ORMOC CITY– Residents of Sitio Camansi in Brgy. Sta. Rosa, Matag-ob, Leyte enjoy safer and more reliable access following the completion of a road concreting project by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO).
The project, funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), involved the construction of a 1,600-meter Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) with a carriageway width of 6.10 meters. Box culverts were likewise installed along the alignment to improve drainage and keep the road passable during periods of heavy rainfall. The undertaking was completed under a contract amounting to P23,985,712.75.
Before its improvement, the road was an unpaved dirt road that turned muddy and difficult to traverse during the rainy season.
Four-wheeled vehicles were frequently unable to pass through the area, leaving motorcycles as the only practical means of transport. During heavy downpours, even motorcycles could not get through, compelling residents to complete their journeys on foot.
With the road now concreted, residents can travel to and from the community throughout the year, with more reliable access to schools, health facilities, markets, and other essential services. (PR)
DPWH Leyte 2nd DEO intensifies contractor
coordination to ensure timely project completion
DPWH Leyte 2nd DEO intensifies contractor coordination to ensure timely project completion
TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (DEO) has intensified coordination with contractors to address implementation concerns and ensure the timely completion of infrastructure projects in the district.
Newly appointed District Engineer Leandro Visorde emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the DPWH and its partner contractors during a coordination meeting held Aug. 5 in MacArthur, Leyte.
Visorde urged contractors to strictly adhere to approved plans and specifications, meet project schedules, and maintain quality workmanship, stressing that timely project completion is essential to ensure that government-funded infrastructure benefits the communities they are intended to serve.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the district office and contractors to discuss the status of ongoing and upcoming projects, contract compliance, workplace safety, and other concerns that could affect project implementation.
Construction Section Chief Engr. Lorie Bel Alicando stressed the importance of regular coordination and close monitoring of project accomplishments to immediately address problems and prevent delays.
Alicando said sustained communication between the district office and contractors would help ensure that projects remain on schedule and comply with approved plans, technical specifications, and other government requirements.
Contractors expressed their support for the district office’s initiatives and committed to working closely with DPWH officials to ensure that projects are implemented efficiently, safely, and in accordance with government standards.
The coordination meeting underscored the Leyte 2nd DEO’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with contractors and other stakeholders in delivering safe, quality, and timely infrastructure projects that contribute to the development of Leyte’s Second District.
REFURBISHED. Imelda Park, Catbalogan City’s main public plaza, gets a fresh new look following a major facelift. The park, located directly across from the Samar Provincial Capitol, is a popular public space in the city and one of its prominent landmarks.(Photo Courtesy, Deri Honor)
REFURBISHED. Imelda Park, Catbalogan City’s main public plaza, gets a fresh new look following a major facelift. The park, located directly across from the Samar Provincial Capitol, is a popular public space in the city and one of its prominent landmarks.(Photo Courtesy, Deri Honor)
TACLOBAN CITY– Northern Samar Rep. Edwin Ongchuan (2nd district) has asked the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to consider immediately lowering the system loss charges passed on to electricity consumers while Congress works on legislation to eventually abolish the charges.
Ongchuan, vice chairperson of the House Committee on Energy, raised the proposal during the committee’s Aug. 5 hearing, asking whether the ERC could reduce the allowable system loss caps under its existing authority without waiting for Congress to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).
The ERC said it has the authority under Section 43(f) of EPIRA to determine and adjust system loss caps based on technical considerations, including lowering the allowable limits.
However, the regulator clarified that completely removing system loss charges from consumers’ electricity bills may require legislative action.
Ongchuan said lowering the allowable cap could provide immediate relief to consumers while Congress considers measures to prohibit distribution utilities from passing system loss costs on to electricity users.
System loss refers to electricity lost between the amount of power delivered into a distribution system and the amount ultimately billed to consumers.
It includes technical losses from the transmission of electricity through power lines and equipment, as well as nontechnical losses caused by factors such as electricity pilferage and illegal connections.
Under the current EPIRA framework, distribution utilities may recover a portion of allowable system losses from consumers, subject to limits set by the ERC. Losses beyond the prescribed caps cannot be passed on to consumers.
The issue gained renewed national attention after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for the abolition of system loss charges during his fifth State of the Nation Address on July 27.
Marcos urged Congress to amend EPIRA to prohibit the charging of system losses to consumers, including the value-added tax imposed on such charges, saying consumers should not shoulder losses that are not of their making.
The House has since moved to prioritize measures seeking to remove system loss charges from electricity bills.
During the Aug. 5 hearing, Ongchuan also raised the issue of VAT previously imposed on system loss charges and asked about the possibility of refunds if the charges are eventually abolished.
The ERC said it had already sought action from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to exclude system loss from the VAT tax base, but had yet to receive favorable action.
For Ongchuan, reducing the system loss cap through the ERC’s existing regulatory authority could serve as an interim measure to ease consumers’ electricity costs while Congress works on the broader amendments needed to permanently remove the charges.
