BENTE Productions participates in the Asian Contents and Film Market 2025

By JOSEPHINE RAMOS
October 21, 2025

SAN PABLO CITY – From September 19 to 23, 2025, BENTE Productions Inc., the multimedia company of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), took part in the Asian Contents and Film Market (ACFM), held alongside the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) at the BEXCO Exhibition Center II in Busan, South Korea.

BENTE Productions President Marilyn Manila expresses her excitement towards the films, saying, “It is not just the films that we brought, but the stories of change, stories of our communities that show courage and triumph despite challenges.”

“The opportunity to participate in this event is not just for our institution but for all Filipinos whose voices we strive to amplify. This recognition gives us the strength to continue creating meaningful stories of love and hope. For our community and partners, this is our shared success,” she added.

BENTE Productions’ participation in the ACFM also served as an opportunity to connect with several international streaming platforms to explore the possibility of showcasing the Filipino films to a global audience.

A Major Debut for BENTE Productions

BENTE Productions made a market debut as one of the Filipino production outfits featured by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in the ACFM. It serves as an essential opportunity to feature stories about the communities and share them with a broader audience.

Established on July 19, 2025, the institution focuses on producing meaningful films and stories inspired by the real-life experiences of microfinance communities. Its mission aims to spark inspiration to fight against poverty while promoting local talent in the film industry.

The institution’s first full-length film, I Remember You, was released this year and has received positive feedback from audiences for its storyline and the talent of community members.

For BENTE Productions, participating in BIFF and ACFM 2025 is more than just recognition; it is a significant step towards the global stage.

CARD MRI conducts media tour in Oriental Mindoro

By JOSEPHINE RAMOS
October 21, 2025

SAN PABLO CITY – The CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) concluded the final leg of its 2025 Panaghiusa: CARD MRI Exposure Tour Program for Media in Oriental Mindoro, held from September 24 to 26, 2025. This event was designed to give media practitioners a deeper understanding of CARD MRI’s operations and its commitment to eradicate poverty.

“The role of the media in disseminating information about microfinance is crucial. Their influence is essential in extending the reach of our products and services, expanding our impact, and serving even more clients,” CARD MRI Publishing House President Ms. Marilyn Manila stated.

A total of 15 media practitioners from Batangas, Mindoro, Laguna, Quezon, and Cavite participated in the event. Among them were Dyaryo Veritas Assistant Editor Marlon Alexander Luistro, Radyo Natin Calapan General Manager Glady Mabini, Radyo Natin Bongabong Production Director Adonis Rene Soratorio, Radyo Natin Pinamalayan Disc Jockey Arsept Sanchez, Radyo Natin Roxas Station Manager Ricky Gusi, Maxx FM Station Manager Anndee Christian Tumulak, Southern Tagalog Herald Managing Editor Aura Flores, Ronda Balita Publisher Joel Cabactulan, ANDAMYO CALABARZON Publication Editor-in-Chief Elvin Quizon, Kalahi FM Station Manager Hancy Mayoralgo, ANDAMYO CALABARZON Publication Publisher Ma Lourdes Zoleta, Operation Expose Representative Webster Paginag, Wednesday Chronicle Representative Heidelita Paginag, Sparkle News Editor-in-Chief Margie Bautista, and Straight News Publishing Publisher Maria Victoria Soberano.

During the event, participants had the opportunity to visit several CARD MRI offices located in Calapan City, including CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO); CARD Bank, a microfinance-oriented rural bank; and CARD MBA, the insurance arm of CARD MRI. This visit provided them a firsthand look at the financial and non-financial services offered by CARD MRI, from loans to insurance, demonstrating the inclusive support the organization gives to clients.

Beyond institutional visits, the tour also highlighted the cultural heritage of the province. Led by CARD MRI Hijos Tours, the tour company of CARD MRI, the media explored the Oriental Mindoro Heritage Museum and visited the Sto. Niño Cathedral. They also travelled to Puerto Galera to meet the Iraya Mangyan community. There, participants gained a meaningful glimpse into the traditional way of life and the artistry of the Mangyan people.

