TACLOBAN CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office, has successfully completed a preventive road maintenance project in Carigara, specifically along the Bagahupi-Babatngon-Sta. Cruz-Barugo-Carigara road, from Barangay San Mateo to Guindapunan.
District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura stated that the newly enhanced road will significantly benefit motorists and local residents, especially since it serves as a vital route near the district hospital and various schools, including elementary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.
The project covered 564 linear meters of asphalt overlay and the re-blocking of damaged Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) in intermittent sections.
It cost P14.68 million and included the installation of thermoplastic pavement markings to ensure safer and faster mobility for motorists and goods along the road sections between Barugo and Carigara. This road also serves as an alternate route to northern Leyte.
Funded under the CY 2024 General Appropriations Act as part of the Asset Preservation Program—Preventive Maintenance of Tertiary Roads, the project has been reported as 100% complete. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
KANANGA, Leyte– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) along with Congressman Richard I. Gomez, Kananga Mayor Manuel Vicente Torres, and municipal councilors, graced the turnover ceremony of the P 94.5 million-Lonoy Flood Control Project on Monday, September 9, 2024.
Funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2023, the project features a 530-linear meter flood control structure aimed at mitigating flood risk in Brgy. Lonoy and its surrounding areas. (PR)
NEW PUP LEYTE CAMPUS. The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)-Leyte Campus was formally inaugurated on Sept.5, offering three courses to students in Leyte’s third district and its nearby towns. (PIA LEYTE)
NEW PUP LEYTE CAMPUS. The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)-Leyte Campus was formally inaugurated on Sept.5, offering three courses to students in Leyte’s third district and its nearby towns. (PIA LEYTE)
LEYTE, Leyte– A new campus of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) has opened in Barangay Calaguise, here offering a chance for higher education to 150 deserving students from the third congressional district of Leyte and nearby areas.
The PUP-Leyte Campus was officially inaugurated on September 5, 2024.
The PUP-Leyte Campus is the first PUP campus in the Visayas region, designed to bring college education to areas with limited access.
The event was attended by Atty. Pascualito B. Gatan, PUP vice president for campuses, who highlighted that the new campus aims to provide a supportive learning environment for local students.
“Our goal is to help young people from Leyte improve their lives and their families’ lives,” Gatan said.
The third district of Leyte includes the municipalities of Leyte, Tabango, Calubian, San Isidro, and Villaba. Most of these areas are classified as fourth-income class, with Villaba being a third-class municipality.
This school year, the new campus will offer three courses: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BSENTREP), and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Marketing Management (BSBA-MM).
Gatan proudly cuts and then raises the ribbon to celebrate the formal opening of the university’s new campus in Leyte, as other guests witness the event.
Former congressman Vicente Veloso III (3d district), who helped make the campus possible through Republic Act 11786, led the opening ceremony.
Veloso said it was his long-time dream to establish a tertiary school in his district to meet the educational needs of the local residents and those in nearby areas, including the province of Biliran.
He was joined by her daughter, Board Member Marie Kathryn Veloso-Kabigting, local mayors, and representatives from various government offices, including those of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre.
Officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways-Leyte 3rd Engineering District, led by Engr. Cesar Makabenta, were also present.
Board Member Marie Veloso-Kabigting expressed her excitement about the opening of the new PUP Leyte Campus, noting that it will significantly address the educational needs of her district’s residents.
She expressed her hope that the new campus will improve education quality and boost local economic activity.
“Education is key to positive change. The PUP-Leyte Campus will help drive economic growth by creating new business opportunities in the community,” she said.
Engr. Makabenta announced that the campus building, which cost P48 million, includes 15 classrooms, a library, a computer lab, and administrative offices.
He added that the third floor will temporarily serve as a dormitory until a separate dormitory building is completed. Other facilities are funded by PUP.
In addition to free tuition, students will also receive free dormitory accommodation. Rep. Veloso-Tuazon’s office is also working on providing free transportation for all students. (PIA-8 with GTT/PIA-Leyte)
JOB FAIR. A job fair at Robinsons Mall in Tacloban City offered 1,021 job openings on Friday, Sept. 13. The event, also held in various locations across the region, was part of the celebration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s 67th birthday. Cash payouts were also distributed region-wide under the government’s TUPAD and AKAP programs. (Tacloban City Information Office)
JOB FAIR. A job fair at Robinsons Mall in Tacloban City offered 1,021 job openings on Friday, Sept. 13. The event, also held in various locations across the region, was part of the celebration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s 67th birthday. Cash payouts were also distributed region-wide under the government’s TUPAD and AKAP programs. (Tacloban City Information Office)
Declaration seen to attract investors
TACLOBAN CITY – The province of Biliran and the city of Calbayog have been declared insurgency-free by the military, a status that local government officials believe will boost investor confidence.
The insurgency-free declaration for Calbayog City was made on Tuesday, September 10, while Biliran’s was announced the following day, September 11.
Calbayog is the first city in Eastern Visayas to receive this designation, and Biliran is the first province in the region to achieve the same status.
An area is considered insurgency-free when there is a significant reduction or neutralization of the New People’s Army (NPA) presence, and no recent hostile incidents, such as ambushes or encounters, have occurred between government forces and the rebel group.
Additionally, no barangay should be under the control or influence of communist insurgents, among other criteria.
Biliran Governor Gerard Espina expressed satisfaction with the declaration, emphasizing its potential to attract more investors to the province.
“Biliran is an emerging investment destination, and this declaration will significantly boost the confidence of businessmen to invest here,” Espina said during the ceremony held at the provincial gym in Naval town.
