The region’s total number of constructions increased by 0.5 percent, from 5,208 constructions recorded in 2021 to 5,232 constructions in 2022.
The number of non-residential building constructions went up by 13.6 percent, from 1,165 constructions in 2021 to 1,323 constructions in 2022. Combined number of additions/alterations and repair of buildings increased by 5.8 percent, posting 509 constructions in 2022 from 481 constructions in 2021.
On the other hand, the number of residential building constructions declined from 3,562 constructions in 2021 to 3,400 constructions during the year in review, a decrease of -4.5 percent.
The number of residential buildings comprised more than three-fifths or 65.0 percent of the total constructions in the region, while non-residential buildings and additions/alterations and repairs accounted for 25.3 percent and 9.7 percent, respectively.
The total value of constructions in the region in 2022 was estimated at P12.1 billion. This figure is 18.2 percent higher than the P 10.2 billion total value of constructions in 2021. This increase was attributed to the 41.6 percent growth in the total value of non-residential buildings, from P 4.7 billion in 2021 to P 6.7 billion in 2022.
The total value of residential buildings inched up by 0.1 percent. Its value went up to P 4.783 billion in 2022 from P 4.776 billion in 2021. These increments, however, were pulled down by the -18.6 percent decline in the total value of additions/ alterations and repairs of existing structures, from P 0.7 billion in 2021 to P0.6 billion in 2022.
Non-residential buildings’ value of construction comprised more than half or 55.7 percent of the total value of constructions in the region. The value of construction of residential buildings contributed 39.7 percent. Meanwhile, additions/ alterations and repairs accounted for only 4.6 percent of the region’s total value of constructions in 2022.
Average cost of construction per square meter was estimated at P 7,785 for residential buildings and P 10,735 for non – residential buildings. (PR)
PAYOUT. Samar Rep. Michael Tan attends a payout of cash assistance to more than 10,000 scholars of the province. He was joined by his brother, Rep. Stephen James Tan (not in photo) of the 1st congressional district of the province.(Photo Courtesy)
TACLOBAN CITY– At least 10,088 scholars from different parts of Samar each received P3,000 as beneficiaries of the education assistance program on Wednesday (August 23).
Samar Rep. Stephen James Tan(1st district) said during the distribution that he hoped that the program would help not only the beneficiaries but even their respective families as this would mean less financial cost to shoulder and also would lead for the students to realize their dreams.
PAYOUT. Samar Rep. Michael Tan attends a payout of cash assistance to more than 10,000 scholars of the province. He was joined by his brother, Rep. Stephen James Tan (not in photo) of the 1st congressional district of the province.(Photo Courtesy)
“I hope that through this assistance, we get to help you in fulfilling your dreams. I also trust that you will use the money wisely towards where it is intended, your education,” the solon said.
It was learned that 10 scholars were selected from all of the 951 barangays of the province. Also, all of the board members of the province have their own scholars.
The educational assistance program in the province started way back during the time of the later governor Mila Tan but was continued by her daughter Gov. Sharee Ann Tan. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
ORMOC CITY– A laborer who was working for a water drainage was killed after a sudden landslide buried him under the soil causing his instantaneous death in Mondragon, Northern Samar on Saturday (August 19) at about 10:47 am.
The victim was identified as Jerry Marino, 49, married, laborer, and a resident of Brgy. Cahicsan of the said town.
Initial investigation conducted by responding police disclosed that the victim was digging for the drainage of the Kalahi-CIDSS project in the said barangay when a heavy landslide suddenly occurred.
The victim who was unaware of the situation failed to react immediately causing him to be buried with mud. Barangay officials together with the victim’s co-workers tried to rescue and revive the victim but turned futile.
The victim was temporarily brought to his own house for the conduct of a post-mortem examination. (ROBERT DEJON)
NSSDEO, Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, N. Samar, 08/07/2023 – Personnel from the Internal Quality Audit Service (IQAs) of the Department of Public Works and Highways conducted an audit on Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (NSSDEO) as regards the implementation of Quality Management System (QMS) in conformance with the requirements of Department Order No. 22 and ISO 9001:2015 certification.
The IQA auditors who conducted the NSSDEO appraisal last August 1-3, 2023 were Mr. David Isabelo Alvarez, Supervising Administrative Officer, and Engr. Rony Beejay Aler, Chief of Construction Section/Division, both from DPWH-Regional Office V, Rawis, Legazpi City, Albay. The assessment covers aspects on Leadership, Planning, Operations, Performance Evaluation, Procurement Management, Human Resource Management, Financial Management, Physical Resource Management, Information Management and Documentation Management.
The measures of the audit were Department Order No. 100, s. 2022, Risk and Opportunity Management, D.O. No. 32, QMS Standard, Procedure and Process, D.O. No. 52 s. 2017, Workplace Quality Standard, Clauses & sub-clauses ISO 9001:2015, Issuances and other pertinent Rules and Regulations.
