P8M land amortization of agrarian beneficiaries in Samar condoned

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
April 23, 2025

JIABONG, Samar – More than eight million pesos of unpaid land amortizations, including interests, of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) were forborne following Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR’s) two-day simultaneous distribution of Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROMs) across this province.

The said amount covered an aggregate area of 728.3497 hectares of farm lands situated in different places in Samar.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Segundino Pagliawan formed three groups to expedite the distribution of the 690 COCROMS and 100 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) in 16 towns and in the cities of Catbalogan and Calbayog last week.

Pagliawan, who advised the beneficiaries to make their lots awarded under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) productive and contribute to the government’s food security program, led the distribution in the towns of Basey, Marabut, Pinabacdao, Sta. Rita, and Villareal.

Engineer Lucena Mancol, chief of the Land Tenure Improvement Division, led the distribution in Calbayog City and in the towns of Gandara, San Jorge, Sta. Margarita and Tarangnan.

PARPO I Josefina Amande graced the distribution in this town and in Daram, Zumarraga, Hinabangan, San Sebastian, Motiong, Paranas and in Catbalogan City.

ARB Juliana Cabubas of Barangay Cantongtong in this town, one of the 401 recipients of COCROM, could not hide her happiness. According to her, “Daku it amon pagpasalamat nga hi kami natagan hini nga kan president ginbulig ha amon nga waray na kami kabaraydan. Salit yana daku gihap it akon pagpasalamat ha aton pangobyernohan, labi na kan Bongbong Marcos.” (We are so grateful with this help given to us by the president that we are relieved of financial burden. That is why we are so grateful to our government, especially to Bongbong Marcos.)

More than P1,400 was condoned in Cabubas’ amortization for the 1,893 sq.m. farm lot awarded to her and her husband under CARP.

President Ferdinand signed Republic Act No. 11953 (New Agrarian Reform Emancipation Act) which erased unpaid land amortizations including interests of ARBs thereby relieving them from financial burden.

Meanwhile, 92 ARBs likewise received CLOAs on the same occasion. Eighty-seven of them received their individual e-title generated under the World Bank-funded Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project, while five ARBs received CLOAs for new lands.

SPLIT project subdivides lands covered by collective CLOAs and issue individual land titles to each ARB to protect land tenure security and strengthen property rights.

CARD, Inc. and Cebuana Lhuillier partner to expand money remittance services

By EDRIAN B. BANANIA
April 21, 2025

SAN PABLO CITY – CARD, Inc., (A Microfinance NGO) and Cebuana Lhuillier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to bridge financial services through a money remittance partnership. The event was held at the CARD MRI Head Office in San Pablo City, Laguna, on April 2, 2025.

This initiative allows transactions between CARD, Inc. to Cebuana Lhuillier. “This partnership marks a significant milestone for CARD, Inc. as we continue to expand our nationwide reach. Through our Unit Offices and the 25,000 Cebuana Lhuillier authorized agents across the country, we aim to bridge financial services for all the clients we serve. This collaboration will provide easy access to remittance services nationwide,” said CARD, Inc. Executive Director Mr. Vicent Briones, Jr.

Coinciding with the signing ceremony, the partnership officially launched the Pera Padala Service across its offices, offering customers a more accessible, efficient, and affordable way to send and receive money with minimal fees.

“This partnership underscores the shared vision and commitment between CARD, Inc. and Cebuana Lhuillier to promote financial inclusion and empower the marginalized communities, especially our clients and members throughout the country. It is truly a milestone for both organizations,” added Ms. Erlinda M. Sumanga, Cebuana Lhuillier First Vice President and Money Transfers Group Head.

The MOU signing was attended by CARD, Inc. Executive Director Mr. Vicent Briones, Jr., Cebuana Lhuillier First Vice President and Money Transfers Group Head Ms. Erlinda M. Sumañga, and other key officers from CARD MRI and Cebuana Lhuillier.

For convenient and reliable money remittance, clients should visit the nearest CARD, Inc. offices. CARD clients and non-clients have two options for money remittance, either through CARD, Inc. Unit Offices or Cebuana Lhuillier. Once the transaction is complete, the recipient can claim the money at any nationwide CARD, Inc. Unit offices, Cebuana branches, or sub-agents.

