CATARMAN, Northern Samar —The Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar First DEO is now constructing a P9.88million multi-purpose building (Covered Court/Evacuation Center), Barangay Guba, Catarman N. Samar.
The project involves the complete construction of multi-purpose building (Covered Court/Evacuation Center), with a total floor area of 350 square meters. The scope of work includes the removal of structures and obstructions, embankment, electrical works, painting works, storm drainage and downspouts and catch basin.
District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio emphasized the benefits it brings to the residents of Barangay Guba specially that said Barangay is located at a considerable distance from the town proper.
“Once completed, the project will provide a space for recreational activities for the youth and serve as a venue for significant events, programs, and activities that will foster stronger connections among residents. Additionally, it is designed to function as an evacuation center during calamities.”
Construction began in February 2024 and is expected to be completed within the scheduled timeframe. The project is funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2024.
The completion of this multi-purpose building is anticipated to significantly benefit the residents of Barangay Guba, contributing to the overall development and well-being of the community. (PR)
SLOPE PROTECTION. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO) is nearing the completion of a slope protection project worth P18.33 million along the national road, specifically the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road in Barangay Lemon. (L2DEO)
SLOPE PROTECTION. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO) is nearing the completion of a slope protection project worth P18.33 million along the national road, specifically the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road in Barangay Lemon. (L2DEO)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO) is nearing the completion of a crucial slope protection project along the national road, specifically the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road in Barangay Lemon.
This infrastructure initiative is aimed at improving traffic flow and strengthening the roadway’s resilience against natural calamities.
The slope protection project, valued at P18.33 million is a significant investment in preventing landslides and soil erosion, particularly during the rainy season.
It is crucial for maintaining the long-term stability and safety of the road.
“We recognize the importance of the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road not only as a primary route for local commuters but also as a vital conduit for trade and the transportation of goods and services. This project is a proactive step towards securing our roads against natural calamities,” said District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura.
The project spans 187 linear meters and includes a concrete guardrail that serves as a barrier along the roadside.
This infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce the risk of road interruptions caused by landslides, thereby improving the overall travel experience for road users and enhancing road durability.
Upon completion, motorists will benefit from safer and smoother travel along this road, with a reduced risk of accidents and delays.
The project, started on February of this year, is to be completed on September 30, 2024. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
THE OLYMPIAN AND THE GOVERNOR. Olympian bronze medalist Aira Villegas met with Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla on Thursday, August 29, wherein she personally received a cash reward from the governor amounting to P2 million. Villegas was one of protégée of the Leyte Sports Academy developed by Gov. Petilla. (CARLOS JERICHO ICOT PETILLA FACEBOOK)
THE OLYMPIAN AND THE GOVERNOR. Olympian bronze medalist Aira Villegas met with Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla on Thursday, August 29, wherein she personally received a cash reward from the governor amounting to P2 million. Villegas was one of protégée of the Leyte Sports Academy developed by Gov. Petilla. (CARLOS JERICHO ICOT PETILLA FACEBOOK)
TACLOBAN CITY – Paris Olympics 2024 bronze medalist Aira Villegas received a P2-million incentive from the provincial government of Leyte on Thursday, August 29.
Governor Jericho Petilla, along with board members Carlo Loreto, Raizza Villasin, Wilson Uy, Maria Corazon Remandaban, Michael Cari, Carmen Cari, Flaviano Centino Jr., Ronnan Christian Reposar, and Leyte Liga ng mga Barangay President Ma Martina Gimenez, awarded the cash reward to Villegas during her courtesy call.
Gov. Petilla praised Villegas for bringing great honor to the province, noting that she was once an athlete at the Leyte Sports Academy (LSA), where she began her journey as an athlete-scholar at the age of nine.
In her speech, Villegas credited the LSA for playing a significant role in her success in boxing.
After her visit to the capitol, Villegas also stopped by the LSA to meet with current sports scholars from the province.
Speaking to 87 sports scholars, she advised them to prioritize their education, emphasizing that an athletic career is not permanent.
