YLS empowers future leaders in Las Navas, Northern Samar

By 20th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
April 31, 2024

LAS NAVAS, Northern Samar – Approximately 150 young individuals from various barangays gathered and participated in the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) Las Navas 2024 held at TESDA-Las Navas Agro-Industrial School, Las Navas, Northern Samar on April 26-28, 2024.

With the support and commitment of the Local Government Unit of Las Navas, SK Federation – Las Navas Chapter, Youth for Peace Movement – Las Navas Chapter, and the collaboration of the 20th Infantry (We Lead) and 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion, the YOUth LEADership Summit Las Navas 2024 was successfully conducted under the theme: "EMPOWERING TODAY'S LEADERS: IGNITING POTENTIALS, INVIGORATING POSITIVE CHANGE."

The YLS aimed to empower and amplify the voices of youth in advancing peace, emphasizing character-based leadership skills, enhancing their knowledge, raising awareness about youth roles and responsibilities in nation-building, and fostering nationalism and patriotism.

During the official opening of YLS Las Navas 2024, Lt. Col. Richard P. Villaflor, Acting Commanding Officer of the 20IB, expressed that the youth would remain an inspiration for the battalion in fulfilling their sworn duty to protect every Filipino against those who seek to undermine our democracy. As the YLS formally starts, he encouraged the youth to say no to deceptive CTG recruitment schemes.

“To our dear youth, I speak to you not just as the battalion commander of the 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion but as someone who believes in your power to shape our future. This is your time to shine, to unleash your potential, and ignite positive change in our beloved Las Navas. The Youth Leadership Summit is just the beginning. After this YLS, you will be armed with knowledge and inspiration, making you the leaders our nation need,.” said Lt. Col. Villaflor.

Over three days, subject matter experts from various agencies within LGU Las Navas, government, and private sectors actively engaged the participants, covering topics such as Basic Foundations of Leadership, Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health, Environmental Protection and Preservation, Voters’ Education, Insurgency and the Role of the Youth in Nation Building, Drugs and Criminalities, Gender Equality and Campaign Against, Fire Safety and Basic Emergency Response, TESDA Livelihood Programs and Scholarship Opportunities, Mental Health Advocacy, and Knowing One’s Self.

Team-building activities like Guidon-Making, Chant Competition, Obstacle Course, Trust Walk, Reflection Night, Bonfire Activity, Morning Zumba, Dance Performance Practice, "Alay-Linis", Shower for Peace, and a boodlefight were conducted to promote teamwork and camaraderie among the youth.

The event also featured “Gabi ng Kultura” on April 27, where the youth showcased their creativity, resourcefulness, inner beauty, talent, and intelligence. The participants were also given the opportunity to brainstorm and address issues and problems in their respective barangays through the Action Planning Session.

Meanwhile, 2nd Lt. April Grace A. Silvosa, Battalion Personnel Officer of 20IB, shared her personal experiences as a YLS Graduate and member of the Youth For Peace Movement – Davao Oriental Chapter, highlighting the significance of the YLS program for youth.

On the other hand, 1st Lt. Joyce Ann L. Bayron, Battalion Civil-Military Operations Officer of 20IB, emphasized the importance of choosing friends and affiliations wisely, drawing from her experiences as a university student at UP. In her talk, she underscored the role of youth in combating deceptive recruitment schemes of Communist Terrorist Groups and stressed the significance of active youth participation in nation-building.

Hon. Aaron de Alca, SK Federation President, presided over the Oathtaking Ceremony for the newly elected officers of the Youth For Peace Movement – Catubig Chapter. In his address, Hon. de Alca encouraged the youth leaders to embrace their potential as catalysts for positive change within their communities and emphasized the importance of extending a helping hand to those in need. “Ako, at ang aking mga kasamang facilitators, ay handang makipatulungan para sa kabataan, para sa pagbabago, at para sa future potential leaders na magbibigay pag-asa sa mga bata rito o saanmang lupalop ng Pilipinas,” de Alca added.

