TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has opened the application period for July 4, 2026 Accreditation Examination for Contractors’ and Consultants’ Project Engineers, a key requirement aimed at strengthening professional standards in the implementation of infrastructure projects nationwide.

The face-to-face examination will be conducted simultaneously in designated testing centers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Specific examination venues will be announced by the department at a later date.

The accreditation process is being implemented under Department Order No. 169, Series of 2025, which institutionalized the accreditation system for Contractors’ and Consultants’ Project Engineers to ensure they possess the technical competence and qualifications necessary to manage and supervise government infrastructure projects.

DPWH said qualified applicants may submit their applications online through the Field Engineers Accreditation Application (FEAA) System. The application period began on May 25 and will run until June 19, 2026.

Interested applicants may access the FEAA portal through the DPWH website or via the FEAA System available on the agency’s intranet platform.

The department reminded examinees to print and bring their Notice of Examination, which will be generated through the online FEAA system, on the day of the examination.

According to DPWH, the accreditation program forms part of its continuing efforts to promote professionalism, accountability, and quality assurance in the construction industry by ensuring that project engineers meet established standards of competence.

The agency encouraged all eligible Contractors’ and Consultants’ Project Engineers to complete their applications within the prescribed period and begin preparations for the upcoming accreditation examination.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

BAYBAY CITY – For decades, Visayas State University (VSU) has been recognized for excellence in agriculture, research, and community development. Today, it is steadily advancing toward a new distinction—becoming a National Green University.

Across its campuses, sustainability is more than a guiding principle; it is woven into instruction, research, extension, and daily operations. The university aligns its programs with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that environmental stewardship remains at the heart of its mission.

VSU promotes climate-smart agriculture, develops innovative technologies for sustainable food production, and supports research that addresses environmental challenges. On campus, waste management initiatives, conservation efforts, and student-led environmental activities foster a culture of responsibility and ecological awareness.

Beyond its gates, the university extends sustainability programs to communities, helping farmers, fisherfolk, and local stakeholders adopt environmentally sound practices. These are well reflected in the Sustainability Portal of the university to better track and trace sustainability initiatives and projects.

As global calls for climate action grow stronger, VSU continues to demonstrate that higher education can be a powerful force for sustainability and meaningful environmental change. (PR)

ORMOC CITY-A 25-year-old housewife was killed after she was allegedly shot in the head by an unidentified gunman while riding a motorcycle with her husband and another passenger in Barangay Bacubac, Basey, Samar, early Sunday morning, June 7.

Police identified the victim only by her alias “Lyn,” a resident of Barangay Cabacungan, Sta. Rita, Samar.

According to the Basey Municipal Police Station (MPS), the shooting occurred at around 1:50 a.m. Authorities received a report from a concerned citizen regarding the incident, prompting police personnel and members of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) to immediately respond to the area.

Upon arrival, responders found the victim lying beside the road with a gunshot wound to the head. She was rushed to Basey District Hospital by MDRRMO personnel but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Initial investigation revealed that the victim was one of three passengers riding a motorcycle driven by her husband and was heading toward the town proper of Basey when the incident occurred.

While traversing Brgy. Bacubac, an unidentified suspect allegedly riding another motorcycle coming from the opposite direction shot the victim before fleeing the scene.

Investigators said the victim sustained fatal head injuries from the attack. Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the shooting and are continuing their investigation to identify and arrest the suspect or suspects involved.

Personnel of the Basey MPS are conducting follow-up operations and gathering additional evidence that could lead to the resolution of the case.

(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY– A barangay chairman was killed after the motorcycle he was driving struck a stray dog and crashed along the national highway in Barangay Gaas, Baybay City, on Thursday evening, June 4.

Police identified the victim as alias “Loloy,” 60, married, and the village chairman of Barangay Butigan, Baybay City. He was driving a red Honda Click motorcycle bearing plate number 516HSW at the time of the incident.

According to a report submitted by Baybay City Police Station Substation 1 to the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), police officers responded to a vehicular accident reported through radio communication from the Baybay CPS at around 8:30 p.m.

Upon arrival at the scene, responding officers found the motorcycle toppled on the road pavement. Investigators also observed a gouge mark on the roadway, a pool of blood, and the carcass of a brown-furred female dog believed to have been involved in the accident. Residents informed authorities that the injured rider had already been transported to Immaculate Conception Hospital for medical treatment.

Initial investigation, based on the statement of a witness identified as alias “Rui,” 19, a sales clerk and resident of Barangay Hibunawan, disclosed that the victim’s motorcycle hit a stray dog that suddenly crossed the highway. The collision reportedly caused the barangay official to lose control of the motorcycle, resulting in the crash.

The victim sustained a severe head injury, abrasions on both feet, and a laceration on his right hand. The motorcycle also incurred damage.

Hospital authorities later confirmed that the victim was declared dead by the attending physician.Following standard procedures, the victim’s remains were transferred to a local funeral parlor.

Police continue to document the incident as part of their investigation.

(ROBERT DEJON)