DARAM, Samar –Oceana, a leading marine conservation organization, has launched its “Food and Livelihood Campaign” in Daram, Samar, during the Farmers and Fisherfolk Congress on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

The campaign aims to reduce post-harvest fish loss, improve fisherfolk livelihoods, and tackle poverty in the coastal town, where fishing is a primary livelihood.

With a population of over 40,000 and a poverty rate exceeding 40%, Daram struggles with inadequate post-harvest facilities, such as ice storage and fish processing, leading to significant fish loss.

Recent studies by Oceana show that up to 40% of the fish caught in Samar and Northern Samar is lost before reaching markets, affecting both income and food security in these malnourished communities.

Daram Mayor Philip Astorga emphasized the need for better facilities, stating that if ice and processing were available locally, more fish would stay in the community rather than being sold in nearby cities.

Oceana vice president Gloria Estenzo Ramos highlighted that reducing fish waste and improving fishers’ access to facilities can address both economic and environmental challenges without the need for additional fishing.

The campaign aligns with national efforts to reduce post-harvest losses by 8-10%, which would have a significant impact on the local economy and food security for families in Samar.

It also supports the government’s broader goal of sustainable fisheries management.
Local leaders, officials from the Department of Agriculture, Samar State University, and community stakeholders participated in the event, underscoring the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by coastal communities. (PR)

NSSDEO, Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, Northern Samar – Under the flagship initiative and effort of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to deliver quality and resilient infrastructure project, the Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (NSSDEO) has completed two (2) Retrofitting/Strengthening of Permanent Bridges of Cadat-olan Bridge (B00301SM) located in Pambujan, Northern Samar, and Tabonon Bridge (B00294SM) located in San Roque, Northern Samar, along Catarman-Laoang Road.

The retrofitting/strengthening of 26.62 ln.m. permanent bridge of Cadat-olan Bridge, with a Contract ID no. 24II0032, has a budget appropriation of Php 14,000,000.00, commenced on March 17, 2024, while the retrofitting/strengthening of 18.00 ln.m. permanent bridge of Tabonon Bridge, with a contract ID no. 24II0035, has a budget appropriation of Php 8,000,000.00, commenced on February 12, 2024, both under contract with CDU Construction and funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2024.

Through the supervision of Project Engineers, Justino E. Serafin, Jr., and Mikhail Benedik M. Mondigo, both projects were completed ahead of its completion schedule on May 28, 2024, and on May 10, 2024, respectively.

According to the assigned Project Engineers, retrofitting of bridge is needed to avoid any further damage or deterioration. Additionally, this project is designed to improve their climate resilience, where it ensures the safety of the bridges.

A conveyor of construction materials from Barangay 8, Pambujan, Northern Samar, Eduardo T. Norcio said that, “Bale mabaysay sya yana kay gin repair an ilarom (sa tulay), giparig’on, mao dire makulba a pagbyahe sa mga motor, mga vehicle nga naagi.” [It is fine now because the structure has been repaired, reinforced, so it is not scary when there are motorbikes and other vehicles passing by.]

Through this project, road users are assured of the stability and safety of the said bridges, attaining seamless travel experience to the Northern Samar Second District. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY-B/Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, director of Police Regional Office (PRO-8), has assured the public of a peaceful and orderly filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) and certificates of nomination and acceptance (CONAs) for the 2025 national and local elections, scheduled from October 1 to 8, 2024.

“We are fully committed to ensuring the safety of candidates and the public during this filing period. Our personnel are well-prepared, and we will continue to work closely with other agencies to safeguard the integrity of the process,” said Pawid in a statement issued on Tuesday, Oct.1, coinciding with the first day of filing of the CoCs.

A total of 3,263 police personnel have been deployed to secure the region throughout the candidacy filing period.

“These measures will remain in place until the process concludes, focusing on monitoring movement, detecting illegal firearms and contraband, and addressing potential threats,” the police regional command said in a statement on October 1.

The security detail includes visible and covert forces, with 523 personnel assigned to secure the Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices.

Additionally, 279 police assistance desks (PADs) have been set up at key locations, supported by 492 mobile patrols, 468 personnel for route and traffic management, and 1,148 officers stationed at checkpoints across the region.

An ambulance and medical team are on standby near the venues, while coordination with election officers at all levels ensures comprehensive security.

Pawid also urged candidates and the public to cooperate with authorities by following security protocols.

“PRO-8 assures the public that all security measures are in place, and the police force is ready to respond to any challenges during this period,” he said.
(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY — Leyte 4th district Rep. Richard Gomez filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) as he is seeking for a second term.

Gomez, who submitted his CoC on Wednesday, Oct.2, was accompanied by his wife, Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, their daughter Julia, members of the Ormoc City Council, and other supporters from the 4th district.

In an interview with the media, Gomez explained that he is running for re-election to continue the work he started in his first term.

He noted that, while he had filed 300 bills, only a few were passed into law. Gomez emphasized that he intends to refile these bills if re-elected.

“Our team, including my wife’s team in Ormoc and supporters across the district, is well-prepared for this election,” Gomez said.

He added that all mayors in his district, along with his supporters, are united and ready for the upcoming May 12, 2025 elections.

He also acknowledged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for their readiness to ensure a smooth midterm elections.

“I am grateful for all the support, for the people who stand with me as I file for re-election. Every election is a challenge, and my hope is for a peaceful process,” he said.

Gomez also revealed that police authorities have confirmed a security threat to him and his family, prompting them to take extra precautions and strengthen their security measures.
“There is indeed a threat, as confirmed by the PNP, which is why we are being very careful.

It’s unfortunate because, in all the years Lucy and I have been in politics, we’ve never faced threats like this—except in this election. But we just have to be prepared,” Gomez added.

Gomez is running under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, in coalition with four other political parties allied with the administration of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)