On the third and final day of the event, the media attended a center meeting of CARD Bank and CARD, Inc., where they gained insight into how center meetings are conducted and their significance to the overall operations of CARD MRI. They also visited Ms. Moreen Agutaya, a CARD Bank client and a local coffee shop owner, who has been with the institution for more than ten years.

To wrap up the event, a media briefing was held in Halcon’s Bar and Restaurant, attended by some of the CARD MRI officers based in Calapan City.

The Panaghiusa: CARD MRI Exposure Tour Program for media is set to continue in the following years, further strengthening and maintaining the ties with media practitioners nationwide.

8ID seizes third firearm; links killed CNTs in Jaro, Leyte to the murder of 8ID trooper

By DPAO, 8ID PA
October 19, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division recovers a third firearm from the encounter site in Jaro, Leyte, following the November 17, 2025 clash against remnants of the Island Committee (IC) Levox. The operation resulted in the neutralization of three Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) and the initial seizure of two firearms.

As part of its obligation under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), 8ID facilitated the immediate turnover of the remains of the neutralized CNTs - Fidel Lagado alias “Ivan,” Rogelio Berino alias “Jun,” and Maricel Anora alias “Gani” - to their families, in coordination with the Local Government Unit of Jaro, Leyte, including arrangements for their dignified burial.

Troops subsequently recovered an additional caliber .45 pistol, raising the total number of confiscated firearms to three. Verification also confirms that one of the seized firearms belonged to the late Pfc Aries A. Ampoan, a soldier tortured and murdered by the Communist Terrorist Group on April 2, 2023. The recovery of his weapon provides crucial evidence linking the neutralized CNTs to previous atrocities against government forces.

8ID Commander Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio stressed the importance of these developments, stating:

“Our commitment goes beyond securing communities; it extends to upholding IHL and pursuing justice for our fallen soldiers. This encounter brings undeniable clarity to the heinous nature of the enemy we face and provides crucial accountability for their crimes.”

CTGs high-powered firearms, ammunition recovered in San Jorge, Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
October 19, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The troops of the 3rd Infantry (Regardless of What) Battalion, under the operational control of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, recovered one M16 rifle, one M1903 rifle, one M1917 rifle, one M76 rifle grenade, one improvised explosive device (IED), two improvised hand grenades, and ammunition contained in an arms cache buried in the hinterlands of Barangay Puhagan, San Jorge, Samar, on October 18, 2025.

The discovery of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) arms cache transpired following persistent reports from the residents of hidden firearms believed to have been owned by the Squad 2, Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Browser, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

Lieutenant Colonel Marx Luther Rosario, Acting Battalion Commander of the 3IB, commended the community, highlighting the residents’ cooperation in the success of the operation.

“This cooperation of the residents proves that communities abhor violence that the CTG insists on doing, to disrupt peace and development in San Jorge,” Lt. Col. Rosario said.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Arlino L. Sendaydiego, Commander, 801st Infantry (Bantay at Gabay) Brigade, underscored the importance of sustained sound community relations and coordinations that fortified military efforts on the ground.

“The communities’ firm rejection of the CTG’s twisted ideals are evident in all of our successful operation, a clear sign that people are no longer swayed by the lies and deceptions of the enemy,” said Brig. Gen. Sendaydiego.

Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, Commander of the 8ID, emphasized that achieving lasting peace requires unity among all sectors of society.

“Addressing insurgency is not the sole responsibility of the soldiers. Lasting peace can only be achieved when everyone takes part in nation-building. I urge everyone to continue supporting our peace efforts, so we can finally put an end to insurgency and bring genuine progress to our communities,” Maj. Gen. Orio emphasized.

The 8ID, through its line units, continues to secure and sustain Eastern Visayas. Moreover, 8ID also reiterates its call for the remaining CTG members to avail themselves of government programs that support their return to mainstream society.

2025 National Identification (NID) and Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Summit

By PSA Leyte
October 17, 2025

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Leyte successfully conducted the 2025 National Identification System (NID) and Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Summit on October 7 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City. This important event brought together local stakeholders, partner agencies, and Civil registration officers to strengthen the implementation of the NID system and enhance CRVS practices in the region.

