Catarman N. Samar– Students and teachers at Villahermosa Elementary School in Barangay Villahermosa, Lavezares, Northern Samar, will soon benefit from additional learning spaces following the completion of a new one-storey, three-classroom school building.
District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio said that the new school building is equipped with necessary facilities, helps ease the classroom storage and provides a better and more suitable learning environment for students.
The project involves complete construction of One (1) Storey, three (3) Classroom School Building with a total floor area of 290.17 Sq. m. The scope of work includes removal of structures & obstruction, CHB gutter, embankment, removal of trees, clearing & grubbing, handwashing area at both sides, window grill on the front and rear, a parapet wall and water pumping system with concrete platform and toilet attached at each classroom.
DE Ignacio also added that the building features a PWD ramp with handrails, improving accessibility and making the school more inclusive for learners with disabilities.
The project with a total cost of P9.91 million was implemented in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) under the Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF) FY 2024. (ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)
TACLOBAN CITY – A domestic argument turned deadly in Barangay Tenani, Paranas, Samar, on Wednesday afternoon, June 4, after a man fatally stabbed his wife before taking his own life.
Police authorities identified the victim as “Issa,” 38, and the suspect as her husband, “Boy,” 48, both farmers and residents of the said barangay.
According to the Paranas Municipal Police Station, the incident occurred around 5 pm at the couple’s residence.
Responding officers found the lifeless body of the woman at the back of their house, while the husband was discovered inside, lying face down in a pool of blood with multiple self-inflicted stab wounds.
Initial investigation revealed that the couple had a heated argument over the wife’s reported plan to leave for Manila in search of work. The confrontation allegedly escalated, prompting the husband to stab her multiple times. After the attack, he reportedly turned the weapon, locally known as ‘sundang,’ on himself.
Witnesses rushed both individuals to the Paranas Rural Health Unit, but they were declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
The couple is survived by their eight children, the eldest aged 20 and the youngest just two years old. Their bodies were later brought to a funeral homes in Catbalogan City.
NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL MONUMENT. The stunning rock formations in Biri, Northern Samar has been officially declared as a national geological monument on Wednesday, June 4. The provincial government is also pushing for the natural wonder be recognized as a UNESCO global geopark. (PHOTO COURTESY)
NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL MONUMENT. The stunning rock formations in Biri, Northern Samar has been officially declared as a national geological monument on Wednesday, June 4. The provincial government is also pushing for the natural wonder be recognized as a UNESCO global geopark. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Northern Samar officially launched its bid to have the iconic Biri Rock Formation recognized as a national geological monument and a future UNESCO Global Geopark on June 4, marking a historic milestone for the province.
The launch, held at the Ibabao Hall of the provincial capitol in Catarman, was attended by national experts and stakeholders in geology, heritage conservation, and tourism.
Among those present were UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Secretary General Ivan Anthony Henares; Mario delos Reyes, chair of the Center for Neighborhood Studies; Kevin Garas of the National Committee on Geological Sciences and the DENR Mines and Geosciences Bureau; Allan Gil Fernando of the UP Institute of Geological Sciences; UP History Department Chair Prof. Ian Christopher Alfonso; Philippine Astronomical Society Chair Martine Joy Irog; and Clang Garcia, Philippine Ambassador of the World Food Travel Association.
In a message delivered by provincial administrator Efren Sabong, Governor Edwin Ongchuan hailed the twin declarations as a significant step in celebrating and preserving Northern Samar’s natural and cultural legacy.
“This moment honors our past and affirms our commitment to a future where our rich heritage continues to thrive,” Ongchuan said. “This is a historic milestone that reflects what Northern Samar is capable of—with its geological, gastronomical, historical, cultural, archaeological, and even astronomical wonders.”
The governor emphasized that the official declaration of Biri Rock Formation as a national geological monument, and the province’s formal entry into the roster of aspiring UNESCO Global Geoparks, signifies a collective commitment not only to seek global recognition but also to protect the land, celebrate its people, and preserve their stories.
He credited the achievement to the collaboration of passionate individuals and communities, particularly the residents of Biri, the Ibabao Festival Executive Committee led by Vice Governor Clarence Dato, fellow public servants, and heritage advocates.
