In support of environmental sustainability and climate action, the Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSSDEO) marked the agency’s 128th Anniversary with a nationwide simultaneous tree planting activity on June 17, 2026, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10176 “An Act Reviving the Observance of Arbor Day authorizing the Local Government the Responsibilities for Celebrating the Day for Tree Planting as an Annual Event”.

This Arbor Day celebration, with the theme “Rooted @ 128: Tree Planting the Seeds of the New DPWH”, aims to promote environmental awareness, address climate change, and rejuvenate the country’s forest cover.

This activity serves to help strengthen environmental awareness, contribute to climate change mitigation efforts and support the restoration and preservation of the country’s forest. DPWH-NSSDEO’s implementation was made possible in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Pambujan, whose representatives provided assistance during the tree-planting activity.

As part of the celebration of the 128 Founding Anniversary of the DPWH and the observance of Arbor Day, the NSSDEO planted 128 seedlings consisting of 118 mahogany trees and 10 calamansi trees in Brgy. EJ Dulay, Laoang, at a site identified by the CENRO. This is to continue supporting the production of trees that could cater a safer and resilient future environment and community.

According to DE Sabong, DPWH, as one of the country’s leading infrastructure agencies, recognizes that building resilient communities goes beyond the construction of roads, bridges, buildings and public facilities. The agency also promotes environmental conservation by integrating sustainable practices into its programs and activities encouraging employee participation in initiatives that protect and preserve natural resources. Through this activity, this demonstrates the desire of the agency to not just provide quality and safe infrastructures, but also improve the community’s welfare and development for the future.

As the country continues to fight against the challenges from climate change, DPWH remains steadfast in continuously promoting greener communities and building infrastructure that is not only resilient but also environmentally responsible.
Jamaica I. Acebuche – PIO Staff Writer

Catarman N. Samar– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office (NSFDEO), in partnership with the Northern Samar Provincial Health Office, conducted a Blood Donation Program on June 18, 2026, at the DPWH-NSFDEO Conference Room.

Employees of DPWH-NSFDEO actively participated in the activity, demonstrating their commitment to saving lives and promoting a culture of voluntary blood donation.
A total of 17 blood units were collected during the event, while other employees also availed themselves of the blood typing services offered.

Ms. Dinah F. Ada, RMT and Program Coordinator of the National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP), expressed her gratitude to DPWH for organizing the blood donation drive.

“Grateful kami sa DPWH kay sa kanra pag-celebrate sa ika-128th Founding Anniversary, naisipan po nira nga mag-conduct sin blood donation drive kasi ine po nga dugo bulong ine nga deri napapalit. So very grateful kami for your generous hearts kasi damo po sine an mabubuligan nga dugo. Damo po an pasyente nga nanganginahanglan. We supply blood not only to NSPH but also to St. Scholastica, CDHI, and Allen District Hospital. So, thank you very much,” Ms. Ada said.

Meanwhile, District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio assured that DPWH-NSFDEO will continue to support meaningful initiatives that benefit the public, especially those aimed at saving lives and promoting community welfare.

The blood donation program forms part of the celebration of the 128th Founding Anniversary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The initiative also seeks to raise awareness on the importance of voluntary blood donation and contribute to maintaining an adequate blood supply for patients in need.

ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR

TACLOBAN CITY — A 58-year-old resident of Barangay Cambaguio in Villareal, Samar now has a safe place to call home after police officers, local officials, and community volunteers joined forces to build him a new house under a collaborative community assistance program.

The beneficiary, identified only as “Tatay Nonoy,” received the newly constructed house through the efforts of the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (R-PSB) team, barangay officials, and barangay tanods who worked together under the Bayanihan sa Barangay program.
According to the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), the house was completed in just two days through the collective efforts of police personnel and community volunteers. The project was undertaken to assist Tatay Nonoy, who lives alone and struggles with daily economic hardships.

