TACLOBAN CITY – More than P34 million worth of livelihood assistance was distributed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to various local government units (LGUs), barangays, and institutions in Eastern Visayas during the Labor Day 2025 celebration on Thursday, May 1.

The funds were sourced from the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) or KABUHAYAN, which supports start-up and enhancement of small businesses for vulnerable and disadvantaged workers.

Among the recipients were Balangkayan (P4.49 million) and Giporlos (P4.6 million) both in Eastern Samar; Lope de Vega (P2.5 million) and Pambujan (P2.64 million) both in Northern Samar; Tanauan, Alangalang, Hilongos, and Isabel in Leyte; Macrohon (P3.42 million) and Libagon (P3 million) in Southern Leyte; six barangays in Maasin City (P200K each); Almeria (P2.05M) in Biliran and Pinabacdao (P990K) in Samar; and the Visayas State University and Soleco Employers Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

The assistance benefits 1,537 members of various groups and associations.

DOLE also led the TUPAD payout under the DSWD’s Project LAWA at BINHI, with 1,500 beneficiaries receiving P8,400 each for 20 days of community work, such as establishing communal gardens and fish ponds.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY– The Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) of Tacloban City, in coordination with the Philippine Statistics Authority – Leyte Provincial Statistical Office (PSA Leyte), successfully conducted the CCRO Forum: Awareness on Relevant OCRG Issuances and Cascading of the Administrative Petition for Correction Automated System (APCAS) & Orientation on National ID Latest Issuances and Updates last 25 April 2025, at the LCRO-Tacloban Office.

The forum aimed to empower local civil registration personnel by strengthening their understanding of the latest Office of the Civil Registrar General (OCRG) issuances and enhancing the implementation of the Administrative Petition for Correction Automated System (APCAS). Additionally, it served as a venue to cascade the updates and latest developments in the implementation of the National Identification System.

The program opened with an AVP presentation followed by a warm welcome message from Ms. Imelda A. Roa, City Civil Registrar of Tacloban City, who highlighted the importance of keeping the registry personnel well-informed of policy changes and technological innovations, particularly in improving the accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of civil registration services.

Ms. Vianey Marie D. Almia, Administrative Officer I of PSA Leyte, led the session on relevant OCRG issuances and APCAS, providing insights into how the system simplifies the processing of administrative corrections in civil registry documents. She later returned to deliver the event’s closing message.

Meanwhile, Mr. Rodolfo R. Novillo, Jr., Registration Officer II of PSA Leyte, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the latest developments in the National ID system.
His presentation covered several key areas, including the ongoing rebranding of the National ID to improve public recognition and trust, the acceptance of various ID formats—physical, paper-printed, and digital—as valid proofs of identity, and the nationwide rollout of authentication services aimed at facilitating secure and reliable identity verification in both public and private transactions.

Mr. Novillo also highlighted the critical importance of integrating civil registry services with the National ID system to streamline identity management and ensure a more unified and efficient public service delivery.

To support a wider public awareness campaign, National ID informational leaflets were distributed to all participants. These materials aim to further educate communities on the benefits, usage, and processes involved in the National ID system, as part of the government’s larger push toward inclusive, accessible, and secure identity verification for all Filipinos.

The event concluded with an open forum, where participants actively engaged the resource speakers through questions and feedback—demonstrating their strong commitment to enhancing civil registration services in the city. This initiative is part of a broader national effort to modernize and harmonize civil registration systems and align them with National ID policies, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and inclusivity in identity management. It also aims to equip local registrars with the necessary tools and knowledge to meet the changing needs of the public. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – A total of 277 police personnel from the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) cast their votes during the local absentee voting (LAV) held on April 29 at Matapat Hall at the regional headquarters in Palo, Leyte.

Participants came from various units including Ormoc City Police Office (67), Samar PPO (51), Regional Support Unit (47), Mobile Force Battalion (35), PRO-8 headquarters (26), Southern Leyte PPO (14), Tacloban City Police Office (13), Leyte PPO (11), Eastern Samar PPO (8), Biliran PPO (4), and Northern Samar PPO (1), according to PMaj Analiza Armeza, PRO-8 public information chief.

While over 300 personnel applied, only 277 were approved to vote due to deactivated voter records; of these, 245 were able to cast their votes.

PBGen Jay Cumigad, police regional director, said the LAV ensures police officers can fulfill both their electoral duty and maintain peace and order during the May 12 elections.
Comelec personnel from Palo supervised the voting process, assisted by trained police acting as board of election inspectors.

Accomplished ballots will be forwarded to Comelec’s central office for counting on Election Day.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)