“Each of you has contributed to a larger vision—a vision of Northern Samar that is rooted in heritage, enriched by science, guided by history, flavored by culture, and open to the universe,” Ongchuan said. “Let us continue to stand together as stewards of creation, bearers of culture, and proud Nortehanons.”
The National Committee on Geological Sciences officially declared Biri Rock Formation a national geological monument on June 4, 2025. The recognition underscores the site’s exceptional geological features, scientific importance, uniqueness, and breathtaking beauty—solidifying its status as a natural treasure worthy of national and international recognition.
The simultaneous launching of Northern Samar as an aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark is part of a broader initiative to elevate the province’s profile in the global geotourism map, promote sustainable development, and protect its geological heritage for future generations.
SEEKING CLARIFICATION. Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez calls on the national government to explain the basis for imposing a three-ton load limit on the San Juanico Bridge, including the estimated repair costs and the expected duration of the rehabilitation work. (SYRIX REMANES)
He also asked the cost of repair works
SEEKING CLARIFICATION. Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez calls on the national government to explain the basis for imposing a three-ton load limit on the San Juanico Bridge, including the estimated repair costs and the expected duration of the rehabilitation work. (SYRIX REMANES)
TACLOBAN CITY – Mayor Alfred Romualdez has called on the national government to clarify the exact condition of the San Juanico Bridge, which was partially closed to vehicles weighing over three tons.
In a video message released on Saturday, May 31, Romualdez said that a clear explanation from national authorities would help dispel public doubts and speculations surrounding the load limit imposed on the iconic 2.16-kilometer bridge connecting the islands of Leyte and Samar.
“I believe it is the responsibility of the national government to inform the public and explain clearly the extent of the damage and how long repairs will take. Sudden decisions like this only lead to more speculations,” Romualdez said, who earlier called for a second opinion from the experts on the issue.
Romualdez, a cousin of both President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, also questioned who recommended the immediate enforcement of the load limit.
“Who conducted this study, and why were we suddenly given only 48 hours’ notice to close the San Juanico Bridge?” he asked.
The city mayor also raised concerns about the cost of repairs, noting that the public should be informed of the actual budget required.
He said he initially received reports that the repair cost was around P800 million, but it has since increased to P7 billion.
On May 15, when the partial closure was first implemented, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Assistant Regional Director Engr. Margarita Junia said in a media interview that the decision was based on recommendations from the consultancy firm Angel Lazaro and Associates International.
The firm conducted a comprehensive structural and foundation analysis of the bridge in 2023 and recommended full rehabilitation, she said.
Junia noted that concerns about the structural integrity of the 52-year-old bridge had been raised in previous years. However, it was only recently that the issue received attention, largely through the efforts of Speaker Romualdez.
“We actually requested at least a week before the load restriction would be enforced, but our request was denied. They said further delays could worsen the damage,” Junia added, referring to their hired consultant.
She said the San Juanico Bridge, which consists of 42 spans, is currently facing multiple structural issues, including corrosion of steel components and loose bolts.
During his visit to the region on May 30, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan clarified that the upcoming work on the bridge would be “remedial” in nature, primarily involving retrofitting measures which could result in increased load capacity of up to 12 tons from the current less than 3 tons.
According to Bonoan, the retrofitting will cost approximately P1.2 billion. However, full rehabilitation of the bridge is projected to require P5.68 billion.
The project is expected to begin once the retrofitting design is submitted by the consultant, with work anticipated to last at least three years.
In response to the closure, roll-on/roll-off vessels have been proposed to transport heavy vehicles from the Samar side to Leyte via Tacloban City.
The local governments of Tacloban, Samar, and Eastern Samar have since declared a state of emergency to mitigate the impact of the load restriction, particularly on the delivery of fuel and other essential goods.
KASALAN NG BAYAN.About 44 non-commissioned police officers from the region were wed under the ‘Kasalang ng Bayan’ first made by former PNP chief, Rommel Francisco Marbil with Palo Archbishop John Du officiating the mass wedding held on May 31, story on page 13...(PRO-8)
KASALAN NG BAYAN.About 44 non-commissioned police officers from the region were wed under the ‘Kasalang ng Bayan’ first made by former PNP chief, Rommel Francisco Marbil with Palo Archbishop John Du officiating the mass wedding held on May 31, story on page 13…(PRO-8)
TACLOBAN CITY – Love and service to country went hand in hand as 44 couples exchanged vows in a mass wedding ceremony organized by the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) on May 31, 2025.
