Catarman, Northern Samar –In a bid to foster education and bring joy to the young learners in the community, the District Engineers League of the Philippines (DELP), in partnership with the Northern Samar First District Employees Association (NSFEDEA), successfully distributed school supplies to 135 elementary students from Brgy. Guba and Brgy. Salvacion, both located in the municipality of Catarman, on August 16, 2024.

The students, who ranged from Grades 1 to 6, were delighted to receive essential school supplies, including coloring books, crayons, scissors, papers, ballpens, ruler among others. To add to the festive atmosphere, each student was also treated to a Jollibee meal pack, which brought smiles and excitement as they eagerly anticipated using their new resources.

District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio, who led the distribution, emphasized that the initiative was intended to provide students with essential tools for their studies and to inspire them to achieve more.

The initiative was warmly received by the teachers of both schools, who expressed their appreciation for the support provided to their students.

“We are deeply grateful for this generous gesture. Many of our students come from families with limited means, and our remote location makes transportation costs quite high.

Providing school supplies has been a significant challenge. This assistance is incredibly impactful, ensuring that our students have the necessary tools to succeed in their studies. The school supplies and Jollibee packs brought immense joy to our students, many of whom experienced Jollibee snacks for the first time and were thrilled by the treat.” said Teacher Ana Liza T. Recare of Guba Elementary school.

Assistant District Engineer Vivian G. Biaco and section chiefs also participated in the event, engaging with students and assisting with the distribution.

This activity is part of DELP and NSFEDEA’s ongoing efforts to give back to the community and support educational initiatives that benefit local schools and students.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA, PIO Designate/PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The management of Leyte II Electric Cooperative (Leyeco II) expressed its gratitude to President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, and House Speaker and Leyte congressman, Martin Romualdez, among others, for the fast approval of their renewal of franchise.

By virtue of RA No. 12017, signed into law on August 9, 2024, Leyeco II became the first electric cooperative in the country to renew its franchise to construct, install, establish, operate, own, manage, and maintain distribution systems for the conveyance of electric power to end-users in the towns of Babatngon and Palo and here in Tacloban City.

The power utility, headed by Engr. Fernan Paul Tan, also expressed their gratitude to all the individuals who played a crucial role in making the franchise renewal a reality.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people behind the realization of this milestone, especially to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., committee on public services chair Senator Grace Poe, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Tingog party-list’s Representatives Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude Acidre, APEC party-list Rep. Sergio Dagooc, and PHILRECA party-list Rep.Presley C. De Jesus,” it said in a statement.

“To our member-consumer-owners (MCOs), let this stand as our commitment that your electric cooperative, led by our board of directors and management, will remain steadfast in upholding our mandate and will continue to heed your call for quality and efficient service,” it said.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

In Northern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Northern Samar, through its Provincial Tourism Office (PTO), has introduced two new tourism circuits aimed at attracting more visitors to experience the province’s unique offerings.

These additions, the ‘Fun Farm Tour’ and the ‘Seafood Tour’, complement the four existing tourism circuits already available in the region.

The Fun Farm Tour and Seafood Tour are designed to showcase the rich agricultural landscape and innovative farming practices of Northern Samar, offering immersive experiences for both domestic and foreign tourists.

The Fun Farm Tour highlights the municipalities of Mondragon, Silvino Lubos, and San Roque, and Pambujan, areas known for their agricultural abundance and provide visitors with opportunities for garden-to-table food tasting, farming and food processing tours, and homestay experiences, which have become increasingly popular across the country.

Meanwhile, the Seafood Tour focuses on the towns of San Jose and Rosario, renowned for their delicious mud crabs, fresh fish, spider shells (sahang), squid, shrimp, and other exquisite seafood.

This tour also includes activities such as diving, fishing, food processing, and ocean-to-table dining experiences.

Maria Josette Doctor, the provincial tourism officer, presented these new tourism concepts to the provincial government department heads during the 3rd Quarter Development Cluster Meeting held last week.

The PTO collaborated with the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO), and the Provincial Government’s Food Security and Sustainable Economic Development Cluster to conceptualize and promote these new tourism circuits.

Before the introduction of these new tours, the province already offered several tourism circuits: the Balicuatro Island Hopping Tour, which includes the towns of San Antonio, Capul, San Vicente, and Allen; the Eco-Tour featuring the Lalaguna Mangrove Eco-Park in Lavezares and the Biri Rock Formations on Biri Island; the River Cruise in the towns of Catubig, Las Navas, and Laoang; and the Pacific Tour, which covers the Pacific towns of Palapag, Mapanas, Gamay, and Lapinig.

The development and promotion of these tourism circuits are part of Governor Edwin Ongchuan’s broader initiative under the Food Security and Sustainable Economic Development program.

This initiative aims to boost tourism, livelihood, and economic development throughout the province.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)