Ceremonial launching of the EU-funded project: Institutionalizing women, peace, security in Mindanao through higher education

By PCID
April 14, 2025

MANILA – The Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID), in partnership with Mindanao State University (MSU), the UP Center for Women Studies Foundation, Inc. and the Department of Women and Development Studies at UP Diliman, formally launched the project, entitled, Institutionalizing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Mindanao through Higher Education, a two-year initiative funded by the European Union (EU).

The project aims to enhance the Diploma on Women, Peace and Security (DWPS), currently being offered in MSU by strengthening its academic framework, capacitating the faculty, and promoting wider outreach by offering training to communities. The launch, held at the CHED Auditorium in Quezon City, brought together academics, government officials, diplomatic community, development partners, and civil society representatives committed to advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

The president of PCID, Amina Rasul-Bernardo and the Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines, H.E. Ambassador Massimo Santoro opened the event with inspiring messages for the future of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, which set the tone of the afternoon: optimistic and forward-looking. The ceremony was a celebration of new beginnings and a commitment to the future, not only in the academe in Mindanao but to the whole of the Philippines.

The Ambassador Santoro stated, "I have witnessed the resourcefulness, resilience, and capacity of Filipino youth. Among you are future leaders, peacebuilders, and change makers. By equipping you with knowledge and skills on women’s role in resolving conflicts and building peace, we are one step closer to guaranteeing that the Women, Peace and Security agenda is not only discussed at policy tables, but that women’s role is recognised and respected in communities.”

Affirming this statement, current students of the DWPS highlighted how the program has deepened their understanding of gender-responsive peacebuilding and empowered them to lead transformative initiatives with their stakeholders. This was further strengthened by Dr. Bai Hejira Nefertiti M. Limbona, the chancellor of MSU- Maguindanao campus, who emphasized the program’s role in equipping women leaders and peace advocates with critical skills and knowledge to address conflict through inclusive and sustainable approaches. Dr. Limbona underscored the program’s continued commitment to strengthening the capacities of its diverse cohort – comprising government workers, grassroots organizers, and civil society actors – through interdisciplinary training grounded in both theory and practice.

This commitment was supported by the President of Mindanao State University, Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno, the Minister of the Interior and Local Government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and newly appointed member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament, Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba, the Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women, Chair Ermelita V. Valdeavilla, the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the Philippines, Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Margaux Salcedo, who delivered the message of support for DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman.

They delivered inspiring messages of support that touched on the importance of this moment and the opportunities that lie ahead for the project. Dr. J Prospero E. De Vera III, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, confirmed this in his keynote speech, stating that “Mindanao, as we know, has been at the heart of some of the most complex peace processes in the Philippines and so it is especially meaningful that an institution located at the epicenter of both challenge and resilience is taking a role – a crucial role – in building peace from the ground up. This project will provide the tools, the knowledge, and platform for women and allies to engage more effectively in peace building processes.”

To solidify their support and their stance in the institutionalization of the women, peace, and security agenda in Mindanao through higher education, the key figures of the event, together with the attendees, signed a pledge wall led by Executive Director Susana Guadalupe H. Marcaida, the head of the newly created Center of Excellence for Women, Peace and Security.

Capping off this momentous event of solidarity, Dr. Carolyn I. Sobritchea, the President of UPCWSFI, encapsulates the program’s goals: “At the end of the day, what we want are desired outputs, outcomes, and impacts. […] This is not only for the women of Bangsamoro but for everyone who believes in our collective responsibility to ensure that peace and security are strengthened across now and for future generations.”

The ceremony serves as a reminder that this new beginning is not just a moment in time but a journey of growth, development, and service to the community. It marked a significant milestone in the journey towards institutionalizing Women, Peace and Security in Mindanao. It underscores the commitment of the EU, PCID, and MSU to empower women and promote peace and security in the Bangsamoro region.

The launch coincides with the 25th year anniversary of UNSCR 1325, the landmark resolution adopted in 2000 recognizing women’s roles in conflict prevention, resolution, and post-conflict recovery.

BDO helps strengthen energy security in the Visayas

Press Release
April 14, 2025

MAKATI CITY – With a flourishing economy and rapid business growth in the Visayas region, the power consumption increases driving a greater demand for a stable and sustainable energy supply. Recognizing the vital role of reliable energy infrastructure to foster economic progress, BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) provides financial support to Cebu-based KEPCO SPC Power Corporation (KSPC), benefiting companies, households and communities.

KSPC, a subsidiary of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and the largest electric utility in South Korea, has been instrumental in the stable power supply across the Visayas region, actively supporting its social and economic development.