The youth participants expressed their appreciation for the facilitators and organizers of the YLS, highlighting the valuable learning experience gained from the summit. Rizan Nable of Brgy. San Francisco, a first-time attendee, described the event as one of his most memorable experiences. He particularly enjoyed the obstacle courses included in the team-building activities, expressing gratitude to the Philippine Army, especially the 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion. “Lubos kaming natutuwa sa isinagawang obstacle courses na parte ng aming team building activities, kung kaya’t nagpapasalamat kami sa Philippine Army, lalong-lalo na sa 20IB. Hinding-hindi ko ito makakalimutan dahil ito ang pinaka-‘the best’ na nangyari sa buhay ko,”Rizan added.

Las Navas has 53 barangays, with 26 of these previously affected by insurgency and local communist armed conflict. Through continued support and collaboration between the Local Government of Las Navas and the Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster, the town has been declared by the Area Clearing Validation Committee as “cleared from Communist Terrorist Group’s influence” on September 21, 2023.

This Youth Leadership Summit exemplifies the proactive approach of the community and its stakeholders in nurturing young leaders who are committed to positive change and nation-building. The YLS not only provided valuable knowledge and skills but also fostered unity and a sense of purpose among the youth, contributing to the overall progress and peace of Las Navas.

Save the Children backs BBM’s call to end online sexual abuse and exploitation of children

Press Release
April 26, 2024

QUEZON CITY – Save the Children Philippines supports Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s strong directive to end online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse or exploitation of children (CSAEM).

The Philippines currently ranks second in the world, after India, in terms of the number of cases of child sexual exploitation online.

There have been reports of online sexual abuse and exploitation of babies as young as three months old. They come from impoverished communities and live with their relatives, who are desperate for money. Parents, relatives, and neighbors force these children to perform sexual acts in front of a camera.

We stand in unity with the President and the nation in combating this silent pandemic that has harmed and stolen the futures of millions of Filipino children.

President Marcos Jr.'s sentiments on the troubling cases of OSAEC-CSAEM involving children, 86% of whom are female, ranging in age from 11 years old to as young as one year old, are valid, and we must be certain that we use a whole-community approach to put an end to it.

According to the National Baseline Study on Violence Against Children, approximately one in every two children has experienced online violence.

With 41% of facilitators being biological parents and 42% being relatives, we are convinced that prevention should begin at home, in schools, and in communities.

Save the Children has been working for and with children, the government, and multi-sector partners to raise awareness and develop children and youth capacity for OSAEC-CSAEM protection and prevention. We advocated for the approval of Republic Act 11930, also known as the Anti-OSAEC-CSAEM Law, in 2022, as well as the implementing rules and regulations in 2023.

Functional child protection systems must supplement this to address the reporting, response, prosecution, and rehabilitation of children who have been victims of OSAEC-CSAEM.

In support of the government's efforts, Save the Children Philippines intends to intensify its work on localizing the OSAEC-CSAEM Law and contribute to further advocacy for child protection from any form of violence at all levels.

In 2023, our OSAEC initiatives and advocacy led to the enactment of four (4) local anti-OSAEC ordinances in Tagum, Davao, General Santos City, and Iligan City.

We push for increased cooperation among local government units, law enforcement agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) through the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), the body mandated by law to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the Anti-OSAEC-CSAEM Law, to ensure that policies, programs, and services are available and that children are always protected.

Oldest Filipino political prisoner turns 85, appeals for executive clemency

By Tanggol Magsasaka
April 24, 2024

QUEZON CITY – Yesterday, April 23, 2024, Tatay Gerardo Dela Pena turned 85 years old. Tatay Gerardo is the country's oldest political prisoner.

As the oldest political prisoner, Tatay Gerardo suffers from medical conditions including hypertension, deteriorating eyesight, and hearing impairment, further exacerbated by his advancing age.

Last year, the Department of Justice’s Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP) issued Resolution No. OT-08-02-2023, which states that "Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) who are 70 years old and above, and even if they are considered high-risk, shall be considered for executive clemency if they have already served 10 years of their sentence. This consideration is especially applicable if they are suffering from old age, sickness, terminal or life-threatening illnesses, or other serious disabilities.” It is evident that Tatay Gerardo Dela Peña perfectly fits the criteria for executive clemency outlined in this resolution.

Who is Tatay Gerardo Dela Peña?