Before the audit proper, OIC-District Engineer Charlito S. Carlobos gave an opening statement wherein he highlighted the importance of the audit since the DPWH is ISO-accredited agency of the government requiring adherence to standard QMS processes and procedures.
The actual audit started with the Office of District Engineer under OIC-DE Charlito S. Carlobos and Office of Assistant DE led by Atty. Arthur Eric L. Sabong, followed by District Public Affairs and Information Staff headed by Mr. Joemar M. Patilan, Information and Communication Technology Staff headed by Mr. Edmund P. Somoray, and Supply and Property Management Unit led by Ms. Imelda Dolo.
In the afternoon was the Procurement Unit headed by Engr. Joseph C. Romance, and followed by the Administrative Section headed by Ms. Ma. Amparo Mariam T. Dapug.
On the same day, Engr. Aler separately audited the Finance Section supervised by Ms. Michelle G. Suan, Planning and Design Section led by Engr. Fiona A. Anunciado, and Construction Section under Engr. Gil D. Herrera, Jr.
On the following day, the team audited the Quality Assurance Section headed by Engr. Eduardo M. Lagrimas and last, the Maintenance Section headed by Engr. Francisco Y. Taňala including the Equipment Service Unit led by Engr. Allan Chan.
Overall, the three-day activity ended up smoothly. During the exit conference, the internal auditors expressed their gratitude and appreciation shown to them by the management and the employees of the NSSDEO. Mr. Alvarez assured everyone that the audit conducted aimed in improving the DPWH programs and process flow in order to deliver a better public service. (Lyca Mae T. Quilicol, PIO Alternate)
TACLOBAN CITY– Police authorities in Villaba, Leyte are still conducting their investigation on the killing of a lawyer on Tuesday(August 22) at about 4:30 pm.
Killed was Elmer Mape,52, who was visiting a farm owned by his father-in-law, former mayor Jorge Veloso, in sitio Patag of Barangay Calbugos, about 15 kms away from the town proper.
The local police said in its report that the victim was shot in his heart which resulted in his death with the suspect identified by some witnesses as alias Butchoy Oliverio.
The alleged suspect, said to be a former member of the New People’s Army, remains at-large, the police said.
The Villaba police said that while it could not pinpoint yet what could be the possible motive of the gunman, ‘several angles’ are being considered.
It, however, declined to say what are these motives being seen as the reason for the murder of Mape, who is from Cebu.
It also called on those who possibly knew the suspect to come out and help them which could lead to the arrest of the suspect.
Recovered from the crime scene were one empty shell of a Caliber 45 pistol, one slug of a Cal.45 pistol, and caliber 9mm pistol Glock 17, and one magazine of 9 mm loaded 15 ammunitions.
Lawyer Jay Viagedor, a friend of the victim, said that they were shocked on the ruthless killing of Mape who was only visiting the farm of his father-in-law.
The victim’s wife, Kathleen, herself a former municipal councilor of Villaba whose current mayor, Carlos Veloso, is a cousin of her father.
Viagedor said that they are calling the local police to hasten their investigation and arrest the alleged perpetrators.
“We are calling the police to conduct their investigation on the gruesome murder of (Mape). We hope that the real perpetrator will be arrested,” Viagedor said in a phone interview on Wednesday.
He said that they have some reservations on the real identity of the lone gunman considering that he was only identified as alias Butchoy, said to be a member of the NPA.
Asked what could be the motive for the killing of Mape, Viagedor said that they are seeing politics as a possible reason.
He said that Mape was known to be a critic of a former congressman in the district. Villaba is part of Leyte’s third congressional district.
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Leyte chapter condemned the killing of Mape.
“IBP, as a group, strongly condemns the use of violence against lawyers and ordinary people. Also, the IBP as a local organization of lawyers, will ensure to protect the rights of its members while in the performance of their official/public duties,” it said.
It asked the police and other law enforcement offices to conduct a ‘thorough, proper, and holistic investigation so that the perpetrator will be swiftly and truly held accountable.’
The IBP-Leyte also issued its condolences to the family, relatives, and friends of Mape. (RONALD O.REYES/ROBERT DEJON)
SAMAR VISIT. Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go assured his continued support and assistance to the people of Samar. The senator made his commitment during his August 11 visit to the province as he was among the guests during this year’s Samar Day celebration.
The senator initiated key infra projects in Samar
SAMAR VISIT. Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go assured his continued support and assistance to the people of Samar. The senator made his commitment during his August 11 visit to the province as he was among the guests during this year’s Samar Day celebration.
CATBALOGAN CITY-Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has initiated several key infrastructure projects in Catbalogan City, in line with his commitment to help pave the way for development and progress in the area through continued collaboration with the local government led by Gov. Sharee Ann Tan.