“Diri ngani kamo umiskwela, an athletes kasi diri permanente, dapat mag-eskwela kita kay kinahanglan gihapun itun natun as backup kun diri na kita athlete,” Villegas said, encouraging them to continue their studies as a backup plan for life after sports.
She also urged the children to always pray and thank God before every competition, maintain discipline, trust their trainers and coaches, be grateful for their blessings, and, most importantly, draw inspiration from their families to achieve their dreams.
Ruben Tamayo, the LSA administrator, expressed pride in Villegas’ achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympics, noting that she is the first LSA alumna to become a member of the Philippine National Team and compete in the Olympics, eventually getting a bronze medal. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
NEW HOUSE OWNER. Olympic bronze medalist Aira Villegas, joined by her parents, beams with happiness as she receives a fully-furnished house and lot from House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Tingog party-list group as represented by Rep. Yedda Romualdez. The P6 million worth house and lot was a gift by the Romualdez couple to Villegas for winning the bronze, aside from a P1.4 million SUV.
(TINGOG PARTY-LIST)
NEW HOUSE OWNER. Olympic bronze medalist Aira Villegas, joined by her parents, beams with happiness as she receives a fully-furnished house and lot from House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Tingog party-list group as represented by Rep. Yedda Romualdez. The P6 million worth house and lot was a gift by the Romualdez couple to Villegas for winning the bronze, aside from a P1.4 million SUV. (TINGOG PARTY-LIST)
In Northern Samar
TACLOBAN CITY – Health authorities in Northern Samar are currently investigating and monitoring a suspected case of monkeypox involving a 24-year-old man in Catarman.
According to separate advisories issued by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the Municipal Health Office (MHO) of Catarman on Sunday, August 25, the patient has been experiencing symptoms consistent with monkeypox, including a two-week history of fever, body weakness, and vesicular rashes.
“We have one suspected monkeypox case—a 24-year-old man who has presented with fever, body weakness, and vesicular rashes over the past two weeks,” the advisories stated.
“Rest assured, our surveillance systems are fully operational, allowing us to closely monitor the situation and safeguard our community from potential health risks,” it added.
Contact tracing is currently underway, and confirmatory tests are being conducted to determine if the patient indeed has monkeypox, according to Dr. Myrna Trongcoso, the Catarman municipal health officer.
Dr. Trongcoso declined to provide further details on the case.
The patient, whose hometown has not been disclosed, has no history of travel.
He has been in isolation at the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital in Catarman since Saturday night, according to Rei Josiah Echano, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.
Echano also noted that the patient had recently contracted dengue fever, which shares some symptoms with monkeypox, such as body malaise and high fever.
Governor Edwin Ongchuan has urged the public to remain calm, emphasizing that confirmatory tests are ongoing and that monkeypox does not easily spread from person to person.
Meanwhile, the regional office of the Department of Health (DOH) has yet to issue an official statement regarding the suspected monkeypox case.
Boyd Cerro, head of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, mentioned that the DOH has yet to investigate the case.
He also noted that monkeypox can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
FINANCIAL WINDFALL. Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez personally handed to Olympic bronze medalist Aira Villegas checks worth P2 million. The financial reward is part of the city government of expressing its gratitude to Villegas for winning an Olympic bronze medal. Also in photo is Councilor Aimee D. Grafil. (ALFRED ROMUALDEZ FACEBOOK)
Worthy for an Olympian bronze medalist
FINANCIAL WINDFALL. Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez personally handed to Olympic bronze medalist Aira Villegas checks worth P2 million. The financial reward is part of the city government of expressing its gratitude to Villegas for winning an Olympic bronze medal. Also in photo is Councilor Aimee D. Grafil. (ALFRED ROMUALDEZ FACEBOOK)
TACLOBAN CITY – As Olympic bronze medalist Aira Villegas returned to Tacloban City on Thursday, August 23, not only she received a warm welcome but incentives poured in totaling to more than P9 million.
