TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) doubled down in keeping government-funded social protection programs free from political interference ensuring that assistance reaches intended beneficiaries transparently and without credit-grabbing.

The agency is drafting and finalizing specific “anti-epal” guidelines that align with legal mandates to ensure that aid is delivered professionally and transparently by DSWD social workers or accredited partners. “Epal” is a practice commonly associated with self-promotion.

According to DSWD Assistant Secretary for Promotive Programs under Operations Group Edmon Monteverde, the regional offices implementing the various programs are under strict orders to prohibit politicians and public officials from personally distributing or appearing during cash aid and program payouts.

“Beneficiaries of programs and social welfare services are to receive aid strictly through professional DSWD staff or accredited partners,” Monteverde said.

The guideline being drafted by DSWD is in line with the ‘anti-epal’ provision of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and supports the memorandum circular released by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) which operationalizes the anti-political branding rules across all social protection initiatives.

Section 19 in the GAA prohibits political involvement in the distribution of cash and other forms of financial assistance. Under this provision, all cash assistance and other forms of financial aid distribution shall be carried out exclusively by authorized government officers and personnel or accredited partners.

The “anti-epal’ move also follows the increase of the DSWD’s 2026 budget, which underscores expanded coverage for key safety nets like 4Ps (conditional cash transfer program), senior citizen pensions, and disaster response assistance.

In Eastern Visayas, DSWD-8 Regional Director Grace Subong says they are aligning with national directives that prohibit politicians and local leaders from appearing at or taking credit during the distribution of government assistance under programs.

“We coordinate with LGUs on the ground but during pay-out programs or activities where there is aid distribution, we strictly observe regulations that prevent the program’s politicization,” Subong said.

By strengthening these safeguards, the DSWD aims to promote transparency, bolster public trust, and ensure that its social protection programs, designed to uplift vulnerable families and individuals, remain solely focused on serving those in need, not on political visibility.

(AHLETTE C. REYES, PIA-LEYTE)

TACLOBAN CITY — A 10-minute firefight erupted between government troops and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Barangay Mobo-ob, San Jorge, Samar on February 16, 2026, the military reported.

Soldiers from the 14th Infantry Battalion under the 8th Infantry Division engaged about six members of the Regional Security Force of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee following reports from residents of armed men allegedly conducting intimidation and extortion activities in the area.

Lt. Col. Esmeraldo Sumalinog, commanding officer of the 14th IB, said the operation was launched based on community information, stressing that civilian cooperation remains crucial in efforts to end the local communist armed conflict.

In the wake of the clash, the 8th ID renewed its appeal to remaining members of the NPA to abandon the armed struggle and avail of the government’s Amnesty Program, which accepts applications until March 13, 2026.

The military said qualified former rebels may be granted relief from criminal liabilities related to rebellion and will be assisted in their reintegration into mainstream society.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Calbayog city government has taken initial steps toward establishing the proposed Calbayog City College, advancing both a feasibility study and the drafting of a city ordinance to formalize the institution.

Mayor Raymund Uy said the initiative aims to broaden access to higher education for residents, particularly students who face financial or geographic barriers to studying outside the city.

On February 16, 2026, a strategic session was held at the City Mayor’s Office Conference Room, where officials and stakeholders reviewed a regional assessment of higher education in Eastern Visayas. The report highlighted challenges such as low household incomes, limited local government funding for higher education, and the migration of students to Cebu and the National Capital Region. It also noted opportunities, including high-performing institutions in the region that could support partnerships.

The feasibility study, conducted in partnership with Northwest Samar State University, is evaluating student demand, available resources, and the long-term sustainability of the proposed college.

Mayor Uy and the city’s RCU Developmental Team are also working on a city ordinance to provide the legal basis for the establishment of the institution, in line with the 1987 Philippine Constitution and the Local Government Code of 1991, which authorize local government units to create local universities and colleges.

City officials said the proposed Calbayog City College is envisioned as an accessible and affordable option for higher education, allowing more Calbayognons to pursue degrees without leaving their hometown. Consultations and technical studies will continue as part of the planning process.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)