Gerardo Dela Peña is a Martial Law veteran and survivor. Just like many other martial law victim-survivors, Tatay Gerardo hails from the peasantry in the province of Camarines Norte in Bicol. Tatay Gerardo, as he is affectionately called, dedicated himself to activism and organizing within his community, standing up against the oppressive dictatorship of Marcos Sr.

In 1982, Tatay Gerardo was subjected to arrest, torture, and detention by police and military forces. Trumped-up charges of subversion and robbery was filed against him, he later was acquitted from these charges.

While in detention, Tatay Gerardo ran for Barangay Captain and won, a move that ultimately facilitated his release in 1983. Following his freedom, he continued his service to his community by instituting programs dedicated to peace and order, dispute resolution, and access to justice at the barangay level, among others.

Later, with the downfall of the Marcos dictatorship and the founding of Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto, (SELDA) Gerardo Dela Pena served as a founding member of SELDA and later as the chairperson of its provincial chapter in Camarines Norte.

Tatay Gerardo remained steadfast in his commitment to peasant organizing and human rights advocacy within his home province. However, on March 21, 2013, at the age of 74, he was once again arrested, this time by the 49th Infantry Battalion in Brgy. Matango, Vinzons, Camarines Norte, on fabricated charges of murder. Ten months after his arrest, on December 12, 2013, Gerardo Dela Peña was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, with a term of 20-to-40-years. He is now serving his sentence at the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa.

Human rights organizations both locally and internationally have fervently advocated for his immediate release, citing not only his deteriorating health but also his innocence. These organizations have tirelessly campaigned for his inclusion on the list of candidates for executive clemency submitted to the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP) for the December 2023 review. Despite all the efforts, Tatay Gerardo Dela Peña’s inclusion for executive clemency was denied by Malacanang.

Tatay Gerardo's fervent wish is to spend his remaining years with his beloved wife and family. It is our collective hope that he receives the immediate release he deserves, not only for humanitarian reasons but also in recognition of his innocence and unwavering dedication to justice and human rights.

HWPL Philippines successfully hosts 2nd National Peace Convention

Press Release
April 20, 2024

PASAY CITY – Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Philippines concluded its highly anticipated 2nd National Peace Convention at the Plenary Hall, Philippine International Convention Center on April 20, 2024.

Themed "A Symposium of Peace Legislation, Peace Education, and Religious and Cultural Harmony," the convention brought together a diverse audience of 4,500 policymakers, educators, media, and religious leaders to showcase the significant progress achieved since the inaugural convention held in January last year.

The convention's keynote speaker, Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Al-haj of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), delivered a compelling address, “The HWPL has always been a good friend to the Bangsamoro people, even before the inception of the Bangsamoro government. As I recall, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the HWPL have made significant achievements, such as when Chairman Man-Hee Lee unveiled a peace marker in Camp Darapanan eight years ago and when I first declared January 24 as HWPL Peace Day.”

He added: “Looking ahead, the Bangsamoro Government remains committed to our pledge to work collaboratively towards enacting the DPCW and bringing peace to the Bangsamoro, the country, and the global village. In that respect, I am humbled to highlight that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament has adopted Resolution No. 439, declaring January 24 as Peace Day in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Further, the parliament has also adopted Resolution No. 440, supporting HWPL’s efforts for the recognition of the declaration of peace and cessation of war as an internationally legally binding instrument of peace.”

The BARMM region, one province, 4 cities and 5 municipalities nationwide that have passed resolutions in support of a peace legislation were honored during the event.

HWPL's peace education initiative has gained momentum nationwide, with Schools Division Offices (SDO) from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao leading efforts to integrate HWPL Peace Education into the curriculum. The exemplary efforts of SDO Laguna, SDO Southern Leyte, and SDO Cotabato City were recognized for developing Peace Education textbooks.

The convention featured a special message from Vice President and Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio, emphasizing the importance of peace education.

“It is inspiring to see various groups working together to produce peace exemplars. You have demonstrated the power of cooperation by distributing peace education materials in schools, creating youth peace clubs, and building monuments dedicated to peace. Together with our youth, we can build on our successes and strengthen our advocacy to promote peace in our country and across the globe,” she said.

