Deadline is on March 4, 2026

TACLOBAN CITY — At least 144 former rebels and other qualified individuals in Eastern Visayas have applied for the government’s amnesty program following a series of orientation and intake activities conducted across the region in February.

Data from the Local Amnesty Boards (LABs) showed that 31 applicants were processed during a session in Baybay City, while six more filed applications at the Leyte Regional Prison in Abuyog under the LAB of Tacloban.

The LAB of Catbalogan, for its part, recorded 36 applicants in Catubig, Northern Samar, and another 71 during an orientation activity in Borongan City.

The activities were carried out in coordination with partner agencies, including the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), as part of ongoing efforts to encourage former combatants to return to mainstream society.

During the sessions, secretariats of the Local Amnesty Boards explained the scope of the amnesty program, covered offenses, documentary requirements, and the step-by-step application process. Applicants also took their oath of allegiance before PAO lawyers, a key requirement for processing their petitions.

The National Amnesty Commission has set application deadlines on March 4, 2026 for former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawang Pilipinas–Revolutionary Proletarian Army–Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA/ABB), and March 13, 2026 for former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Officials reiterated their call for eligible individuals to avail themselves of the amnesty program, describing it as a crucial step toward reconciliation, legal closure, and long-term peace and development in the region.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Across the country, a new wave of Filipino innovators is proving that technology and creativity can go hand in hand with inclusive growth ensuring that progress reaches not just urban centers, but also far-flung and underserved communities.

From climate-resilient farming tools that help smallholder farmers boost productivity, to mobile applications connecting micro-entrepreneurs with digital markets, projects that address climate change challenges while creating economic opportunities for marginalized sectors, these innovations share a common goal which is bridging gaps in access, income, and opportunity.

These and other innovations by great and pioneering minds in Eastern Visayas are being called by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development in Region 8 (DEPDev VIII) to submit their best innovations to the 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards (PFA).
The PFA is a national competition recognizing breakthrough products and services with high potential for commercialization and impact. The initiative was established under Executive Order No. 99 of 2025 and is considered the country’s premier innovation recognition program.

Now in its second year, the awards aim to spotlight Filipino-owned innovations that are ready for early-stage commercialization and have the potential to address national development challenges.

According to DEPDev VIII Assistant Regional Director Jam Colas Villaber the awards provide a platform for individuals, startups and enterprises to showcase their solutions and gain support in scaling their ideas to market.

“The Filipinnovation Award provide more than trophies and cash prizes. They offer mentoring, business development support, and connections to financing institutions, helping promising ideas grow into sustainable enterprises,” Villaber said.
She believes Eastern Visayas abound in talented innovators with their remarkable innovations just waiting to be tapped.

Participants to the Filipinnovation Awards must be Filipino citizens or Filipino-owned registered enterprises, and entries must feature innovative products or services supported by functional prototypes and intellectual property filings.

The call for entries is open until March 15, 2026, with interested applicants encouraged to register and submit required documents through the official PFA portal https://filipinnovation.depdev.gov.ph/.

The competition is structured in two stages: subnational contests grouped into four geographic clusters, National Capital Region, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao followed by a national level showdown where up to 16 finalists compete for top honors. The subnational contest for the Visayas will be hosted by DEPDev VIII.

Entries will be judged on innovativeness, sustainability and scalability, marketability, and potential impact.

Winners of the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards will receive cash prizes and post-competition support, including mentoring, networking opportunities and assistance in accessing financing and market opportunities.

DEPDev shares that as the Philippines continues to pursue balanced and inclusive growth, recognizing and supporting socially responsive innovations signals a broader commitment, that progress must benefit many and not just a few.

With continued collaboration among government, private sector, and communities, innovation is becoming not just a driver of economic growth but a pathway toward shared prosperity.

(AHLETTE C. REYES, PIA-LEYTE)

ORMOC CITY— A motorcycle rider was injured early Thursday morning, February 19, after his vehicle was bumped from behind by another motorcycle along the National Highway in Sitio Naghalin, Barangay Naghalin, Kananga, Leyte.

Police identified the injured driver as alias “Sonnie,” 27, a construction worker from Purok 2, Brgy. San Pablo, Ormoc City, who was riding a gray-and-black Suzuki Raider 150 without presenting a valid driver’s license. The other motorcycle involved was a black Honda Click driven by alias “Vin,” 23, a resident of Sitio Laray, Brgy. Naghalin.

Initial investigation revealed that both motorcycles were traveling toward Kananga town proper when the Suzuki Raider 150 accidentally struck the rear of the Honda Click. The impact caused Sonnie to fall onto the concrete road, sustaining injuries, while the Honda Click rider maintained control of his vehicle.

Emergency responders immediately transported the injured rider to Ormoc District Hospital for treatment. Both motorcycles and the Honda Click driver were brought to Kananga Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.

(ROBERT DEJON)