Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is pushing for the rapid, nationwide rollout of the government’s maritime digital passenger manifest system after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) raised the possibility that the ill-fated MV June Aster may have been carrying more passengers than its official manifest recorded.

According to Escudero, the recent sea tragedy in Coron, Palawan once again exposes critical gaps in maritime safety protocols, underscoring the urgent need to real-time passenger data during emergencies. While the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has already mandated the use of digital passenger manifests to curb overloading and strengthen sea safety, Escudero observed that implementation across regional ports remains inconsistent.

“What happened to MV June Aster shows why we must accelerate and expand the rollout,” he said. Last March, MARINA tapped Iloilo and Guimaras as pilot areas where it implemented tap‑and‑go cards that automatically generate manifests and QR‑based registration via a mobile app developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

These technologies provide port authorities and the PCG with accurate, real‑time data before any vessel leaves the pier, significantly strengthening emergency response capabilities. The veteran legislator pointed out that several ASEAN neighbors have already adopted stricter digital manifest protocols, and the Philippines must “catch up” to prevent tragedies from being compounded by information gaps.

Among its regional neighbors, Escudero noted that Singapore and Malaysia require electronic submission of manifests before sailing, Indonesia uses QR‑based boarding systems, and Japan and South Korea mandate real‑time electronic manifests for all commercial passenger vessels.

He said the Philippines must adopt similar standards to ensure maritime safety keeps pace with regional best practices. “Kung ang aviation ay may mahigpit na real‑time digital passenger manifest, dapat ganito rin ang pamantayan sa ating maritime sector. Sa panahon ng digital systems at real‑time reporting, hindi dapat nagkakaroon ng ganitong kalaking puwang sa impormasyon,” he said, adding that millions of Filipinos rely on inter‑island travel and deserve the same level of protection.

The senator likewise extended his condolences to the families of the victims and urged government agencies and the ship’s owners to provide full assistance to relatives arriving in Palawan.

He likewise called for support for survivors currently being treated in hospitals. According to the latest PCG report, there were 132 people on board the MV June Aster as per the manifest.

Of these, 76 have been confirmed dead, 43 survivors have been accounted for, and 13 remain missing. Two passengers listed in the manifest did not board. The PCG urged relatives of those still missing to coordinate with the local government of Coron and the Coast Guard to help authorities establish the actual number of unaccounted passengers and crew.

Escudero said the tragedy should lead to a comprehensive review of the country’s maritime safety system, including fire suppression standards under the Philippine Ship Safety Rules and Regulations (PSSRR, 2021); crew training and certification under the Standards of Training; Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW, 1978, as adopted in RA 10635); vessel age limits under the Domestic Shipping Development Act (RA 9295); and regulatory oversight by the Philippine Coast Guard Law (RA 9993).

“It has been almost five days since the incident, and the investigation must be expedited. As we grieve, we must also act. Hindi na dapat maulit ang ganitong trahedya na puwede namang maiwasan. Tiyakin natin ang ligtas na biyahe para sa bawat pasaherong tumatawid sa ating mga karagatan,” he said. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — More than 100 children aged five and below underwent nutrition screening in Tacloban City as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched a program aimed at identifying and addressing malnutrition among children in the area.
The screening was held Saturday,Sept.19, at the Church’s Tacloban Philippines Stake Center as part of its newly launched Child Nutrition Program, which covers children from its Tacloban Philippines Stakes in Tacloban City and the nearby towns of Palo, Tanauan, Alangalang and Santa Fe in Leyte, as well as Basey in Samar.

Rosemary Chibota, general president of the Church’s Primary organization, witnessed the launch. The Primary is the Church’s worldwide organization for children.

“The program makes sure that children are not starving and they’re eating the right food. Equally important is the spiritual nutrition and that parents make sure that their children are feasting upon the words of Christ,” Chibota said.

During the screening, children were measured for height, weight and mid-upper arm circumference to determine their nutritional status.

Church volunteers used the ShareMyHealth app to obtain immediate assessments of the children’s nutritional status during the activity.

The screening aims to identify children who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition so local Church units, known as wards, can provide appropriate assistance to their families.
Children identified as malnourished will be referred to physicians for further assessment and guidance on their nutritional needs.

Local Church leaders will also work with families to determine the assistance they may need. Intervention will continue until the child’s nutritional status returns to normal.
Mothers will also be trained to prepare nutritious food suited to their children’s needs and preferences.

The Church said the program is part of its efforts to support children and families and help children achieve their full potential.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Eastern Visayas can access up to PHP50 million in financing from the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) to support business expansion, equipment acquisition and working capital requirements.
Landbank first vice president for SME-mid market lending group May Arizadal said the bank’s Lifting MSMEs Lending Program offers loan packages based on the size and stage of a business.

Speaking during the Padayon Eastern Visayas MSME Fair at Summit Hotel Tacloban on Thursday,Sept.17, Arizadal said micro-entrepreneurs may borrow up to P500,000 without collateral.

“For the micro-entrepreneurs, they can borrow up to P500,000 with no collateral,” she said.
More established businesses may access up to P5 million under the Step-Up loan, while enterprises seeking to expand their operations may qualify for up to P50 million through the Level-Up package.

The Lifting MSMEs Lending Program, launched in December 2025, provides financing for working capital, purchase of equipment and business expansion.

Arizadal said Landbank also accepts loan applications from businesses that have been operating for at least six months.

“We want to support local businesses even those that just started for at least six months in operation,” she said.

Entrepreneurs may apply online through the Landbank website, allowing them to check documentary requirements, submit supporting documents and monitor their applications without personally visiting a branch.

Landbank first vice president for agricultural and sustainable development Eden Japitana said the bank has released about P2.4 billion out of P2.7 billion in approved loans under the program, benefiting around 700 entrepreneurs since its launch.

Japitana said financing support could help MSMEs expand their operations and generate employment in local communities.

“Kung mag-improve ang negosyo nila, makakapag-employ tayo, lalago ang negosyo, lalago ang bayan,” she said.

Landbank also introduced its Sulong MSME Solution Suite, which provides deposit and digital banking services designed to help businesses manage payments, payroll, collections and government contributions.

Sole proprietors may also open accounts through the Landbank Mobile Banking App.
The Padayon Eastern Visayas MSME Fair drew about 250 entrepreneurs and showcased businesses involved in agribusiness, fisheries, abaca, food processing and other sectors.
The Tacloban event was the eighth leg of Landbank’s MSME Fair caravan, which promotes financing and other support services available to small businesses.

Landbank said the initiative supports government efforts to improve access to financing and other assistance for MSMEs under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Program.

MSMEs account for about 99 percent of businesses in the Philippines, according to government data.

Landbank said improved access to financing can help viable enterprises sustain operations, acquire equipment and increase their production and business capacity as they grow.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)