The company has contributed 17% of Cebu Island’s total installed capacity and 20% of its power generation. Its reach extends to neighboring islands such as Bohol, Panay, Negros and Leyte helping local communities and businesses expand their activities and grow their operations without disruption of power shortages or outages.

Since 2017, KSPC has built a strong and enduring relationship with BDO. The Bank assisted KSPC in liquidity management and offered tailored financial instruments to support its project needs. This partnership enabled KSPC to secure power sales contracts and procure essential resources, ensuring smooth plant operations.

In addition, KSPC has optimized cash asset management to enhance profitability, an essential aspect that benefits from strategic bank collaboration. The company views its banking relationships as vital, long-term partnerships that must be nurtured and continuously strengthened to ensure smooth business operations.

“When KSPC was securing multiple power sales contracts last year, BDO demonstrated a proactive and client-oriented approach by facilitating the issuance of our credit line and SBLCs (Standby Letter of Credit). Their responsiveness and commitment to our financial needs helped us solve our issues,” said Mr. Jeon, Yong Su, President of KSPC.

“Energy security is a cornerstone of progress. At BDO, we are committed to financing significant projects that power industries, uplift communities and boost economic progress,” shared Charles M. Rodriguez, BDO’s Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Banking Group.

Established as a joint venture in 2005, KSPC entered the Philippine power market to address the growing energy needs of the country. Construction of its power plant began in 2007, and upon completion in 2011, the company has achieved a cumulative net income of PHP26 billion over 14 years, maintaining a net profit margin of 24.96%.

BDO has been instrumental in KSPC’s journey, ensuring the seamless execution of its financial operations while managing its power plant efficiently for uninterrupted electricity. KSPC is actively exploring opportunities to participate in carbon credit market and adopting new technologies in the power sector to support the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

A resilient power sector is essential to sustaining business growth and industrial development. BDO continues to drive sustainable progress by empowering businesses and creating new avenues for investment.

NMP affirms commitment to the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers in ceremonial signing

Press Release
April 11, 2025

INTRAMUROS, Manila – In a landmark show of solidarity with the Filipino maritime community, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) through its Executive Director formally pledged its commitment to the implementation of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers during a ceremonial signing held on April 10, 2025, at the AMOSUP Convention Hall, Intramuros, Manila.

This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in advancing national legislation that ensures the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers both here and abroad. With the recent enactment of Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, the Philippines has harmonized its maritime labor standards with international conventions, further strengthening the country’s position as a leading provider of seafarers to the global shipping industry.

The ceremonial signing was attended by key officials and stakeholders from both government and private maritime agencies in recognition of their vital role in the law’s implementation.

Congressman Ron P. Salo of the Kabayan Partylist, the principal author of Republic Act No. 12021, emphasized the law’s critical role in uplifting the dignity and rights of Filipino seafarers, stating,

“This law is meant to provide comprehensive protection and fair treatment of seafarers, ensuring that they are safeguarded from abuse, exploitation, and unjust practices.”

He further urged government agencies, maritime institutions and stakeholders to actively participate in educating seafarers about their rights under the new law, emphasizing the importance of widespread awareness and understanding across the sector.

As the government’s sole maritime training and research institution, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) affirms its full support for the implementation of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. Through its core mandates, NMP remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the law’s objectives through its core programs in maritime training and research.

Philippine, Vietnam Armies explore points of convergence

By OACPA
April 11, 2025

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido committed to stronger ties between the Philippine Army and the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) and explored points of convergence towards enhancing both Armies' defense capabilities during his official visit to Vietnam from April 7 to April 10, 2025.

Lt. Gen. Galido rendered a courtesy call to Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, followed by a bilateral meeting with Lt. Gen. Nguyen Van Nghia, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, at the Ministry of Defense Headquarters in Hanoi.

Lt. Gen. Galido also observed a capability demonstration at the VPA’s Special Forces Academy and toured the Viettel High Tech Company, a leading technology provider which plays a key role in enhancing Vietnam's military technology and defense capabilities.

The Army Chief's official visit aims to foster camaraderie and strengthen bilateral engagements between the two armies, building upon the foundation established by the 2015 Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, the bilateral meeting between Lt. Gen. Galido and the VPA top brass provided a venue for professional discussions on topics of mutual interest, including the exchange of experience, knowledge, and information, as well as identifying opportunities for capability development for both organizations, potentially leading to the establishment of formal Terms of Reference in the future.