The summit was officially opened by Sheryl Ann A. Jamisola, Chief Statistical Specialist of PSA Leyte, with a message emphasizing the importance of collaboration in delivering accurate and secure identity and civil registration services.

Resource person Marife R. Molon Registration Officer III of PSA RSSO VIII discussed about the updates on the National ID System, NID acceptance, salient features of RA 11055, and authentication services, while Rodolfo R. Novillo, Jr. Registration Officer II of PSA Leyte discussed about the Latest Issuances on the National Identification System focused on new guidelines and updates relevant to National ID registration. Sheryl Ann A. Jamisola tackled digital transformation in civil registration systems by engaging and advancing Civil Registration through eCRVS and lastly Joselito C. Jornales Admin Officer IV of PSA RSSO VIII provided insights on identifying fraudulent civil registry documents through his topic Examining PSA-issued CRDs to Detect Fake or Altered Documents.

An engaging Open Forum followed, moderated by Thelma B. Bibera, Municipal Civil Registrar of Bato, Leyte, where participants actively shared their insights and concerns.

The event concluded with heartfelt Closing Remarks by Noel V. Managbanag, President of LCRPA Inc. and City Civil Registrar of Baybay City, Leyte, who encouraged stronger partnerships between PSA and local CRVS stakeholders.

This initiative is part of PSA Leyte’s ongoing commitment to promote public awareness, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and ensure every Filipino’s access to a legal identity through improved CRVS and NID services.

E. Visayas earns best actress nomination in PelikulAgraryo

Press Release
October 16, 2025

TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Visayas’ raw talent, Faith Baldago, earned a nomination for best actress at the recently concluded PelikulAgraryo: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Central Film Festival.

Though she failed to bag the award, Baldago’s nomination, under the agrarian reform beneficiaries organization (ARBO) category, was already enough for DAR Eastern Visayas to celebrate. The award went to Daizelle Nicole Diaz, for “Ang Pagtililipon sang mga Damgo” produced by student-filmmakers from Central Philippine University in Western Visayas.

Baldago was nominated for her role in the short film “Lubi han Kinabuhi” produced by students from Eastern Samar State University in Borongan City, along with five other nominees from Ilocos, Western Visayas, Central Luzon, Central Visayas and MIMAROPA regions.

The national awarding ceremony held at the Novotel Manila in Cubao, Quezon City on Monday, October 6 this year, was attended by the PelikulAgraryo regional winners for the best films for both ARBO and agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB) categories.

Baldago, unable to attend the said event, said that, she was surprised, grateful and overwhelmed when told by her team of her nomination. To be recognized and nominated is already a huge honor for me, she stressed.

During the Pelikulagraryo Eastern Visayas Regional Short Film Festival held in July this year in Tacloban City, “Lubi han Kinabuhi” was named best film under the ARBO category, while Baldago was awarded best actress.

“Lubi han Kinabuhi” together with “Bunot,” adjudged best film under the ARB category, produced by students from Visayas state University in Baybay City, Leyte, were this region’s official entries to the national competition.

PelikulAgraryo is a short film festival, organized by DAR, showcasing true to life stories of ARBs, particularly recipients of individual land titles generated under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project, and ARBOs, whose lives were changed through the government’s agrarian reform program. These films are produced by college students from various state universities and colleges (SUCs) from across the country.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III disclosed “Ang pakay ng Pelikulagraryo ay mahikayat ang mga kabataan na magkahilig sa pagsasaka. Magtanin at mag-alaga ng hayop upang nakakasigurado tayo sa food security program ng ating bansa. Sana mangyari yan.”

“Sa pamamagitan ng pelikulagraryo, namumulat ang mga mata ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na ng ating mga kabataan. Salamat dahil nakilahok kayo. Salamat dahil tumutulong kayo sa programa ng DAR. I would like to say that you are the new heroes. Mga bagong bayani din kayo, kayong mga kabataan,” said Estrella as he addressed the student filmmakers.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary for External Affairs and Communications Operations Office and Project SPLIT National Technical Adviser for Strategic Communications and Media Support, Jose Jenil Demorito, the brain behind this project, announced, as he closed PelikulAgraryo 2025, that the said film festival will continue next year with the go signal already of the secretary.

