TACLOBAN CITY — To improve road safety and ensure uninterrupted connectivity between upland and lowland communities in Leyte, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)–Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO) has completed the slope protection component of the Network Development Program along the Burauen–Albuera Road in Burauen town.

District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura said the project addresses long-standing issues of soil erosion, landslides, and unsafe road conditions, particularly during the rainy season, along this vital inter-municipal route.

The project was implemented in two locations. Site 1, located in Barangay Matin-ao, involved 459 square meters of slope protection works, while Site 2 in Barangay Dinaayan covered 341 square meters. Both sites are within the municipality of Burauen.

To stabilize the road slopes, the project utilized Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls, designed to reinforce embankments and prevent erosion. These were complemented by a 47-meter lined canal that provides an efficient drainage system, directing rainwater away from the roadway and reducing the risk of slope failure.

DPWH–L2DEO said the completed structures now ensure safer passage for motorists and pedestrians, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, while helping maintain the smooth flow of traffic along the Burauen–Albuera corridor.

With the project’s completion, residents are expected to benefit from improved access to markets, schools, health facilities, and other essential services. The road also plays a key role in supporting the transport of agricultural products between Burauen and Albuera.
A resident of Barangay Dinaayan expressed gratitude for the project, saying, “Many thanks to the DPWH for giving us this project here in Barangay Matin-ao. What they provided is truly good because it is a big help for this riprap.”

He added that the project significantly improved safety in the area. “This road used to be very dangerous before the gabion project was implemented. At night, the road was dark and badly damaged due to erosion caused by continuous rainfall, making it deep and extremely hazardous. The railings were also unstable and could collapse. Now, the road has been widened and reinforced. It is much safer for those passing through, especially residents from far-flung areas and farmers who travel at night. This area was really dangerous before the project,” he said.

The slope protection project was funded with P45,465,573.50 under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA). Construction was undertaken by R.T. Morabe Construction and completed on December 14, 2025.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

CATARMAN, Northern Samar– Northern Samar is taking bold steps to combat the growing challenges of climate crises, pushing for nature-based solutions to build resilient communities during the two-day Environmental Summit 2025 participated by municipal environment and natural resources officers, municipal disaster risk reduction management officers, Sangguniang Kabataan officials, civil society organizations, and provincial environment and natural resources office(PENRO).

The summit, held on Dec.15, and spearheaded by the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), centered on crafting Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) such as reforestation, mangrove rehabilitation, and sustainable watershed management as key approaches to protect communities from floods, storms, and soil erosion while promoting biodiversity. Discussions also emphasized the importance of disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and integrated environmental management, highlighting how NbS can complement broader strategies to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of every Nortehanon.

Key officials were present during the event: Sangguniang Panlalawigan Chairperson on Committee on Environment Arturo T. Dubongco Jr., PDRRMO Officer Rei Josiah A. Echano, CSO Development Alliance of Northern Samar Executive Director Maybelle Camps, UEP College of Science Dean Dr. Anelita M. Obrar, PENRO’s representative Rogelio M. Caparal, Provincial SK Federation President Gerardo Gerard A. Miranda and League of Northern Samar Environment and Natural Resources Officers President Jesus Acebuche.

(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)

TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said government medical assistance programs have become a critical safety net for patients burdened by high hospital costs, citing what he described as the inadequate and declining coverage of PhilHealth, especially for serious and life-threatening illnesses.

Acidre dismissed allegations that medical assistance is being used for political patronage, stressing that the aid has become necessary due to widening gaps in PhilHealth coverage as medical expenses increase.

“The aid has become necessary because PhilHealth coverage gets smaller the higher the hospital bill becomes,” Acidre said.

The lawmaker explained that while PhilHealth covers about 70 to 74 percent of hospital bills below P50,000, the coverage sharply declines for higher-cost treatments. For hospital expenses ranging from P100,000 to P300,000, PhilHealth pays only about 10 percent, while bills between P300,000 and P500,000 receive around five percent coverage. For expenses exceeding P500,000, PhilHealth shoulders only about three percent, he added.

Patients undergoing cancer treatment, prolonged intensive care, dialysis, and major surgeries are among those most affected, Acidre said, noting that these are often the cases where financial support is most urgently needed.

“The more serious the illness becomes, the thinner the protection actually gets,” he said.
Acidre also pointed out that more patients are now turning to government hospitals such as the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC), where the number of confined patients has doubled over the past four years due to the rising cost of treatment in private hospitals.
He questioned where patients could seek help if not from the government, given the limited assistance provided by PhilHealth for high-cost medical cases.

Responding to concerns about politicization, Acidre said the Department of Health (DOH) has issued an administrative order governing the implementation of the medical assistance program, emphasizing that no political endorsement is required to avail of the aid.
He added that the funds are released directly to hospitals and do not pass through politicians, underscoring safeguards meant to ensure transparency and prevent political influence.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)