TACLOBAN CITY – Palo Mayor Remedios “Matin” Petilla has been elected president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Leyte Chapter during an election held on August 19 at the Capitol Multi-Purpose Hall.

Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla administered the oath of office, with LMP National Secretariat representative Cherry Joyce del Rosario and DILG Leyte Provincial Director Annabelle V. De Asis witnessing the ceremony.

Other key officers for the 2025–2028 term include Javier Mayor Michael Dragon Javier as vice president, Carigara Mayor Eduardo Ong Jr. as secretary, and Tanauan Mayor Ma. Gina Merilo as treasurer.

Also elected were Mayor Rolando Villacensio, auditor; and Jose Jingle Sudario of Dagami as public information officer.

The board also includes municipal mayors from all five legislative districts of Leyte.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

CATARMAN, N. Samar-The concreting of Cahicsan-Cagmanaba Road in Mondragon, Northern Samar is now in full swing, as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) continues implementation efforts.

With a total project allocation of P68.59 million, the project involves the construction of a 2.00 lane-kilometer concrete road (2 lanes, 0.23-meter thickness, 6.10-meter-wide carriageway), including the installation of a crushed aggregate surface course and slope protection structures and 1 line 910mm diameter reinforced concrete pipe culvert cross drainage.

According to District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio, “This project is not only about road connectivity but also about uplifting the lives of residents especially from these remote areas. It will also facilitate the movement of goods and delivery of services that would result to local economic growth.”

Funded under the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program, the project aims to connect the remote barangays of Cahicsan and Cagmanaba, which have long suffered from limited access to basic services and transportation.

In an interview, Brgy. Cahicsan Councilor Mary Jane C. Tenedero revealed the challenges faced by residents of Brgy. Cagmanaba.

“Ang pagdaan papunta Cagmanaba ay dito sa ilog o maglalakad sila. Kung halimbawa tag-araw, talagang maglalakad sila. Kung maulan naman, kasi may bangka (motorboat) galing Cagmanaba papunta dito pa rin sa Cahicsan. Halimbawa may mga insidente na nangyayari sa Cagmanaba, mahirap pa ang transportasyon. Ngayon po na magkakaroon na ng kalsada, malaki po itong tulong. Mapapabilis na ang pagbibiyahe papunta at pabalik, hindi na sila mahihirapan.”

“To reach Cagmanaba, people either walk or cross the river. During the dry season, they walk. When it rains, there’s a motorboat from Cagmanaba to Cahicsan. If there’s an emergency in Cagmanaba, transportation becomes difficult. Now that the road construction is ongoing, it will be a huge help. Travel will be faster and easier, and residents will no longer struggle.”

Once completed, the road will significantly improve the daily lives of residents by providing convenient and reliable access, reducing the need for long treks, and making travel faster, safer, and more comfortable. It will also facilitate the efficient transport of local agricultural products such as copra and other farm goods to market centers, boosting the local economy.

The PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn or PAMANA is the national government’s convergence program that extends development interventions to isolated, hard-to-reach and conflict-affected communities, ensuring that they are not left behind.

(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)