TACLOBAN CITY — Residents of Barangay Villa Paz in Jaro, Leyte can now conduct community activities in a safer and more organized venue following the completion of a new multipurpose building constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office reported that the facility, funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), was built to provide a functional space for sports events, community assemblies, meetings, and other social activities in the barangay.
District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura said the project involved full structural works, including the installation of a basketball goal, to support recreational activities among residents, particularly the youth.
“This newly constructed multipurpose building will serve as a venue for sports activities, community assemblies, meetings, and other social events that promote unity and development within the barangay,” Oppura said.
Barangay Chairperson Melissa Barraza expressed gratitude to the DPWH for completing the project, noting that the facility addresses long-standing challenges faced by the community when holding gatherings and activities.
“Before we had this multipurpose building, it was very difficult for us, especially when we conducted barangay activities such as the annual assembly or meetings for the 4Ps beneficiaries during their Family Development Sessions,” Barraza said.
She recalled that residents had to rely on temporary shelters during events.
“We used to put up tents whenever we held activities. The children would often play along the road and were exposed to the rain and the heat of the sun because they had no proper place to gather or play basketball,” she added.
With the new facility, Barraza said the barangay can now hold activities more comfortably and safely.
“Now that we already have a multipurpose building, it is much better for us to conduct our activities because there is already a roof and a proper venue. The children are also more comfortable when they play since they are no longer exposed to the rain or the heat,” she said, thanking the DPWH for providing the structure to their community.
The project, which costs P7.9 million, was implemented by Filzand Construction and forms part of the national government’s continuing efforts to improve community infrastructure in rural areas.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
