TACLOBAN CITY — Residents of Barangay Pingan in General MacArthur, Eastern Samar will benefit from nearly P10 million worth of government-funded projects aimed at improving education facilities and nighttime safety in the community.

The two projects, funded under the Local Government Support Fund–Support to the Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP), broke ground on Sept. 9.

They include a new one-storey school building at Pingan Elementary School and the installation of 118 solar-powered streetlights throughout the barangay.

The school building has an allocation of P4,994,615.45 and is targeted for completion on March 10, 2027. The solar streetlight project has a budget of P4.99 million.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by DILG Eastern Samar Provincial Director Engr. Jesus Jeremy Bagares, General MacArthur Mayor Joel Baldo, Vice Mayor Salvador Navidad and Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Maria Rowena Macapañas-Estor, along with other municipal officials.

Also present were Punong Barangay Jaime Yape and members of the barangay council, Municipal Engineer Isruel Lou Magno, Pingan Elementary School Teacher-in-Charge Randy Aspa, teachers, non-teaching personnel, parents, students and residents.

Bagares congratulated the barangay officials and residents, saying the projects could bring significant improvements to the community.

He urged local officials and residents to help ensure the proper implementation and sustainability of the projects, emphasizing community participation and accountability in maximizing government investments.

“Masuna, malamrag an kabubwasun tungod hini nga duduha nga proyekto,” Bagares said.
The projects were awarded to Barangay Pingan through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) under the LGSF-SBDP.

The new school building is expected to provide pupils with an improved learning environment, while the solar streetlights will increase visibility and safety in the barangay at night.

The projects form part of government efforts to address basic infrastructure and service needs in communities through locally implemented development programs.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre welcomed the Philippines’ improved performance in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) but urged the government to sustain education reforms and address learning gaps from the earliest years.

Filipino learners gained 17 points in science, 16 points in mathematics and 20 points in reading compared with the 2022 assessment, improving the country’s standing against several participating countries in all three areas.

“Mahalagang kilalanin ang pag-usad na ito. These gains show that progress is possible when reforms are sustained,” said Acidre, chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education.

He said the results should also reinforce the need to strengthen foundational learning, noting that difficulties encountered in higher education often stem from gaps developed during the basic education years.

“Education reform cannot begin only at the college gates,” Acidre said, stressing the need to ensure that students enter higher education with stronger reading, mathematics and science skills.

Acidre cited the work of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), which examines the country’s education system from early childhood and basic education to higher education, technical-vocational training and employment.

He said TINGOG’s education initiatives likewise seek to expand support for learners and teachers, improve access to learning and digital resources, and reach students in geographically isolated and Last Mile communities.

“These results should give us confidence, but not complacency,” Acidre said, urging policymakers to build on reforms that are working while addressing persistent gaps.
He said the ultimate measure of progress should be improved learning outcomes and better opportunities for Filipino children, rather than PISA scores alone.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

CATARMAN, Northern Samar— Young people in Catubig, Northern Samar are being encouraged to take a more active role in disaster preparedness and community development as the municipal government and its partners seek to strengthen youth-led initiatives for resilient communities.

The call was highlighted during the Youth Convergence 2026, held at the Catubig Municipal Auditorium under the theme “Likha ng Kabataan, Tatag ng Pamayanan.”

The event was organized by the Catubig local government unit, Center for Disaster Preparedness (CDP) Foundation and the Department of Education to provide young people with a venue to exchange ideas, showcase innovations and explore ways of contributing to community resilience.

Mayor Solomon Vicencio reaffirmed the municipal government’s support for youth initiatives, saying young people can contribute innovative ideas and projects that can benefit the municipality.

The convergence featured youth-led projects and an Exhibit Walk, where participants presented their innovations and initiatives.

Participants also took part in demonstrations on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and were provided with educational materials related to disaster preparedness and community safety.

CDP Foundation representative Mayfourth Luneta, Local Youth Development Officer Dr. Abner Orsolino and Catubig Valley National High School Principal Garry Vacunawa were among those who attended the activity.

Organizers said the convergence underscored the importance of providing young people with opportunities to develop their skills, share ideas and participate in efforts to address community challenges.

They said continued collaboration among the LGU, schools, youth groups and development partners could help sustain youth-led programs aimed at building safer and more resilient communities in Catubig.

(EUGENE M. ENANO)