Troops clash with CTG members in Leyte; firearm and ammunition recovered

By DPAO, 8ID PA
October 16, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Troops under the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army engaged remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Barangay Caraye, Javier, Leyte, early morning of October 15, 2025.

The encounter ensued when government troops conducting focused military operations encountered remnants of the dismantled Island Committee LEVOX of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). The firefight lasted for several minutes, resulting in the recovery of one garand rifle, several rounds of ammunition and personal belongings.

Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, underscored the Army’s unwavering resolve.

“We stand firm in our mission to put an end to the remaining threats of the CTG. Our operations will continue hand in hand with local governments and the people of Eastern Visayas until peace, stability, and genuine progress are fully achieved,” Maj. Gen. Orio emphasized.

Colonel Rico Amaro, Acting Commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustain decisive operations.

“We will not stop our decisive operations until every remaining CTG member is captured or has surrendered. Our troops will continue to pursue them relentlessly to ensure that communities can live free from fear and violence,” Col. Amaro affirmed.

Lieutenant Colonel Esmeraldo Sumalinog, Commanding Officer of the 14th Infantry Battalion said that the operation aimed to safeguard residents from possible CTG harassment and threats.

“We are thankful to the residents who continue to trust and cooperate with us. Peace is only possible when the community and the Army work hand in hand,” said Lt. Col. Sumalinog.

Meanwhile, the 8ID continuously encourage remaining CTG members to avail themselves of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other government initiatives. These programs will help them start anew and become active partners in promoting peace and development in their communities.

Disgruntled CTG leader disclosed location of major arms cache to 8ID troops

By DPAO, 8ID PA
October 12, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division seized an M60 machine gun, one M14 rifle, and two M16 rifles from an arms cache after a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leader voluntarily revealed the location of the hidden weapons in Barangay Caranas, Motiong, Samar, on October 8, 2025.

The former rebel who led the troops to the location of the arms cache previously served as the political guide of the Squad 1, Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Browser, and was captured during the last September 13, 2025 operation in Barangay Concepcion, Paranas, Samar.

Accordingly, he revealed that they were forced to conduct ambuscades without adequate food and even threatened by their leaders when requesting rest. Due to loss of mass support for the armed movement, the CTG penetrate into communities, exploit, and coerce farmers to surrender their crops to sustain their survival. He said these hardships, combined with the CTG’s broken promises and lies made him realize the futility of fighting the government. This led him to seek government protection and be with his family.

Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, Commander, 8ID, commended troops’ professionalism. “This operation reflects the resolve and discipline of our soldiers and the willingness of those exploited by the CTG to choose a different path,” Maj. Gen. Orio said. “The weapons seized today signifies declining threats to our communities and more opportunities for lasting peace. We are committed not only to neutralize violence, but to also restore hope for those who were deprived of it,” he added.

Meanwhile, 801st Infantry (Bantay at Gabay) Brigade Commander, Colonel Arlino L. Sendaydiego, emphasized the vitality of putting an end to insurgency and said that the 801st Brigade remained steadfast in its mission in safeguarding its areas of operation. “Our resolve in ending the decades of abuses inflicted by the CTG is true and unyielding. We assure the people that we will not rest until every last remnant of insurgency is laid to rest,” he articulated.

Moreover, 46th Infantry (Peacemakers) Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Marvin A. Inocencio, hailed his troops’ tactical prowess in delivering the unit’s mission to end local insurgency in the battalion’s area of operation. “The 46IB will not show mercy to those who refuse to cooperate and surrender to the government. These people corrupt the government’s peace and development efforts for the Province of Samar, and we shall likewise respond to them accordingly,” Lt. Col. Inocencio expressed.

The 8ID reiterates its call for remaining CTG members to lay down arms and return to the fold of the law. The government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) remains open to those who surrender, offering holistic reintegration support for former rebels.

NMP trains 19,550 active, aspiring seafarers from Jan-Sept 2025

By National Maritime Polytechnic
October 8, 2025

TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) has already trained 19,550 active and aspiring seafarers for the first three quarters of the 2025.

