TACLOBAN CITY– Young learners in Barangay 103-A Paglaum, the farthest barangay of Tacloban City, now have a safe and suitable space to learn and play with the recent turnover of a new daycare center to the community.

According to Adelfa Balmes, child development worker, more than 30 preschoolers aged 3 to 4 are currently enrolled at the facility, which was constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways-Tacloban City District Engineering Office. Designed for both structured lessons and free play, Balmes said the center is likewise equipped with CCTV cameras to help ensure the children’s safety. In addition to classroom activities, the center benefits from the ongoing Supplemental Feeding Program of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, ensuring that every child receives wholesome food to support their overall well-being.

Meanwhile, Punong Barangay Edgardo Condeza expressed gratitude for the project, saying it will play a vital role in the early childhood development of Paglaum’s children. With a population of over 800, he encouraged parents to enroll their kids, noting that having such a facility in their barangay is a significant step toward better educational opportunities in the community.

Located approximately 15 kilometers from the city proper, the facility brings an essential educational resource much closer to families in the area.

(TACLOBAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Northern Samar District Engineering Office Maintenance Team has conducted clearing operations and removal of a fallen tree that had obstructed a portion of the Rawis–Catubig Road in Barangay Opong, Catubig, KO802+850 – KO803+000, at 4:00 PM today, August 13, 2025.

The obstruction, which temporarily disrupted the flow of traffic, was promptly addressed following reports from local residents and motorists. DPWH maintenance personnel led by Acting Chief of Maintenance Section, Engr. Nicanor L. Mejos, Jr., were immediately dispatched to the area to ensure the swift restoration of road accessibility and public safety.

Motorists and commuters are advised that normal traffic flow has now resumed along the Rawis–Catubig Road. However, the public is still urged to exercise caution when passing through the area due to the possibility of wet or slippery road conditions brought about by recent weather disturbances.

(dpwh8/nssdeo/jmp/kms)

TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Samar has reiterated its full support for the Philippine Army’s peace and security initiatives, as Governor Sharee Ann Tan joined the 37th founding anniversary celebration of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) on Thursday, August 8, 2025, at Camp Vicente Lukban in Catbalogan City.

In her message, Gov. Tan congratulated the 8ID for its decades-long service and unwavering commitment to protecting the province and the rest of Eastern Visayas from threats to public safety. She emphasized that Samar’s local government will remain a steadfast partner in sustaining peace and order.

The governor credited the collective efforts of the military, local governments, and communities for what she described as a “notable level of peace” in the province — a significant achievement for an area once plagued by decades of insurgency.

Since 2023, at least 10 local government units (LGUs) in Samar have been declared under Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), including Calbayog City and the towns of Tarangnan, San Sebastian, Talalora, Sta. Margarita, Almagro, and Sto. Niño.

Gov. Tan also cited the 8ID’s crucial role in dismantling four major communist fronts in recent years, namely: Front Committee 2, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium, Front Committee 1, SRC Emporium, Front Committee 15, SRC Arctic, and Front Committee 3, SRC Arctic

The 8ID, which oversees military operations in the islands of Leyte, Samar, and Biliran, has been at the forefront of counter-insurgency campaigns and community development initiatives in the region.

“The peace we now enjoy in Samar is a shared victory,” Gov. Tan said, adding that sustained collaboration between the Army and local stakeholders is key to ensuring lasting security and enabling progress.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The 67th Commanding General, Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete vowed to further strengthen and prepare the Philippine Army as a potent force for territorial and external defense during his first visit as the CGPA to the to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on August 12, 2025.

Being the largest force provider to the AFP, Lt. Gen. Nafarrete will ensure that the Army will consistently provide responsive, credible and capable ground forces to the Unified Commands in support of the AFP’s Campaign Plan “Tatag Kapuluan.” The Army Chief also briefed the CSAFP on his “Our Personnel is Our Strength” guidance focusing on the Army personnel’s holistic human capital development to be ready for any mission in various warfare domains.

The Philippine Army looks forward to a sustained collaboration with the other Major Branches of Service to effectively complement the AFP’s implementation of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.(PR)