MUTYA HAN SAMAR 2026. Samantha Pacita Tamor of Gandara is crowned Mutya han Samar 2026 during the grand coronation night at Tandaya Hall in Catbalogan City on Aug. 9. Tamor bested 19 other candidates from across Samar and also won Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimsuit, Miss Lara and Best in Production Number.(PITIKERONG LATAGAW)
MUTYA HAN SAMAR 2026. Samantha Pacita Tamor of Gandara is crowned Mutya han Samar 2026 during the grand coronation night at Tandaya Hall in Catbalogan City on Aug. 9. Tamor bested 19 other candidates from across Samar and also won Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimsuit, Miss Lara and Best in Production Number.(PITIKERONG LATAGAW)
CATBALOGAN CITY– Samantha Pacita Tamor of Gandara captured the Mutya han Samar 2026 crown on Sunday night, Aug. 9, emerging on top of 20 candidates from municipalities and cities across the province.
Tamor’s victory at the Tandaya Hall in Catbalogan City was reinforced by a strong showing in the preliminary awards, where she won Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimsuit, Miss Lara and Best in Production Number.
Jonnah Mae Alcantara Bacuetes of Catbalogan was named first runner-up, while Samantha Nicolette Merida of Basey finished second runner-up. Bacuetes also received the Miss Photogenic award, while Merida was named Miss Eloquence.
Cris Angel Mondaya of Sta. Margarita placed third runner-up, while Gilian Paracale Mabansag of Hinabangan was named fourth runner-up.
Mondaya also received the Miss Professionalism award.
Other major and minor award winners were Kimm Rhianna Villanueva Specht of Calbayog City, Best in Advocacy; Nicole Eloisa Alcoroque Cinco of Villareal, Miss Congeniality; Thea Sherseth Orbeso Vilches of Almagro, People’s Choice; and Chenee Faith Nastor Llauderes of Pinabacdao, Best in Cultural Costume.
The coronation night featured pageant competitions, performances and entertainment as the 20 candidates competed for the title and the opportunity to represent Samar.
The event was hosted by actor and television personality Tom Rodriguez and Bb. Pilipinas Grand International Roberta Tamondong.
Several candidates also received corporate awards from event sponsors. Tamor received recognitions from Miss Bestea, Honrales Dental Clinic and Allure Studio, while Bacuetes was recognized by Midori’s Place and Metro.
ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS. Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan and Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla join provincial board members, health officials and representatives from Samar on the ceremonial signing of a memorandum of agreement during the launch of the Quick Medical Electronic Record (QMER) and Quick Referral (QREF) systems at Tandaya Hall in Catbalogan City on Aug. 7, 2026. The digital health initiative seeks to improve patient record management, speed up referrals and strengthen coordination among healthcare facilities. (Photo courtesy of the Provincial Government of Samar)
ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS. Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan and Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla join provincial board members, health officials and representatives from Samar on the ceremonial signing of a memorandum of agreement during the launch of the Quick Medical Electronic Record (QMER) and Quick Referral (QREF) systems at Tandaya Hall in Catbalogan City on Aug. 7, 2026. The digital health initiative seeks to improve patient record management, speed up referrals and strengthen coordination among healthcare facilities. (Photo courtesy of the Provincial Government of Samar)
TACLOBAN CITY– The Samar Provincial Hospital (SPH) has begun using two digital healthcare systems designed to improve patient record management, speed up referrals and strengthen coordination among hospitals and other health facilities in the province.
The hospital recently launched the Quick Medical Electronic Record (QMER) and Quick Referral (QREF) systems as part of efforts to modernize healthcare delivery and address gaps in patient management, monitoring and referral services.
Through QMER, patient information, medical services provided and treatment progress can be electronically recorded and monitored. Hospital officials said the system will help healthcare providers access timely patient information, make better clinical decisions and deliver more coordinated care.
The QREF system, meanwhile, is intended to streamline the referral of patients among hospitals and other health facilities by improving communication and coordination, helping ensure that patients receive appropriate medical attention without unnecessary delays.
Officials said the two systems are expected to improve hospital performance, facilitate faster delivery of healthcare services, strengthen patient monitoring and enhance referral coordination across the healthcare network.
The QMER-QREF launching and health and wellness caravan was held Aug. 7 at Tandaya Hall in Catbalogan City.
Samar Governors Sharee Ann Tan and Carlos Jericho Petilla led the event, which included the ceremonial signing of a memorandum of agreement formalizing the commitment of participating stakeholders to implement the digital health initiatives.
Provincial officials said the adoption of the systems demonstrates Samar’s continuing efforts to use technology to make healthcare services more accessible, efficient and patient-centered.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen collaboration among health facilities and improve the delivery of medical services to patients across Samar and neighboring areas.
TACLOBAN CITY – A magnitude 4.9 earthquake jolted Eastern Samar early Monday, Aug. 10, with tremors felt at varying intensities in several areas of Eastern Visayas, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Phivolcs said the earthquake struck at 1:05 a.m., with its epicenter located about 2 kilometers south, 87 degrees west of Maydolong, Eastern Samar. It had a depth of 34 kilometers.
The strongest shaking was recorded at Intensity IV in Borongan City, the provincial capital of Eastern Samar.
Instrumental intensity readings also showed Intensity III in Sulat, Eastern Samar.
Intensity II was recorded in Basey and Villareal in Samar; Can-avid in Eastern Samar; Palapag and San Roque in Northern Samar; and Dulag, Alangalang, Abuyog and Palo in Leyte.
Meanwhile, Intensity I was recorded in Rosario and Mapanas in Northern Samar; Gandara and San Jorge in Samar; and Mahaplag and Hilongos in Leyte.
The earthquake was among the latest tremors recorded in the region, which is situated in an earthquake-prone area due to its location along active seismic zones.
No damage or other adverse effects had been reported from the earthquake.