72 Biliran farmers freed from land amortization and debts

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
April 11, 2025

NAVAL, Biliran – Seventy-two agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) across this province were relieved from financial burden after they received their Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROMs) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) last week.

Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO) Thelma Alba, head of DAR Biliran, handed in her office during simple ceremony 92 COCROMs which condoned more than ₱1.4 million of unpaid amortizations and loans, including interests, of the 72 ARBs.

On the same occasion, Alba handed also 64 individual e-titles generated under the World Bank-funded Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project to the same number of ARBs.

The e-titles covered an aggregate area of 57.4 hectares situated in the municipalities of Almeria, Cabucgayan, Caibiran, Culaba, Kawayan, Naval and Biliran.

As maybe recalled, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed on July 7, 2023 Republic Act no. 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, emancipating ARBs from financial burden by condoning all principal loans, unpaid amortizations and interests and exempting payment of estate tax on agricultural lands awarded under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Philippine Army, USARPAC troops sharpen warfighting skills in Exercise Salaknib

By OACPA
April 9, 2025

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – Philippine Army troops and their U.S. Army Pacific counterparts conducted subject matter expert exchanges (SMEEs) in crucial warfighting functions as part of the ongoing tenth iteration of Exercise Salaknib in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

PA and USARPAC signaleers conducted a SMEE focused on radio communication on April 1. The said training included familiarizing and operating equipment between both partner forces, using and incorporating radio and digital assets, and constructing an antenna. It was conducted in two separate locations with the goal of establishing a line of communication between both systems.

PA and USARPAC cannoneers held a field artillery live-fire training which provided a vital platform for Filipino and American soldiers to exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures, deepening their understanding of each other's operational approaches on April 1. The said training simulated the integration of both forces to enhance the overall effectiveness of ground operations, providing critical fire support to infantry and armored units.

PA and USARPAC troops also conducted sling load operations aimed improving their skills in airlift and logistics on March 27. It can be noted that sling load operations provide rapid movement of heavy, outsized equipment or emergency supplies directly to forces on the ground by bypassing surface obstacles and allowing for rapid relocation.

Meanwhile, PA medics and their counterparts teamed up for a medical evacuation-focused subject matter expert exchange on March 25. Both forces gained practical knowledge in MEDEVAC procedures, equipment handling and patient transport techniques designed for combined operations in austere environments.

Salaknib Phase 1 will conclude on April 11 while its Phase 2 is scheduled from May 19 to July 20, 2025. Salaknib, which means “shield” in Ilocano, reflects the historical bond between the two nations dating back to World War II, when Filipino and American troops fought side by side to defend freedom and democracy.

Pinabacdao town now under State of Stable Internal Peace and Security Conditions

By 802nd Infantry Brigade, 8ID PA
April 9, 2025

CAMP DOWNES, Ormoc City – The Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and the Municipal Peace and Order Council of Pinabacdao, Samar declared their municipality to be in a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition during a simple declaration ceremony led by Hon. Teodorico T. Mabag, held at Barangay Obayan Covered Court in Pinabacdao, Samar on April 08, 2025.

Said status was strengthened through a signed Sangguniang Bayan Resolution Number 25-014, series of 2025.

This attainment of this status followed after the municipality met all the parameters set by the Joint AFP-PNP regarding the peace and security situation in the area.

Based on the directive, the Internal Peace and Security spectrum is composed of four stages, namely: Insurgency, Conflict-Manageable, Suppressed Insurgency; and Stable Internal Peace and Security.

Under the SIPSC stage, the municipality is categorized as Cleared and Unaffected and is relatively peaceful.

The local PNP, in its lead role in Law Enforcement Operations (LEOs), performs normal police functions and conducts purely law enforcement activities, while the Army, in its support to LEOs, primarily performs military functions.

The absence of NPA-related violence for more than three years in the municipality of Pinabacdao, Samar played a vital factor in the status declaration.

It can be recalled that Pinabacdao has been one of the hotbeds of insurgency in the province of Samar.

In 2023, there were eleven active NPA members who were residents of Pinabacdao. At present, only three (3) were left after the surrender of eight(😎 as a result of the localized peace engagement activities of the Municipal Task Force ELCAC.

The province’s high poverty incidence -- estimated at 24.9 percent, the highest in Eastern Visayas last 2024 -- has been one of the main causes of insurgency, which the government, through the NTF-ELCAC has been continuously addressing.