The senator’s support in these initiatives as vice chairperson of the Senate committee on finance was highlighted by his presence during the ‘Adlaw han Barangay 2023’, a significant part of the Samar Day Celebration held on August 11.
One of these activities is the opening of the Tandaya Hall in Catbalogan City where Go participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony together with Gov.Tan, Vice Gov. Arnold Tan, BHW (Barangay Health Worker) party-list Rep. Natasha Co, Catbalogan City Mayor Dexter Uy, and other local officials.
The inauguration was also witnessed by 24 mayors and vice mayors together with their councilors, and 951 barangay captains and their kagawads.
“Alam n’yo, parati ko kasing naririnig, ‘salamat Senador Bong Go’ sa mga proyekto… pero kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo,” Go said.
“Kahit saang sulok kayo sa Pilipinas, pupuntahan ko kayo at magseserbisyo basta kaya ng aking katawan at panahon. Sanay ako sa trabaho. Umaga, tanghali, hapunan, kahit sa panaginip, nagtatrabaho ako,” he added.
Moreover, Go was also instrumental in the construction of the New Catbalogan City Hall, a new sports complex, and the Lagundi-San Andres Access Road. These projects, all under construction, are poised to bring in unprecedented benefits to Samar.
The new city hall will provide a modern hub for governance, streamlining public service and administrative functions. The sports complex will offer recreational and athletic opportunities, fostering community engagement and youth development.
The Lagundi-San Andres access road, once completed, will significantly improve connectivity within the region, reducing travel time, boosting local trade, and enhancing the transportation of goods and services.
For her part, Gov. Tan also took the opportunity to thank the senator and affirm some initiatives that Go did to help the province of Samar and its people.
“Mga kaibigan ko, kasama din natin ngayon na palaging tumutulong sa atin, hindi lang sa suporta niya sa ating Catbalogan Buri Airport na ating inilapit sa kanya nung panahon na pumunta siya sa atin noong tayo ay nasunugan dito sa Catbalogan noong 2018 kahit hindi pa siya senador. Pati ang ating Lagundi San Andres Road ay tulong rin yan ng ating mahal na senator (Bong Go). Ganyan niya tayo kamahal dito sa atin. Kasama din ang iba’t ibang mga kalsada at impastraktura, naging instrumento rin siya para maisakatuparan ang mga ito. Mula noon at hanggang ngayon, patuloy niyang inilalapit ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa atin. These are few of the contributions of the good Senator here in the province of Samar,” she said.
During his visit and provision of aid to fire victims in Catbalogan City in 2018, Go took action to address concerns related to Catbalogan Airport.
The local officials then approached Go, who was serving as Special Assistant to former president Rodrigo Duterte at that time, seeking help to hasten the land acquisition process for the airport’s enhancement. Go reached out to then Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to expedite the matter.
The senator’s impact extends beyond roads and buildings. The Malasakit Center stands as a testament to his care for the health and well-being of Samar’s residents.
“Ang pinakamalaking naitulong niya ay ang Malasakit Center. Bago pa lang ang mahal nating senator, sinigurado niya na maipagpatuloy ang pagbigay ng tulong at serbisyo sa mga pasyente dito sa pamamagitan ng Malasakit Center. Ngayon mga kaibigan ko, gusto kong ipaabot sa inyo na we are so honored and we really appreciate the efforts and support of our good senator, ang kilala nating Mr. Malasakit,” Gov.Tan added.
In the province, a Malasakit Center is located at Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City, one of the 158 such facilities serving the Filipinos across the country.
Aside from these projects, Go has extended his support in recent years to various infrastructural developments in the province.
These include the rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads in Basey, Marabut, Talalora, and Tarangnan; construction of a farm-to-market road in Pinabacdao; public markets in San Jorge, Talalora, and Tarangnan; evacuation centers in Sta. Margarita and Zumarraga; a seawall in Sto. Niño; and the acquisition of a dump truck in Jiabong.
He has also supported the construction of a multi-purpose hall in Tarangnan; road concreting in Daram; farm-to-market roads in Pinabacdao; shoreline protection in Tagapul-an; and a public park in Tarangnan.
Furthermore, he assisted in the construction and concreting of the access road from Liteon-Antol in Calbiga-an area under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict(NTF-ELCAC)-to Canlobo-Loyo-Magdawat-Pelaoan of Pinabacdao to Mabini in Basey. This road connects important tourist sites like Lulugan Falls, Kanyawa Cave, Macatingol Cave, and Sohoton Cave, among others.
Go further express his profound love for the people of Samar and his unwavering dedication to service.
“Tandaan po natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa atin kapwa ay gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong it,” reminded the senator.
“Ako po ang inyong kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Dahil ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao, serbisyo po yan sa Diyos,” Go concluded.
