(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial government of Northern Samar has partnered with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other key agencies to establish a Local Infrastructure Learning Hub (LIL Hub), a new initiative aimed at strengthening infrastructure governance and improving the quality and safety of public works in the province.
Governor Harris Ongchuan led the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on June 4, formalizing the province’s commitment to the program alongside national government agencies and development partners.
The LIL Hub is designed to promote collaboration among agencies involved in infrastructure planning, implementation, and monitoring. It also seeks to enhance the capacity of local government units (LGUs) through shared technical expertise, training, and knowledge exchange.
Under the agreement, partner institutions will provide technical support, resource persons, and trainers for capacity-building activities, as well as assist in the formulation of infrastructure audit plans to ensure the sustainability of the program.
Governor Ongchuan underscored the importance of building resilient infrastructure, especially in light of increasingly severe weather conditions affecting the region.
“We have seen how typhoons get stronger each year, so it is vital that we build quality, safer roads, bridges and government facilities for our constituents. This MOA ensures that the quality of our infrastructures are looked into,” he said.
The governor also expressed full support from the provincial government, noting the active participation of key offices such as the Provincial Engineering Office, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), and Provincial Health Office.
DILG Northern Samar Provincial Director Geraldine Maquelabit, who spearheaded the initiative, emphasized that infrastructure quality is directly linked to public safety and good governance.
“The LIL Hub is a response to the challenging times, a commitment to protect lives. For good governance is also about safe buildings and infrastructures—the biggest legacy that government leaves to the next generation,” she said.
The MOA was also signed by representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) First and Second District Engineering Offices, Department of Education (DepEd) Northern Samar, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), and the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Northern Samar Chapter.
Among the signatories were DPWH First District Engineer Engr. Alvin Ignacio, DPWH Second District Engineer Atty. Eric Sabong, DepEd Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Rey Bulawan, BFP OIC Provincial Fire Marshal Darwin Orsolino, PICE Northern Samar Chapter representative Engr. Felix Licas, and a representative from UEP.
Officials said the LIL Hub will serve as a platform for innovation, coordination, and improved standards in infrastructure development, aiming to strengthen accountability and ensure safer, more resilient public facilities across Northern Samar.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
