GOVERNMENT CENTER, PALO, Leyte – Bike lanes constructed on several major streets in Tacloban City are now open for public use.

This was disclosed by Engr. Edgar Tabacon, the regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

It was learned from Tabacon that the bike lanes in the city, which were put up in coordination with the Department of Transportations, were first established on August 15, 2023, and were completed in December of the same year.

The project was funded in the amount of P18.16 million stretching 9.51 kms covering Tabuan national highway at Barangay 79, Marasbaras, going to the DZR Airport in San Jose, via the Picas-San Jose DZR Airport Road.

These lanes can easily be spotted on the road as they are painted green.

This active transport infrastructure was built for people who engage in physical activity as their means of transport, such as walking, cycling, or using other forms of light mobility for transportation, Tabacon said.

The need and efficiency for this kind of project were first observed during the COVID-19 pandemic when there was a limit on public transportation in observance to social distancing measures.

Additionally, bicycle racks were also put up, especially those near GSIS Tacloban Branch Office in Fatima Village and Leyte Colleges in San Jose Tacloban City, as well as installations of regulatory signs, warning signs, solar studs, and reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings for extra safety that were all covered by the allocated budget in this project.
(JOYLIN MEDINO, STEFTI STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair has brought free government services closer to those who need them.

Launched on February 8, the initiative has benefited over 800 residents in the city by providing essential services ranging from free vaccinations to notary services, and even haircuts.

Free medical consultations, live birth registration, and assistance with other government paperwork are also being offered during the whole-day program.

Conducted by the City Mayor’s Office through the Barangay Affairs Office (BAO) and the Liga ng mga Barangay Tacloban Chapter, the fair aims to bring government services closer to different barangays across the city.

Previously known as the I Love Tacloban Barangayan, over 800 residents have been impacted since the program resumed last month.

Food packs were also distributed, with senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and solo parents given priority.

Officials from various government agencies will be rotating through various areas of Tacloban to promote the accessibility of these services.

The target is to cover all areas of the city before the end of June. Area 3, comprising barangays in Marasbaras and San Jose, has already been visited by government officials.
Four barangayans in total have already been conducted, with 13 more tentatively set for this year. The most recent barangayan was hosted in the Barangay 109 gym in V&G Subdivision, with the Barangay Affairs Office estimating over 300 beneficiaries.

Arlene Ibañez, an administrator for the Liga ng mga Barangay, hopes that those who choose to attend future barangayans will try to avail as many services as possible.

She observed that some residents immediately left after availing food stamps.

The next barangayan is scheduled on March 23 in Barangay 64, Bliss, Sagkahan district. The program is anticipated to benefit thousands of other residents in the months ahead.
(WILBEN SEBASTIAN A. ONG, STEFTI STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY – Mayors from the third district here in Leyte have expressed their concerns about potential threats to their safety following a series of shooting incidents in February that claimed the lives of village officials.

Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla revealed that the majority of local leaders in the five towns of the third district, including San Isidro, Tabango, Villaba, Leyte town, and Calubian, voiced apprehensions about their safety and that of their families.

“To address these concerns, we need to bolster our police force. Currently, a significant portion of our Philippine National Police personnel, as well as army forces, are stationed in the third district,” Governor Petilla emphasized.

The mayors had met with Gov. Petilla during the March 7 Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting.

While acknowledging the reduced incidence of shooting incidents in the district, Gov. Petilla expressed reservations about the potential resurgence of violence once law enforcement presence diminishes. He urged authorities to maintain a strong presence in the district until the cases of killings are resolved.

In response to the situation, the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) deployed additional personnel, comprising 389 policemen, to the third district.

These officers will be engaged in patrol operations, law enforcement, and police-community engagement under the Police sa Barangay (PSB) program, in collaboration with barangay tanods, to uphold peace and order across villages.

During the send-off ceremony held at the San Isidro Civic Center, Police Regional Office 8 Regional Director PBGen Reynaldo Pawid emphasized that the increased police presence aims not only to enhance law enforcement capabilities but also to foster stronger ties between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

Regarding the safety concerns raised by mayors, Leyte police director Colonel Erwin Portillo advised them to seek assistance from the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG).

Upon assessment of potential security threats, mayors will be provided with personal security detail comprising two police officers, according to the Leyte police chief.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)