This represents 98 percent of the 19,851 total number of enrollees both in NMP Tacloban and Manila Liaison Office from January to September, nearly exceeding the 19,652 successful trainees reported for the entire CY 2024, indicating a sustained training performance.

“This is a manifestation of NMP’s unwavering dedication in upholding its mandate to produce globally-competitive Filipino seafarers. We will continue to enhance our training capacities to meet international standards and sustain the country’s position as the world’s leading supplier of maritime professionals,” said Victor Del Rosario, NMP Executive Director.

Since the pandemic, the state-run maritime institution has seen a significant increase in the number of enrollees, serving a total of 34,374 successful trainees in 2023 and 2024 alone.

This figure is substantially higher than the combined enrollment of 28,674 trainees recorded over the entire three-year period from 2020 to 2022, which was constrained by Covid-19 restrictions.

At present, NMP offers a total of 56 maritime training courses both mandatory and non-mandatory which includes deck courses, engine courses, specialized courses, professional development courses, and safety, security, and medical courses.

In the country, there are 91 MARINA-accredited maritime training institutions (MTIs) as of August 2025 and NMP stands out as the only government-owned and operated that offers subsidized quality training, with 32 of its courses available for free.

To date, NMP has trained a total of 464,434 aspiring and active Filipino seafarers since its training operations in 1983.

FCTC’s failure to uphold harm reduction risks global public health

Via GLOBE NEWSWIRE
October 6, 2025

MANILA – The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) has serious concerns over how The World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) defines tobacco control as including harm reduction, yet the current COP11 agenda dangerously ignores this core principle.

Article 1(d) explicitly identifies harm reduction as part of tobacco control, but the draft decision under Article 2.1 makes no mention of it. Instead, forward-looking measures risk locking Parties into restrictive approaches that overlook the right of nations to adopt harm reduction strategies, including access to safer nicotine products.

This omission contradicts the FCTC’s mandate and the proven experiences of countries like New Zealand, Sweden, the UK, and Canada. Pragmatic regulation of innovative nicotine products in these countries has accelerated smoking declines and saved lives. Independent reviews, including from the Cochrane Collaboration and Public Health England, have repeatedly confirmed the effectiveness of harm reduction in reducing smoking-related harm.

Rather than acknowledging this evidence, Agenda Item 4.5 dismisses harm reduction as an “industry narrative.” This framing erases decades of scientific research and ignores the reality that millions have successfully transitioned away from smoking through safer alternatives. It also denies Parties the opportunity to share national success stories at COP11.

CAPHRA Executive Coordinator Nancy Loucas said: “The FCTC cannot ignore its own definition of tobacco control. Harm reduction is not an industry ploy, it is a proven, life-saving strategy. By dismissing it, the COP risks undermining global progress and betraying the very people it is meant to protect.”

CAPHRA is urging Parties to correct this imbalance by tabling an agenda item that fully recognizes harm reduction as a legitimate tobacco control tool. If the FCTC continues to selectively apply its own principles, it risks eroding trust and credibility, while millions of smokers worldwide remain denied access to safer alternatives.

Read the entire white paper here

National ID for every Juan:

4Ps beneficiaries in Tanauan, Leyte registered through PSA-DSWD partnership

By PSA Leyte
October 6, 2025

TANAUAN, Leyte – In line with the continuing efforts to make the National Identification System more accessible to all Filipinos, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Leyte, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), conducted a Registration activity for 4Ps beneficiaries in Tanauan Municipal Hall.

This collaborative initiative successfully registered 140 beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program 4Ps, 9 registered for updating, and 26 issuances of National ID in paper form.

The activity aims to provide families with the National ID, which help streamline access to government services, financial assistance, and other social protection programs.

With the assistance of DSWD Tanauan, and the support and coordination of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tanauan, and the Local Civil Registrar Office (LCRO) the target beneficiaries were pre-identified and scheduled for registration to ensure a smooth and organized process. The PSA Leyte registration team was deployed on site to accommodate participants efficiently.

This event forms part of the national strategy to promote inclusivity by prioritizing the registration of vulnerable sectors, including low-income households under the 4Ps program.