TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Leyte and the National Housing Authority (NHA) have officially turned over 278 housing units at the Peace and Prosperity Village in San Isidro town to identified beneficiaries.

Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla and NHA Regional Manager Constancio Antiniero led the turnover ceremony, joined by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director Arnel Agabe and 802nd Brigade Commander B/Gen. Noel Vestuir.
The P125-million housing project, funded by the NHA, is located on a 120-hectare property owned by the provincial government. Construction began in 2022 under the leadership of then-Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla, who sought technical and financial assistance from the agency.

During the turnover ceremony, Governor Petilla recalled the challenges faced during the site’s land preparation due to adverse weather conditions. Despite these setbacks, the provincial government managed to complete the groundwork, allowing the NHA to proceed with construction.

“Having your own house provides security. Even if you are unemployed, your children and family have a home to call their own. My only request is for the beneficiaries to take good care of this assistance,” Gov. Petilla said.

Initially, the plan was to build 450 housing units, but budget limitations allowed for the construction of only 278 units. The governor assured that the province will explore ways to secure funding to complete the intended number of homes.

The housing project is part of the government’s commitment under Executive Order No. 70, which aims to encourage rebels to surrender and reintegrate into society. The initiative is also aligned with the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides support to former insurgents.

As an implementing agency of E-CLIP, Antiniero emphasized the agency’s role in supporting local governments through financial aid for housing programs targeted at former rebels.
He also urged the beneficiaries to follow NHA regulations, which prohibit selling, renting, or transferring ownership of the awarded units.

“This is a one-time grant from the national government, given free of charge. You must maintain the entire subdivision as an environmentally sound and community-friendly space,” Antiniero reminded the recipients.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the region recognized its outstanding local government unit (LGU) partners during the ‘Panata Ko sa Bayan’ Awards held at the People’s Center and Library, this city, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

The Panata Ko sa Bayan Awards serves as a platform to celebrate the commitment and dedication of LGUs in advancing social welfare programs and providing responsive and sustainable services to communities in need.

Assistant Secretary Rodolfo Santos of the DSWD Policy and Plans Group emphasized the crucial role of LGUs in implementing social protection initiatives, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support.

“We at the DSWD highly appreciate the continued partnership with local government units. Through these awards, we recognize your invaluable contributions to improving the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” he said.

The ceremony brought together around 240 participants, including representatives from Biliran, Leyte, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Samar provinces.
The event’s highlight was the presentation of awards to LGUs that have demonstrated excellence, dedication, and innovation in social service delivery.

The following recognitions were given:

Serbisyong Matapat – for LGUs demonstrating integrity in social service implementation; Serbisyong Masigasig – for proactive and passionate service delivery; Serbisyong Mahusay – for outstanding efficiency in social welfare programs; and Serbisyong Mapagkalinga – for compassionate and inclusive social services.

Additionally, the DSWD Kaagapay Award was presented to partners who provided strong support for DSWD initiatives, while the FO8 SWD Champion Award honored exemplary contributions to social welfare and development in Eastern Visayas.

DSWD Eastern Visayas commended LGUs for their dedication in ensuring efficient and effective delivery of assistance, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful social protection for all.

(LANCE ARCHIE TORING, STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY – The city government here through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO) hosts the Mayor’s Employment Generation Activity (MEGA) Job Fair on Friday, March 28 at the Tacloban City Convention Center, also known as astrodome.

The job fair aims to connect job seekers, particularly first-time applicants, with leading employers from various industries, providing them with access to decent employment opportunities.

According to Maureen Paciencia-Severino, labor and employment officer, PESO Tacloban’s primary goal is to help job seekers secure quality employment.

“One of PESO Tacloban’s key missions is to provide decent employment for Taclobanons, especially first-time job seekers,” she said.

The event is organized in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), and World Vision.

About 50 local and overseas employers participated the job fair, with 600 job openings.
To expedite the hiring process, participating employers will conduct on-the-spot interviews for qualified applicants.

“We are providing job seekers with the opportunity to save time, money, and resources during their job application process,” Severino said.

Job seekers were advised to bring updated résumés, certificates of training, and valid IDs.
Additionally, PESO Tacloban has invited key government agencies such as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Social Security System (SSS), and Pag-IBIG Fund to assist applicants in securing necessary employment documents.

“This initiative serves as a one-stop shop, ensuring that newly hired applicants can immediately process their requirements,” Severino explained.

(LANCE ARCHIE TORING, LNU STUDENT INTERN)