“This reflects our vision of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Biliran. The collaboration between the military, police, local government, and community members has been crucial in achieving this goal.”
The declaration in Biliran was attended by National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., who highlighted the milestone’s significance for peace and prosperity in the province.
“The declaration of SIPSC (Sustained Internal Peace and Security Condition) is not only a symbol of peace but a testament to the dedicated efforts of our military, government agencies, the private sector, and civil society organizations,” Torres said.
Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, attributed Biliran’s insurgency-free status to the cooperation among government agencies.
“As Biliran joins other insurgency-free provinces, it lays a strong foundation for long-term development and peace. This achievement underscores the power of collaboration and unity, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for its people,” Vestuir said.
Meanwhile, Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy acknowledged the insurgency-free declaration but admitted that maintaining this status could be a challenge.
“While I am confident that we can maintain this status, the challenge does not end with the declaration,” Mayor Uy remarked during the occasion.
Mayor Uy noted that although the insurgency-free status brings peace to the city, there remains the possibility that some groups may attempt to disrupt the current stability.
He also pointed out that Calbayog is often listed as an area of concern during elections due to the presence of partisan armed groups, including members of the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Past elections in the city have been marred by shooting incidents, sometimes resulting in fatalities.
“This is truly a challenge for all of us. Every election period, Calbayog is always listed as an area of concern. We hope this will change and that no more lives will be lost due to politics,” Uy added.
TACLOBAN CITY – After nearly 40 years, a commercial passenger vessel is set to serve the people of Tacloban City and the surrounding Eastern Visayas region through the city’s port.
On Tuesday, Sept.10, the M/V Claudine Star, owned by Star Philippines Shipping Lines, Inc., arrived from Cebu City, marking the start of its regular commercial voyages between Tacloban and Cebu.
The vessel’s arrival was highlighted by a blessing ceremony, attended by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, and other local officials.
Jose Emery Roble, the owner of the shipping company, personally welcomed the guests.
Security at the event was notably strict, with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) enforcing tight measures.
Media access was restricted, and even the priest scheduled to lead the mass encountered delays due to these heightened security protocols.
Roble, a native of Hilongos, Leyte, acknowledged the challenges of launching the Tacloban-Cebu route, as no passenger vessels had operated from the Tacloban port for decades.
“I hope the people of Tacloban and the entire Waray region will support the M/V Claudine Star as we take on the challenge of operating here,” Roble said in an interview on Wednesday.
“The last time a commercial passenger vessel operated in Tacloban was in 1987.”
Although the port has continued to handle cargo vessels, the absence of passenger ships was attributed to deteriorating port facilities, especially berthing accommodations for larger modern vessels, and the public’s shift to air travel for its convenience and speed.
The 851.60 gross tonnage M/V Claudine Star, named after Roble’s daughter and which could carry more than 700 passengers including its crew members, will operate a regular schedule, departing Cebu for Tacloban on Fridays, Sundays, and Tuesdays, with return trips from Tacloban to Cebu on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. The journey will take approximately 10 hours.
Roble expressed optimism that the public will once again embrace sea travel through their vessel, especially those traveling from Samar Island.
“We’re also targeting passengers from Samar provinces who will no longer need to travel to Ormoc City or Hilongos to reach Cebu,” he said, referring to other Leyte ports servicing the Cebu route.
He added that beyond providing transportation, they hope their operations will boost tourism and contribute to the economic growth of the region. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
More and more lawmakers have expressed their belief that ex-President Rodrigo Roa Duterte can be held criminally liable for harboring Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a fugitive from the law, as the former acted as the administrator of the latter’s estate, including the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City.
Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre said that Vice President Sara Duterte, Sen. Bato Dela Rosa, and others may be held liable for obstruction of justice after apparently misleading arresting officers as to the whereabouts of Quiboloy, who is facing charges here and in the United States (US).
Meanwhile, Taguig Rep. Pammy Zamora, a House Assistant Majority Leader, said the former president should take these allegations seriously, as his close ties with Quiboloy are now under strict scrutiny.
“We just want to clarify what role the former President could have played. In fact, this gives the former President the proper forum to enlighten us on the intricacies of his relationship to Mr. Quiboloy” Zamora said.
“Similarly, we want to know why VP Sara and Senator dela Rosa claimed he was not in Davao City. However, it was later revealed that he was still within the KOJC compound.” Zamora added, suggesting that such actions are to the detriment of our own national agencies.
Acidre supported Zamora’s position, saying that the actions of powerful figures should not place them above the law.
“The law must apply to everyone equally, regardless of their position or influence,” Acidre stated.
“If these allegations are true, then we must hold these individuals accountable for harboring a fugitive and possibly obstruction of justice,” he added.
Acidre further noted that the investigation should also explore whether Dela Rosa could face charges for downplaying Quiboloy’s offenses.
“Statements by Sen. Dela Rosa, who expressed admiration for Quiboloy and questioned the veracity of the allegations, may complicate matters. While personal opinions are one thing, officials must exercise caution when dealing with such sensitive legal matters,” Acidre said.
The lawmakers also stressed the importance of ensuring that the justice system remains impartial and functional under President Marcos’ administration.
“The rule of law must prevail,” Zamora said. “If those in power interfere with ongoing investigations, it will undermine the integrity of the country’s justice system.”
Acidre expressed confidence that this case would test the strength of the Philippine justice system.
“This is a very significant moment for our country. The charges against Quiboloy are serious, and it is crucial that our institutions dispense justice and demonstrate that no one is above the law,” he said, adding that any interference could damage public trust. (PR)