Brigadier General Noel A. Vestuir PA, Commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, Philippine Army, attributed the success of the municipality’s internal peace and security campaign to the active collaboration of the members of the MTF-ELCAC led by Mayor Mabag in addressing the cause of insurgency in their municipality.

“The declaration of the insurgency's end in what was once a hotbed of violence in the province of Samar is a significant milestone for Pinabacdao in terms of achieving internal peace and security. This development is expected to attract more investors and local entrepreneurs, leading to new business ventures and a boost in local tourism,” BGen. Vestuir said.

Meanwhile, BGen. Vestuir vowed that despite the declaration of stable internal peace security status, the Army would continue to secure the municipality.

“We are pleased with this declaration and hope the local government unit (LGU) will continue its efforts to address the root causes of insurgency. As for us in the Army, we are committed to remain vigilant. Our troops will continue to secure the area to prevent the recovery efforts of the New People's Army (NPA) in their former stronghold,” he added.

Pinabacdao municipality is the 53rd local government unit that is declared as insurgency-free within the Brigade’s Area of Operations.

2 Communist NPA Terrorists Killed as military continues offensives in Northern Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
March 29, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Two members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) were killed in separate encounters with government troops in Barangay San Francisco and Barangay Cuenco, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on March 28, 2025.

The clashes occurred after the conduct of a focused military operation following an information provided by concerned civilians on the presence of an armed group conducting extortion activities in the area.

The initial encounter took place on March 23 in the hinterlands of Barangay Cuenco, where troops from the 19th Infantry Battalion were engaged in a firefight with approximately 15 members of the Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU), Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

The encounter resulted in the death of one male CTG, identified as Domeng Tulin, alias “Pawa,” and the recovery of four backpacks, two cellphones, and other personal belongings.

Subsequently, on March 28, troops from the 20th Infantry Battalion encountered 10 members of the CTG belonging to the Regional Guerrilla Unit (RGU), Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), led by an individual known as “Rebok.”

After a seven-minute firefight, the CTG member abandoned the body of their fallen comrade. Government troops also recovered several items, including one M16 rifle, three long magazines, one backpack, and one bandolier.

Efforts are ongoing to identify the deceased CTG, and military personnel are working to inform the family of the killed CTG member.

Lieutenant Colonel Ricky James Rosalejos, the Commanding Officer of the 19th Infantry Battalion, extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.

He also commended the troops for their swift response, emphasizing that the Army is committed in maintaining peace, security and ensuring the safety of communities in Northern Samar.

"This operation is a direct response to the grievances of the people against the terrorist group extortion and intimidation. We assure the public that the 19IB will not waver in its mission to bring lasting peace to the province. We also urge the remaining members of the NPA to embrace peace so that they can be reunited with their loved ones”, Lt. Col. Rosalejos stated.

Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, expressed his sadness over the continued violence, despite the government’s efforts to encourage NPA members to surrender and peacefully reintegrate into the society.

“We are committed in protecting all Filipinos, we are also giving opportunities to CTG members to surrender and reintegrate peacefully into the society. If they will not heed the call to abandon the armed struggle and their misguided ideology such tragedies will continue to happen,” Maj. Gen. Orio said.

Maj. Gen. Orio encourage the remaining members of the CTG to avail the government’s National Amnesty Program where they will be given a chance to start a peaceful life.

Armed encounter in Las Navas resulted to death of CTG member

By 20th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
March 28, 2025

LAS NAVAS, Northern Samar – A member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) from the Regional Guerrilla Unit (RGU), Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) was killed during a focused military operation conducted by the 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division on March 28, 2025 in Brgy San Francisco, Las Navas, Northern Samar. Various war materials were also seized including one (1) M16 rifle, three (3) long magazines, one (1) bandolier, and one (1) backpack.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard P. Villaflor, Commanding Officer of 20IB acknowledged the efforts of the We Lead Troopers for responding swiftly to the tips from concerned residents that ten (10) Communist Terrorists are conducting extortion activities in the area.

"The positive result of this operation symbolizes the mutual cooperation and united resolve between the military and the community as partners in peace and progress,” Lt. Col. Villaflor stated.

He reiterated the unit’s commitment to finally end the communist armed conflict in Las Navas and appealed to the remaining active CTG members to return to the folds of law.

"I urge the remaining victims of terroristic ideology of the CPP-NPA to surrender, lay down your arms and live peacefully with your families. 20IB and local government units will work hand in hand to help your reintegration into mainstream society as productive individuals," Lt. Col. Villaflor added.