BALANGIGA, Eastern Samar – Farmers and residents expressed thanked the national government for the completion of the Tulay ng Pangulo Para sa Kaunlarang Pang-Agraryo project in Brgy. Sta. Rosa, Balangiga, Eastern Samar.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), led the inauguration and turnover of the bridge on Jan. 27 to the municipality of Balangiga led by Mayor Dana Flynch De Lira.

“This is a very historic moment for barangay Santa Rosa, for having the first concrete bridge through the Tulay ng Pangulo project. This event is a symbolism where the town of Balangiga can cross from the state of poverty to progress,” De Lira said.

Cambukol Bridge will benefit a total of 14,341 residents, including the 823 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the Balangiga agrarian reform communities composed of seven barangays, including Poblacion 1, San Miguel, Cansumangcay, Sta. Rosa, Cag-olango, Guimaayohan and Baciao.

“We are very happy with this project. It will surely promote rural development in the ARCs in this region. Thank you to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and DPWH,” Danilo Abigan, Brgy. Chairman of Sta. Rosa said.

Abigan said the bridge will provide the ARBs easier access to bring their farm products to the market as compared to the old bridge made only of wood materials causing some of the residents to accidentally fall into the river.

Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“Our President is fulfilling his promise to provide support services to the ARBs. Whereas before you had difficulty in transporting your products, now you have the Tulay ng Pangulo project to ease your transportation problems,” he said.

Robert Anthony Yu, DAR Eastern Visayas regional head, said the Cambukol Bridge worth PHP9 million has a 28 linear meter, 2-lanes, 1-span prefabricated modular steel technology supplied by the French government. (PNA)

PALO, Leyte– The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry [PCCI] Tacloban-Leyte Incorporated inducted their new sets of officers Saturday (Jan. 28).

Leading the officers inducted was Eugene Tan, who was elected for another term as president; vice president for internal affairs, Erwin G. Alcala; vice president for external affairs, Atty. Kenneth Fabilla; and executive vice president, Caroline Andrade.

The chamber also welcomed its new members during its induction of new officials which also served as the general assembly of the group held at Oriental Hotel, this town.

Tan said that the advantage of the membership is that together as a group, they become vigilant for problems that concern the business sector.

“We believe that new policies that the government will implement will surely affect consumers in general, not only the business sector,” he said.

One of the examples cited by Tan was the proposal of the city government of Tacloban to increase business taxes which they are opposing as this will also affect ordinary consumers.
Also, higher taxes being imposed by the local government may also discourage potential investors, Tan added.

Meantime, Tan said that among their first initiatives is to push through with the training of the employees of the members with customer service, business writing, and accounting for non-accountants.

The chamber also wishes to coordinate with the projects and programs of the regional government agencies through the Regional Development Council of which Tan sits as a representative of the business sector.

Among the guests during the occasion were Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla; Rep. Philip Jude Acidre of Tingog party-list; PCCI president George Barcelon and Wilson Uy, former president of the PCCI-Eastern Visayas.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

In Northern Samar

CAMP CARLOS DELGADO, Catarman, Northern Samar-The top 3 most wanted in the municipality of Lope de Vega, Northern Samar who is a member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) was arrested by the authorities on January 27, 2023.

Based on the report, the accused identified as “Ka Len-len,” 40, was arrested by the operating teams comprised of the 1st Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company led by PMajor Norman S. Kiat-ong, force commander; Provincial Intelligence Unit; and the 43rd Infantry Battalion in Brgy. Daganas, Catarman town for attempted murder.

Apprised of his constitutional rights, “Ka Len-len” was brought to the 1st NSPMFC for proper disposition before his turnover to the court having jurisdiction of his case. A bail bond of P120,000 was recommended for his temporary liberty.

Meanwhile, in the morning on the same date, a barangay visitation and distribution of food packs were conducted by Palapag MPS led by PCpt. Norben D. Carbonera, acting chief of police, together with the 20th Infantry Battalion in Brgy. Napo, Palapag town.

With this continuous heed of the government, Ka Maker, 55 years old; Ka Ben, 50 years old; Ka Fredi, 41 years old; Ka Nick, 32 years old; and Ka Roger, 45 years old, all are categorized as members of the Under Ground Mass Organization (UGMO) under the command of Ka Raz, Squad Leader of Front Committee 15, Sub-Regional Committee ARCTIC-EVRPC had withdrawn their support from the communist movement and decided to return into the folds of the law.

Accordingly, their surrender was fueled by their desire to be reintegrated back into the community.

With this, PCol. Alfredo J. Tadefa, provincial director, is continuously calling on all members of the CPP-NPA in the province to peacefully surrender to be with their families.

“I am encouraging the remaining rebels to hear our call for peace. The government will provide the necessary benefits under the E-CLIP and LSIP,” PCol. Tadefa urged.

Palapag MPS is now in the process of assessing and preparing the requirements for their enrollment in the said programs. (PR)