The initiative was spearheaded by the R-PSB Cambaguio team led by Police Staff Sergeant Eddie Jay Burca, assistant team leader, under the supervision of Lt. Col. Michael Jude Dotingco, force commander of the 2nd Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Samar Provincial Police Office Director Col. Arwin Tadeo.

PRO-8 Regional Director B/Gen Jason Capoy commended the police personnel and community partners involved in the project, saying the initiative reflects the police organization’s commitment to public service beyond its law enforcement functions.
“The construction of this house demonstrates the spirit of service, compassion, and cooperation between the police and the community,” he said.

For Tatay Nonoy, the new house represents more than just shelter. He expressed gratitude to the police officers, barangay officials, and volunteers who helped make the project possible, saying the assistance has given him renewed hope and a better sense of security.
Police officials said the project highlights the value of collaboration among law enforcement agencies, local government units, and residents in addressing the needs of vulnerable members of the community while strengthening grassroots partnerships.

The Bayanihan sa Barangay program forms part of the R-PSB initiative, which aims to foster closer ties between police officers and local communities through projects that promote public welfare and community development.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

BAYBAY CITY– Setting a milestone for environmental management in Eastern Visayas, the city government of Baybay City has inaugurated and operationalized the region’s first sewerage treatment facility, a pioneering project designed to improve wastewater management, protect water resources, and support the city’s long-term sustainable development goals.

The P80-million facility, unveiled as one of the highlights of Baybay City’s 19th Charter Day celebration on June 18, is expected to significantly reduce water pollution by treating wastewater from urban areas before it is discharged into rivers, creeks, and coastal waters.
Located on a one-hectare site in Barangay Santo Rosario, the sewerage treatment plant began construction in 2023 and utilizes a low-maintenance system that combines physical filtration and natural biological treatment processes.

Under the treatment process, wastewater undergoes primary screening and filtration before passing through an artificial reed bed, where naturally occurring biological mechanisms further remove contaminants and improve water quality prior to release into the environment.

Supporting the facility is a two-kilometer underground sewer network composed of reinforced concrete pipes measuring 1.5 meters in diameter. The system, installed beneath R. Magsaysay Avenue and other major roads, collects wastewater from the city’s commercial and residential districts and channels it directly to the treatment plant.
City officials said the project addresses a critical environmental concern by ensuring that wastewater generated from densely populated areas is properly treated rather than flowing untreated into waterways and coastal zones.

Mayor Jose Carlos Cari said the project reflects the city’s commitment to ensuring that development and environmental protection go hand in hand.

“As Baybay continues to progress and attract more economic opportunities, we must ensure that our development remains sustainable. This facility helps protect our rivers, coastal areas, and communities while supporting the city’s vision for inclusive and responsible growth,” Cari said.

The city government noted that the treatment facility is capable of removing pollutants, harmful bacteria, and other contaminants from wastewater, helping improve public health and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.

For Baybay City, whose economy relies heavily on fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and commerce, safeguarding water quality has become increasingly important amid rapid urban growth and expanding economic activity.

Local officials expressed optimism that the facility would serve as a model for other local government units across Eastern Visayas and the rest of the country seeking practical and sustainable wastewater management solutions.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stands with Secretary National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. following the imposition sanctions against him and his family by the government of the People’s Republic of China.

The AFP views these sanctions not merely as actions directed against Philippine government official and his family, but as an attempt to undermine of the Philippine the legitimate exercise of our nation’s sovereign rights and the principled defense of Philippine national interests.

Secretary Teodoro has consistently advocated for the protection Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime entitlements accordance with international law, particularly in the West Philippine Sea within our Exclusive Economic Zone.

He has likewise been at forefront of efforts to expose and address illegal activities, espionage-related threats, and other actions that undermine Philippine security and national interests.

His steadfast commitment reflects position of the Republic of the Philippines in safeguarding its national security, territorial integrity, and maritime interests.

The AFP remains resolute in carrying out its constitutional mandate and rejects any attempt to intimidate or pressure those who stand in defense of the nation.

No external action or coercive measure will diminish our resolve to protect the Filipino people, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime domain. (PR)