Palo Leyte – The Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA) Leyte conducted a meaningful Orientation on the Latest Updates regarding Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) and the National ID (NID) system held on September 8,2025 at the Pope Francis Complex Palo, Leyte for Seniors, Orphans, and staff. The event was organized by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Leyte as part of its Annual Social Responsibility Program.

Before the official start of the orientation, a Holy Mass was celebrated at the Complex Chapel in observance of the Institution’s Anniversary. Senior Citizens, Orphans, Staff, and PSA representatives attended the mass, adding a spiritual tone to the day’s activities.
The Orientation proper featured discussions on the Birth Registration Assistance Project (BRAP) and recent updates to the National ID program. Resource persons Sheryl Ann A. Jamisola Chief Statistical Specialist of PSA Leyte and Rodolfo R. Novillo Jr. Registration Officer II/Head NID Section facilitated the session, engaging the audience in informative presentations and a dynamic open forum.

Among the staff, Mr. John Michael Borce, HR Officer raised relevant questions regarding Civil Registration Records, particularly issues with Live Birth Certificates and National ID, reflecting common documentation challenges faced by vulnerable sectors.
The closing message was delivered by the resident priest Fr. Thaddeus Kim, KBJ, who commended the partnership and expressed gratitude for the services extended to the community.

Following the orientation, the PSA team distributed food packs and essential goods to the Senior Citizens and Orphans, as part of it’s ongoing social responsibility efforts. These donations were intended to support the day-to-day needs of the residents and strengthen the PSA commitments to inclusive public service.

This event is part of PSA’s yearly initiative to reach and promote awareness of vital Civil Registration Services, and ensure that every Filipino has access to legal identity and social inclusion.

For more information on the National ID registration and schedules, individuals may visit the nearest PSA office in Leyte. Moreover, stay updated by following official PSA Leyte’s FB Page: facebook.com/psaleyte2/ or reach us through our email address: leyte@psa.gov.ph (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog Party-list Representatives Jude Acidre and Andrew Julian Romualdez have filed three landmark bills in the House of Representatives seeking to overhaul the governance of the country’s higher and technical-vocational education system.
The measures aim to modernize the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), strengthen the governance of state universities and colleges (SUCs), and establish a unified framework for local universities and colleges (LUCs). Collectively, the bills are intended to create a more coordinated, responsive, and accountable post-secondary education system in the Philippines.

Rep. Acidre, chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and co-chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), said the reforms focus on ensuring schools and training institutions genuinely serve the aspirations of Filipino learners.

“Our young people deserve schools and training centers that can prepare them for the future they dream of. Modernizing TESDA, strengthening governance in SUCs, and setting clear standards for LUCs are steps to make sure our institutions are not just keeping up with change, but helping students get ahead,” Acidre said. “At the heart of these reforms is a simple promise—that every Filipino learner will have the chance to succeed and build a better life.”

Rep. Romualdez, vice chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, emphasized that the bills go beyond institutions to address the needs of students and their families.

“At its core, education reform is about fostering potential. It’s about recognizing the dreams of our students and their families who look to us for guidance and support. This legislative initiative is intended to fortify our educational framework, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to excel and carve out a future that reflects their ambitions and capabilities,” Romualdez said.

The three bills filed by TINGOG are: House Bill 4798 (TESDA Modernization Act of 2025) – Updates RA 7796 to strengthen TESDA’s authority, devolve certain training functions to local government units (LGUs), establish industry boards, and modernize assessment and scholarship systems; House Bill 4799 – Amends RA 8292 (Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997) to revise the composition and powers of SUC governing boards, clarify CHED’s role, introduce differentiated autonomy, and establish a Philippine Higher Education Academy to professionalize leadership; and House Bill 4800 (Local Universities and Colleges Governance Act) – Prescribes mandatory guidelines for establishing and governing LUCs, strengthens workforce development functions, and grants fiscal autonomy to ensure quality and relevant education.

“These reforms represent our covenant with future generations—to transform education from a maze of uncertainties into a clear pathway of possibilities. When we succeed here, we’re not just reforming institutions; we’re giving every Filipino student the tools that can transform not just their lives, but our nation’s future,” Acidre said.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)