Dr. Ronald L. Adamat, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), in his keynote address said: “I urge you to extend your support to all peace initiatives and programs led by the HWPL. By endorsing and fostering HWPL's peace efforts, we demonstrate a strong commitment of advancing and promoting global harmony and stability.”

Interreligious harmony was highlighted through HWPL's Religious Peace Academy (RPA), which promotes unity among diverse religious communities through open access scriptural study.

The event concluded with a historic Joint Agreement of Solidarity signed by religious leaders, reaffirming their shared commitment to peace and interfaith dialogue.

With the aim of garnering nationwide support for peace advocacy, the convention leveraged HWPL's extensive global reach by livestreaming the event worldwide with translations available in multiple languages.

HWPL, headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, with 170 branches globally, including the Philippines, remains steadfast in its mission for practical action towards peace. Its notable achievements, including the civilian-led Mindanao Peace Agreement in 2014, underscore the organization's dedication to achieving global peace and cessation of war.

3 CTG members and supporters surrender, yields firearms in Las Navas, Northern Samar

By 20th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
April 18, 2024

LAS NAVAS, Northern Samar – Three members and supporters of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTGs) have laid down their arms and voluntarily surrendered to the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) of Las Navas and 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion after experiencing extreme hunger and demoralization inside the armed group on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

The three (3) CTG members and supporters were identified as Alias Rion, member of Squad 1, Platoon 2; Alias Bunso, member of Squad 1, Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU), and Alias Ekgong, Yunit Militia and Courier, all belonging to the remnants of Front Committee-15 (Dismantled), Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Arctic, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). They have surrendered one (1) M16 Rifle with one (1) short magazine and fifteen (15) ammunition; one (1) Caliber .38 Revolver; and one (1) Ingram M10A1 .45 ACP with one (1) long magazine.

Led by Hon. Arliton A. Tan, the MTF-ELCAC and Local Government Unit of Las Navas facilitated the immediate assistance for the three (3) friends rescued through their Local Social Integration Program and Municipal Task Force Balik-Loob Program and Initiatives. The three received special cash assistance and food supplies.

The said surrender resulted from a series of coordinated actions, including Local Peace Engagements (LPEs), Information Awareness Campaign, Social Pressure Activities, and Enhanced Resource Control Operations. These initiatives were carried out through the joint efforts of the MTF-ELCAC Las Navas, 20IB Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Program (MCSSP) Teams, 20IB CMO Intelligence Coordinating Cell (CMOICC), and the family members of the said friends rescued.

In interviews, the three CTG members and supporters who surrendered emphasized the severe hardships they endured within the armed group, including extreme hunger and harsh living conditions. They also cited the demoralization resulting from the loss and capture of NPA leaders and the continual encounters with security forces. Most significantly, they realized the meaningless nature of their armed struggle, which played a significant role in their decision to surrender.

Acting Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Richard P. Villaflor underscored that the surrender of the three individuals is a direct outcome of concerted efforts, including continuous Local Peace Engagements, intensified stakeholder engagements, and the seamless coordination of CMO and Intelligence Operations. Lt. Col. Villaflor also emphasized the critical role played by the Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Program (MCSSP) in former conflict-affected areas, encompassing, Information Awareness Campaigns, Social Pressure Activities, Enhanced Resource Control Operations, and simultaneous conduct of consultation and problem-solving sessions and local peace dialogues involving the whole community.

"We are grateful for the unwavering support of our stakeholders, especially Municipal Mayor Arlito A. Tan, whose efforts facilitated the surrender of these CTG members and supporters," said Lt. Col. Villaflor.

He expressed appreciation for the trust and confidence shown by the families of the surrendered individuals in the government's initiatives. Villaflor also extended a plea to the remaining CTG members, urging them to abandon their struggle in the mountains, reunite with their families, and embrace the government programs designed to support their transition to civilian life.

Meanwhile, Las Navas MTF-ELCAC Chairperson Mayor Arlito A. Tan sees the surrender of the three individuals as positive steps toward peace. He is optimistic that their voluntary surrender will inspire and encourage other CTG members to follow suit and return to the folds of law.

“Magsilbi sanang inspirasyon sa inyo ang pag-surrender ng tatlong former rebels na ito para tuluyan na kayong magbalik-loob sa gobyerno at umuwi sa inyong mga pamilya. Makakaasa kayong tutulungan namin kayo sa inyong pagbabagong buhay,” said Mayor Tan.

