t stretch far enough.

“My income is divided for rent, bills, food, and tuition, which makes it tight for my studies,” Crysquei explained. The realization of the financial challenge hit when she risked not being enrolled. By accessing SNPL, she was able to use her income to manage her monthly commitments while ensuring her education continued. “The loan helped me enroll on time when I didn’t have enough money, which gave me the chance to continue my studies.”
For these students, the program represents more than just a payment option—it’s a commitment to their future. With features such as flexible payment terms, full tuition coverage, and easy-to-meet requirements, the program makes it possible for more Filipinos to continue pursuing their college education.

“At Fuse, we believe in a future where financial limitations do not stop a student’s dream. Our Study Now, Pay Later program is a testament to this, as we provide fair and inclusive lending to empower the next generation,” said Tony Isidro, President and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc. “This is another step toward our commitment to easing the burden of upfront school fees and helping more students unlock the opportunity of a college education.”

The experiences of Xander, Lee, and Crysquei show how inclusive lending can change lives and empower Filipinos to build a better future for themselves and their families. The Study Now, Pay Later program is more than a financial solution — it is a vehicle for improving access to education and reducing dropout rates in the country. (PR)

ORMOC CITY — A British national was arrested in Brgy. Libtong Daku, Naval, Biliran on Thursday morning, November 14, following the implementation of a warrant of deportation.
The suspect, identified as Silk Daniel James, married and of legal age, was taken into custody at about 9:33 a.m. by personnel of the Naval Municipal Police Station (MPS) in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Police said the operation was intelligence-driven and based on Deportation Order No. BOC-2025-96 issued by the BI Board of Commissioners on September 9, 2025.

Authorities added that Silk has been living in Naval for more than 10 years. His visa expired this month, and he is married to a local resident with whom he has a child.

The suspect was brought to the Naval MPS for proper documentation pending turnover to immigration authorities for deportation proceedings.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY — Three alleged members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with government troops in a remote village in Jaro, Leyte on Monday morning, November 17.

The clash occurred at around 6:24 a.m. after residents of Barangay Pange alerted authorities on the presence of armed men in their community, Brig. Gen. Pompeyo Jason Almagro, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade (IB) based in Ormoc City, said in a phone interview.

Responding to the report, soldiers from the 93rd Infantry Battalion under the 802nd IB were deployed to the area, resulting in a firefight that left three rebels dead and the recovery of two firearms.

Almagro said six NPA members were in the vicinity, but three managed to flee during the gun battle.

“As of the moment, clearing and pursuit operations are still ongoing,” the Army official said.
The slain rebels were reportedly members of the Island Committee of Levox under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

Their bodies have been brought to a funeral home for identification and claiming by relatives. One was identified as a native of Alangalang, while the other two were from Jaro and Hindang towns, all in Leyte.

Almagro, who assumed command of the 802nd IB on November 8, said the insurgency situation in Leyte has significantly weakened through the years.

“They just roam around, as they are no longer capable of staging major tactical offensives against government troops,” he said, noting that the presence of NPA remnants in the province has been reduced to small, scattered groups.

Jaro, located about 37 kilometers from the regional center of Tacloban City, was once considered an NPA stronghold at the height of the insurgency in Leyte.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)