Tacloban City—The Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) successfully completes a road asphalting project along San Jose, Manlurip, and MacArthur Park Road on July 20, 2024. This initiative is part of TCDEO’s ongoing preventive maintenance of various roads across Tacloban City, aimed at enhancing road safety and longevity.

Funded by the 2024 General Appropriations Act with a total contract amount of PHP 11.7-million, the project sought to address and prevent hazardous road conditions such as potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces. The construction included the laying of high-quality asphalt over a 389-meter road section, designed to extend the lifespan of these roads and improve traffic flow for all users.

The newly asphalted roads are expected to significantly reduce maintenance needs and enhance driving comfort, contributing to safer and more efficient travel. This project not only aims to enhance road safety but also to support local economic activities by ensuring smoother transportation routes.

“By developing and transforming roads into a more durable and reliable route, we not only enhance the longevity of the roads but also significantly boost the safety of all road users,” said District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse.
(PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT)

TACLOBAN CITY – Local government units (LGUs) across Eastern Visayas joined in celebrating the 67th birthday of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Friday, Sept. 13, by conducting various activities, including cash assistance payouts and job fairs.

In Guiuan, Eastern Samar, approximately 1,000 residents each received P5,000 under the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), while another 660 individuals received P3,000 from the President’s socio-civic fund.

Guiuan Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan expressed her gratitude for the financial assistance and highlighted its positive impact on the community.

“Guiuan will always be grateful for all the help you have given us. You should have seen how the Guiuanons celebrated your birthday,” Mayor Kwan said.

She emphasized that the people of Guiuan continue to stand behind the President and his administration.

In Palo, Leyte, Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla spearheaded the distribution of financial aid to more than 2,000 residents through the government’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. Each beneficiary received P4,050.

“We should all be thankful to the President and wish him a happy birthday. Without his support, this financial assistance would not have been possible,” said Governor Petilla, reminding the recipients to spend the money wisely for the benefit of their families and avoid spending it on vices.

In Tacloban City, the Tingog Party-list, led by Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, oversaw the distribution of AKAP assistance to 3,000 beneficiaries, each receiving P5,000.
In addition to the payouts, job fairs were held across the region, providing 1,913 job vacancies to local residents.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The 525th Combat Engineer “Forerunner” Battalion (525CEBn) — the Philippine Army’s premier disaster response unit — showcased its earthquake response capabilities in a demonstration before the visiting Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) delegation at the 525CEBn training area in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on September 3, 2024.

Amid the inclement weather, the Forerunner team utilized several HADR equipment donated by the Japanese government in 2021 during the rescue drill that focused on earthquake response. The demo is part of the four-year Japan-Philippines HADR Cooperation Project Framework that aims to enhance both forces’ capability to effectively respond to various types of disasters such as volcanic eruption, tsunami, earthquake and flood.

PA and JGSDF teams are also scheduled to conduct HADR practical exercises in Legazpi City, Albay on September 5. (PR)