Mayor Tan assured that he will continue to support the initiatives and programs to end the local communist armed conflict not only in the town of Las Navas, Northern Samar but in the entire Eastern Visayas region.

“Hindi na kami papayag sa anumang panggugulo ng mga armadong grupo. Dahil dito sa Las Navas, kapayapaan ang tunay na kailangan,” Mayor Tan expressed.

The Local Peace Engagement is a mechanism that enables the government not only to directly engage the rebels in the peaceful discourse but also touches base with residents in communities affected by the armed conflict.

Since its inception in 2019, LPEs have played a pivotal role in enhancing peace and security across various regions of the country. Notably, in areas under the area of operations of the 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade, the continuous implementation of LPE initiatives, alongside other concerted efforts, has led to the voluntary surrender of 106 CTG members in Eastern and Northern Samar since 2023.

NMP forges strategic partnerships to advance maritime education and training

By National Maritime Polytechnic
April 18, 2024

TACLOBAN CITY – In a landmark event on 18 April 2024, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) solidified its commitment to enhancing maritime education and training through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with esteemed partner institutions.

The virtual MOA signing ceremony marked a significant milestone in the maritime industry, as NMP formalized its collaboration with the Far East Maritime Foundation Inc. (FEMFI), VMA Global College and Training Center Inc. (VMA), and Northwestern University (NWU) in the conduct of Training Courses for Instructors (IMO Model Course 6.09), Assessment, Examination, and Certification of Seafarers (IMO Model Course 3.12), and Training Courses for Simulator Instructors and Assessors (IMO Model Course 6.10).

Recognizing the importance of upgrading both seafarers' qualifications and maritime faculty capabilities, NMP aims to ensure that Filipino seafarers acquire essential competencies for employment onboard vessels through effective maritime instruction.

NMP Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "Today, we will be solidifying our partnership with a common goal and commitment to professionalizing and enhancing the capacity of our maritime instructors and assessors. This collaboration also serves as a reintegration program, offering opportunities for our seabased OFWs to pursue a career in teaching in the maritime sector or industry. I am highly optimistic and confident that this mutually beneficial agreement we are entering into today will be successful and serve its purpose."

Representatives from partner institutions also voiced their support and commitment to the collaboration.

Ms. Cielito S. Ferias, President of FEMFI, emphasized, "We will always be a ready partner in the development of maritime training and assessment. This commitment underscores our dedication to the maritime industry, and we warmly welcome our collaboration with NMP."

VMA's Vice President for Maritime Studies, Capt. Niño Elson O. Salabas, conveyed his sincere gratitude for the partnership, citing, " Previously, we encountered numerous challenges, particularly in ensuring compliance among our instructors, and scheduling of these trainings was a significant hurdle. With this cooperation, these tasks have become much more manageable on our part."

Atty. Ferdinand S. Nicolas, President of NWU, expressed his gratitude for NMP's initiative in making these courses accessible. 'With NWU based in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, this offers increased accessibility for our maritime instructors. This partnership with NMP provides significant relief for NWU and our faculty members, ensuring they are properly equipped to instruct our maritime students.

NMP Deputy Executive Director Mayla N. Macadawan concluded by expressing gratitude for the collaboration, emphasizing NMP's commitment to improving course accessibility and maintaining training standards. She stated, "Today's collaboration has been truly remarkable. On behalf of NMP, I would like to express our gratitude for your continued efforts to collaborate with us. We take pride in our IMO Model Courses as these are our flagship programs, and we remain committed to improving the accessibility of these courses to all who need them across the country. Let us be mindful of the terms of the MOA, and we will continue to monitor and visit classes to ensure that the standards we have set for these trainings are maintained."

The MOA is valid for three (3) years starting from the commencement of the training programs. During this period, the parties will work together to fulfill the terms and objectives outlined in the agreement.

NMP remains open to fostering synergy with maritime stakeholders who share a mutual interest in enhancing the qualifications of Filipino seafarers, thereby improving their employability and overall competitiveness in the industry.

