TACLOBAN CITY—Justice Romualdez Street, a major route in the downtown area of Tacloban City serving large volume of vehicles, underwent a significant road improvement implemented by the Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO), concluded on June 08, 2024.

Funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act with a total contract amount of P18-million, the project covered the application of an asphalt overlay over an existing portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP) spanning 1.232 lane kilometers.

The newly asphalted road addresses issues such as cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces, thereby increasing both road durability and safety. The upgrade was also undertaken to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles using Justice Romualdez Street, providing a smoother and safer driving experience for all road users while improving traffic efficiency.

District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse emphasized the benefits of the project, stating, “The new asphalted road will ensure a more durable and safer route, which is essential for handling the high volume of vehicles using Justice Romualdez Street. Our goal is to provide a lasting solution that enhances both safety and traffic efficiency for everyone traveling this route.”
(PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT)

TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Visayas has welcomed a new police regional director, B/Gen. Jay Cumigad, who has replaced B/Gen. Reynaldo Pawid.

Prior to his appointment, Cumigad served as the head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Highway Patrol Group. His appointment as the regional director for Eastern Visayas took effect on Wednesday, October 9.

Pawid, who had held the position since October of last year, has been reassigned to the Directorate for Operations at the PNP national headquarters.

While Cumigad’s formal assumption ceremony is yet to take place, a turnover event was held at Camp B/Gen. Rafael T. Crame, presided over by PNP Chief, Police Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.

Marbil had previously served as the regional director of the Eastern Visayas police from August 15, 2022, to May 2, 2023.

In his assumption speech, Cumigad expressed optimism about his new role and the responsibilities it entails, particularly regarding public safety for the upcoming national and local elections on May 12, 2025.

“The collective efforts of our officers will drive positive changes across Eastern Visayas, fostering a safer and more secure environment for the communities we serve,” he said.
In his farewell message, Pawid extended his gratitude to the men and women of PNP-8 for their unwavering support during his tenure.

“As I pass on the mantle of leadership, I am confident that Police Regional Office 8 is in capable hands under the guidance of B/Gen. Cumigad,” he remarked.

(JOEY A. GABIETA/LIZBETH A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY-Local government leaders in the Visayas have voiced their strong support for the appointment of Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla as Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

They expressed confidence that Remulla’s extensive experience as an exceptional local chief executive will significantly strengthen collaboration between local government units (LGUs) and the national government.

“We welcome and support the appointment of Governor Remulla as DILG Secretary. We believe he will bring his wealth of experience as an outstanding local chief executive to the DILG and foster stronger ties between LGUs and the national government in implementing programs at the grassroots level,” the leaders said in a statement issued on Tuesday, Oct.8, released by Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone.

Aside from Evardone, those who signed the manifesto of support were Governors Carlos Jericho Petilla(Leyte), Edwin Ongchuan(Northern Samar), Aris Aumentado (Bohol), Damian Mercado of Southern Leyte and Joen Miraflores of Aklan as well as Mayors Lucy Torres Gomez of Ormoc City, Leyte, and Jose Ivan Dayan Agda of Borongan City, Eastern Samar.
Remulla replaces Benhur Abalos who filed his certificate of candidacy for senator for the upcoming summer elections.

With both President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Secretary Remulla having served as top local officials, they are optimistic that LGU development will remain a central focus of the current administration.

“We are assured that with the combined leadership of President Marcos and Secretary Remulla, the growth and development of LGUs will be a top priority,” they added.
The local officials also pledged their “unconditional support” to the policies and programs of the Marcos administration, particularly those aimed at bolstering LGUs.

“We commit our full, unconditional support to the administration’s policies and programs for the LGUs, in particular, and the whole country, in general. We will be a strong development partner of President Marcos and Secretary Remulla.”

The local leaders said that Remulla’s appointment is expected to build on his track record as Cavite’s governor, where his leadership brought about significant reforms and initiatives benefiting his constituents.

His transition to DILG Secretary is seen as a crucial step in further strengthening local governance and ensuring that national policies are implemented effectively at the local level. (JOEY A. GABIETA)

ORMOC CITY– The Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is constructing a new binary plant in Mahanagdong, this city to meet the increasing power demand in the Philippines.
This plant will complement EDC’s four existing geothermal power plants in the region.
Slated for inauguration in 2025, the binary plant will contribute an additional 28 megawatts (MW) to EDC’s power supply, bolstering the country’s energy grid.

Erwin Magallanes, corporate relations head of EDC Leyte, explained the significance of the new facility, stating that the ‘billion-peso binary plant harnesses geothermal brine—a process that utilizes working fluids from the geothermal reservoir before reinjecting them back into the ground.’

Magallanes highlighted that the plant will provide a stable electricity supply at a fixed rate, helping address the country’s growing demand for power.

He also noted that the binary technology, although not new, was an important investment for the Lopez-owned EDC due to its environmental benefits.

“Compared to coal, geothermal energy significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making it a cleaner, renewable energy source,” Magallanes added.

Despite the high financial cost of the project, the Lopez family, known for their environmental advocacy, committed to pursuing it as part of their broader goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon.

The EDC established the Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA) in 2021, a multi-sectoral initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting regenerative practices. NZCA’s long-term goal is to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

As of September 2024, the NZCA has gained 32 private-sector members from various industries—including manufacturing, real estate, hospitality, IT, finance, and education—along with five partner organizations, all pledging to support the Net Zero Carbon initiative.
EDC, the renewable energy arm of the Lopez Group’s First Gen Corporation, operates four geothermal plants in Leyte: Mahanagdong A and B (180 MW), Malitbog (232.5 MW), Tongonan (123 MW), and Upper Mahiao (125 MW).

The new binary plant is expected to further optimize geothermal energy production, enhancing output while minimizing costs. (ELVIE ROA)