Villegas, the first ever Olympian from the region, received P1 million from the city government through a resolution approved by the council and 1 million from Mayor Alfred Romualdez and his son, Councilor Raymund Romualdez. She also received additional rewards from House Speaker and Leyte Congressman Martin Romualdez and Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, including a Mitsubishi Expander worth P1.4 million and a new house and lot valued at P6 million in Camilla Homes, Palo, Leyte.
Villegas, who began her boxing journey at 16, was moved by the warm reception from her fellow Taclobanons and the substantial rewards.
“I am overwhelmed,” Villegas said during a media interview at City Hall after the motorcade sponsored by the Tacloban city government.
“To say thank you is not enough. I dedicate this medal to all Taclobanons.”
Despite the gloomy weather, students and residents lined the streets to cheer her on.
Villegas expressed her deep appreciation for the support and attributed her success to her family.
“I miss them so much, and I am offering this blessing—more than I expected, really—to my family,” she said.
Mayor Romualdez expressed pride in Villegas’s achievement.
“I am truly proud of you. You bring great honor not only to Tacloban and Eastern Visayas but to the entire Philippines,” he said.
“You will serve as an inspiration to young athletes from our city. I am excited to see you pursue the gold medal next.”
Rep. Yedda Romualdez also praised Villegas, noting her contribution to regional and national pride.
“You now serve as an inspiration to our young athletes,” she said, presenting Villegas with the keys to her new car and home during a ceremony at the People’s Center.
The event was attended by young athletes from the region who recently competed in the Palarong Pambansa.
Mayor Romualdez advised Villegas to use her new fortune wisely.
“That is for you and your family. Please do not ask others for money or share your prizes with them,” he said. “The best thing you can offer is your inspiring story. Share your experiences and advice with young athletes.”
Villegas plans to share her cash incentives with her family, who primarily earn from vending peanuts on the streets.
“And of course, I will also save for my future. I cannot box forever,” she added.
For aspiring athletes, Villegas encouraged perseverance and faith.
“They should continue believing in themselves, train hard, and always pray to God. Prayers and hard work should go hand in hand,” she advised.
Villegas will spend the next two weeks in Tacloban with her family, making up for the time spent in intense training leading up to her Olympic success, which came 12 years after she took boxing seriously at 16.
INCENTIVES. Boxer Aira Villegas continues to receive rewards for her exploits at the Paris Olympics, winning a bronze medal. On August 23, the 29-year old boxer received keys to her house and lot, and SUV from Tingog Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, among others.(TINGOG PARTY-LIST)
INCENTIVES. Boxer Aira Villegas continues to receive rewards for her exploits at the Paris Olympics, winning a bronze medal. On August 23, the 29-year old boxer received keys to her house and lot, and SUV from Tingog Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, among others.(TINGOG PARTY-LIST)
TACLOBAN CITY – Tacloban-born Olympian Aira Villegas received a brand-new car worth P1.4 million as a surprise gift during the “Tribute to Our Local Athletes” ceremony on August 23.
The event was organized by the Office of House Speaker and First District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, along with Tingog Party-list Representatives Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre, held at the People’s Center, this city.
The car, personally handed by Rep. Yedda Romualdez to the bronze Olympic medalist, was used to bring Villegas and her family to her new house and lot in Palo, Leyte, valued at P6 million, a promise fulfilled by Speaker Romualdez during Villegas’ visit to Congress a week ago.
On Thursday, August 22, Villegas received P2 million in cash rewards from Mayor Alfred Romualdez, the Tacloban City Council, and the Hiraya Foundation.
Villegas, 29, made history as the first-ever Olympic medalist from Tacloban, winning a medal in boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Meanwhile, during the same event, Eastern Visayas athletes who participated in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa, which saw Eastern Visayas’ highest placing at 7th, along with their parents and coaches, received P10,000 in assistance/incentives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Medalists received additional incentives: P7,000 for bronze, P8,000 for silver, and P10,000 for gold. Coaches of winning athletes also received an additional P10,000.
Aside from Rep. Romualdez, also present during the event were Karla Estrada, Department of Education Regional Director Evelyn Fetalvero, and DSWD Assistant Regional Director Clarito Logronio. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
