TACLOBAN CITY– Another laying of asphalt overlay project is ongoing along the portion of Mayorga – La Paz road section.

The Leyte Second District Engineering Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that a total of P10.17 million under asset preservation program – preventive maintenance has been allotted to cover the 1.86 lane kilometers of asphalt overlay and application of reflectorized thermoplastic marking on top of the existing pavement surface in the villages of Calipayan and Mabini, both in Mayorga town, Leyte.

Leo Edward Oppura, district engineer, said that the project engineers were directed to take advantage of the good weather in implementing the project, especially on the preventive maintenance projects and particularly on the asphalt overlay projects, which need dry weather for the laying of asphalt paving mixture.

Asphalt overlays provide a smooth road, improve the ride quality, reduce noise levels, and reduce the full life cycle costs of the surface.

Motorists and travelers can expect smoother and faster access to schools, health care facilities, government centers, and other public and private establishments in the area now that the road has been improved.

The project’s implementation started on February 17, 2023 and is expected to be completed on or before April 4, 2023. It is funded under the DPWH-CY 2023 General Appropriations Act.

Aside from this project, the district office is also implementing an asphalt overlay project in Barangay Bonifacio, also this town along the road portion of the Mayorga-La Paz road section.

The Mayorga-La Paz road section, classified as a tertiary road, measures 5.975 kilometers, with the junction in Daang Maharlika and Burauen town proper.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

A tradition for the past two centuries

TACLOBAN CITY – The local government unit of Carigara, Leyte has cancelled the holding of the ‘Turugpo Festival’ which is held every Black Saturday in deference to a law protecting animals.

A memorandum to this effect was signed by municipal administrator Wenceslao Narido Jr.
Narido cited the provisions under Republic Act No 8485 as amended by RA 10631 otherwise known as “The Animal Welfare Act and the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulation, making it unlawful to subject animals to torture and maltreatment except on instances expressly authorized by the Committee on Animal Welfare.

Under Section 6 of the law, it prohibits the torture of any animal, maltreatment, or neglect, or deprived of adequate care, sustenance or shelter or in use for research or experiments not authorized by the Committee on Animal Welfare.

Violating these provisions will be meted with punishment of imprisonment or fine that ranges from one year to six months and one day to two years and fine not exceeding to P100, 000 if the animal is subject to cruelty or maltreatment or imprisonment of six months to one year or fine of not exceeding to P30, 000 if the animal is subjected to cruelty.

Turugpo Festival is an annual event during Holy Week in Carigara that dates back more than 220 years ago.

This unique festival is derived from the word “tugpo” which means matchmaking or matching opponents.

The festival has three main events, the “pasungay” the fight of two carabaos, the “paaway” the fight between two horses,” and the carambola wherein each of the 49 villages of the municipality is represented in a cockfight, the rooster that will survive will be declared as the winner.

Based on the town’s history, Turugpo was originally held every Good Friday, as defiant of the Carigara people to the order of Friars to observed piety, solemnity, and absolute silence on the day, the Catholic faith observes the death of Jesus Christs.

In 1983 thru the request of the late Palo Archdiocese Bishop Cipriano Urgel, the date was change to Black Saturday in order not to distract the parishioners in their pious observation of Christ’s suffering and death. His request was agreed by the organizers.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

MERIDA, Leyte– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) completes the Improvement of Fisher Bridge to Merida Mariculture Park in Brgy. Casilda, Merida, Leyte amounting to P4,949,998.54 under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2022.

Mariculture, or the cultivation of fish and other marine organisms, is essential to the coastal communities of Leyte 4th District as it provides a source of livelihood, enhances food security, and promotes sustainability.

According to Jovita D. Conales, manager of the Benabaye Primary Multipurpose Cooperative (BENAPRIMCO), local fishermen in Merida had struggled to navigate through knee-deep mud and avoid barnacles that could cause injury when transporting feeds and equipment into the sea. This pushed them to build a bamboo bridge which ultimately proved to be prone to damage, especially during typhoons, thus making the maintenance costly.

With the completion of the 100-meter long and 1.60-meter wide elevated concrete bridge, the issues have been resolved. The fisher bridge is now safer and more durable as it can withstand harsh winds and waves, providing a reliable connection between land and the mariculture area.

Furthermore, this project has significantly enhanced the accessibility and efficiency of mariculture activities in Merida, boosting the livelihood of the community.(PR)