NMP successfully retains ISO 9001:2015 certification

By National Maritime Polytechnic
April 18, 2024

TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic Quality Management System (NMP QMS) retains its ISO 9001:2015 Certification after passing the Stage 2 Recertification Audit conducted by the SOCOTEC Certification Philippines, simultaneously at its main office in Tacloban City and liaison office in Makati City on 16-17 April 2024.

Mr. Billy Joel Sadangsal and Ms. Ma. Fatima Mercurio, reviewed NMP’s compliance with QMS through interviews with process owners, review of documented information, and inspection of facilities and equipment. The areas that were audited include: top management; maritime training and assessment; curriculum development; maritime research and development; general services and auxiliary; human resource management, material resource management, control of documented information, internal audit and management review.

During the exit meeting, Mr. Sadangsal expressed appreciation for the NMP’s established QMS, as well as the strong support and leadership demonstrated by the top management for the continual improvement of its QMS. He highlighted several positive observations: (a) commendable competence and awareness among NMP personnel regarding the established processes; (b) implementation of the Statistical Performance Reporting System; (c) evident maturity in implementing controls in accordance with the QMS at NMP Manila Office; (d) strategic approach to separate assessment per transaction type in the Client Satisfaction Measurement Report; (e) diligent preventive maintenance activities for simulators; and (f) use of two systems for library management at NMP Tacloban.

The audit report revealed no non-conformances, although certain observations were raised as opportunities for continual improvement. These observations will be addressed through internal actions and revisited during the next audit. With these findings, the NMP QMS has been recommended for continued certification.

In his closing message, Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario stated, "I extend my sincere gratitude to the auditors for their professionalism and objectivity during the audit process. I also want to express my appreciation to everyone for your active participation and outstanding performance, which has resulted in our successful recertification. This achievement underscores our collective commitment, passion, and dedication to the pursuit of excellence in accordance with both international and national standards."

As an Agency that commits to continuous enhancement of seafarers, maintaining ISO Certification of its QMS confirms the Agency’s relevance in carrying out its mandate of upgrading the qualifications of Filipino seafarers and providing relevant maritime industry researches.

LBP offers remedial actions to ARBs with delinquent loans

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
April 16, 2024

TACLOBAN CITY – With the rising number of delinquent borrowers, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) offers remedial actions to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Eastern Visayas with past due accounts during the Local Project Management Committee (LPMC) First Quarter meeting on Wednesday, April 3 this year.

Restituta Ilagan, Manager of the LBP Lending Center, who presided over the said meeting, explained to the Chiefs of the different Provincial Program Beneficiaries Development Divisions of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and their respective Agri-Credit and Microfinance Provincial Point Persons that ARBs with delinquent loans could request for either extension of maturity of their loans, restructuring, or apply for the conditional condonation of penalty.

However, she emphasized that their office could only grant the request for extension of maturity if there is valid reason such as the occurrence of calamities.

Likewise, conditional condonation of penalties can only be approved if the borrower pays the principal loan in full and must not miss in paying the remaining monthly dues, otherwise, the condonation of the loan penalties will be forfeited, Ilagan said.

According to Rosemarie Arreglo, DAR Eastern Visayas Agri-Credit and Microfinance Regional Point Person, ARBs delinquent loans stemmed from the various credit assistance programs offered by DAR, which the ARBs had availed. This is to help farmers acquire loans at low interest rates to finance their farm operations and other livelihood activities, she added.

Arreglo shared that at present ARBs can avail of loans through the Accessible Loans for Empowered, Resilient and Transformed-Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ALERT-ARBOs) credit program, which is jointly administered by DAR, Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), and the LBP.

DAR also offers loans through the Accessible Fund for Delivery to ARBs (AFFORD) credit program.

Meanwhile, on the same occasion, Rhodelia Austero from the Philippine Crop Insurance Company (PCIC) advised to register the ARBs in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) to be covered of the free insurance up to P300,000.

Increased road network built in Sta. Margarita

By GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
April 11, 2024

CALBAYOG CITY – Samar First DEO has again completed a gravel road from Barangay Langoyon, Calbayog City to Barangay Campaeig, Sta. Margarita, Samar with a contract amount of P49.1 million funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2023.

This road opening spans 2.5 lane kilometers with a width of 9.1 meters of gravel road including a slope protection of 72 meters.