The event, dubbed “Kasalang Pulis sa Rehiyon Otso,” was held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel within the PRO-8 headquarters in Palo, Leyte.
The ceremony was officiated by Palo Archbishop John Du, who reminded the newlyweds of the sacredness of the marital bond.
“As you enter into matrimony, you are entrusted with a precious gift—to care for it faithfully. Strengthen your bond by remaining true to your vows, placing God at the center of your family, and grounding your life together in prayer,” the archbishop said during his homily.
Of the 88 individuals who tied the knot, 46 were Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCOs), three were non-uniformed personnel (NUP), and 39 were civilians—spouses and partners of the police officers and personnel.
The ceremony was graced by prominent figures including former Police Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil and his wife Mary Rose Marbil, Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla, Tacloban Vice Mayor-elect Raymund Romualdez, and representatives of Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, among other top PRO-8 officials.
In his message, Marbil offered practical advice on marital harmony, emphasizing mutual understanding and respect as the pillars of a strong marriage.
“The husband, as the provider, must fulfill the emotional needs of his wife and ensure that she feels loved and valued,” he said.
“In the same way, the wife, as the nurturer, plays a vital role in maintaining harmony at home by giving her husband the respect he deserves. When love and respect go hand in hand, the family becomes a source of strength—not just for the couple, but for the community and the nation.”
The Kasalang Pulis sa Rehiyon Otso program was first launched in February 2023 during Marbil’s tenure as PRO-8 regional director. It has since become a bi-annual tradition that promotes not only the personal welfare of police personnel but also reinforces the Philippine National Police’s commitment to family-centered values.
Police Regional Director B/Gen Jay Cumigad expressed gratitude to Gen. Marbil for his continued support and congratulated the newlyweds.
“This ceremony is not just a celebration of love, but a reaffirmation of our values as public servants. When we strengthen our families, we strengthen our service to the Filipino people,” Cumigad said, highlighting the importance of moral and emotional well-being in law enforcement.
Also present to support the couples as godparents (ninong and ninang) were several ranking police officials, including PCol Ma. Christina Rebellion, PBGen Salvador Alacyang, PCol Dennis Jose Llavore, PCol Janet Arinabo, PCol Jennifer Sumpo, and PCol Matthe Aseo.
The event concluded with a symbolic celebration of unity and commitment, both in love and in public service.
BORONGAN CITY-Two farmers associations in San Julian, Eastern Samar received a major boost to their agricultural livelihood through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which turned over P1 million worth of farming equipment and agricultural supplies on May 27.
The Casoroy Multi-Cropping Farmers Association received P500,000 worth of farm machinery including floating tillers, grass cutters, sprayers, shovels, and other tools to improve farm productivity.
Meanwhile, the Libas Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (LARBA) received rice, fertilizers, livestock feed, seedlings, and agrivet supplies, also valued at P500,000, to support their livelihood projects.
The assistance was made possible through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (Kabuhayan Program), which supports both emerging and existing community-based enterprises.
The associations expressed their deep gratitude to Senator Risa Hontiveros for securing the funding and to Eric Aseo, a local governance and development expert, for his role in facilitating the project’s implementation.
In a Facebook post, Nerisa Ditalo of LARBA and Secretary of Brgy. Nena said “Senator Hontiveros’ generous support and Aseo’s guidance have empowered us to pursue our goals as farmers. Their help has made a real impact on our lives.”
Ditalo said the barangay council of Casoroy also issued a message of thanks, emphasizing that the support will “advance community initiatives, empower residents, and foster sustainable development.”
SK chairperson of Casoroy, Jan Ray Opimo, echoed this appreciation, recognizing the partnership as a model for inclusive progress.
“This support will significantly advance our community initiatives, empowering residents, and fostering sustainable development in our barangay,” Opimo said.
Through this collaborative effort, local farmers are now better equipped to enhance productivity and build sustainable livelihoods, turning hope into action across the rural communities of San Julian.
