TACLOBAN CITY – Authorities are conducting an investigation into the fire that broke out at the MASA Building inside the Tacloban Public Market on Saturday morning, July 19, 2025.

The fire, which started at around 11:10 a.m., was declared under control by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) by 11:55 a.m. No injuries were reported, but damage was estimated at around P2 million.

The MASA Building houses key offices such as the City Veterinary Office, the Market Operations Office, and the City Treasurer’s Extension Office.

City Vice Mayor Raymund Romualdez, who immediately went to the site to oversee the situation, assured affected vendors and constituents that the city government is taking steps to minimize disruptions.

“Our immediate assessment of the building’s condition is ongoing, in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection, to ensure the structural safety for our market vendors,” Romualdez said in a statement.

He added that clearing operations, installation of temporary lighting, and implementation of safety measures are already being done. “We are also preparing the necessary equipment to ensure that their livelihood will not be disrupted,” he said.

Tacloban fire volunteer groups assisted BFP personnel in putting out the blaze.
In the meantime, the City Veterinary Office announced that it will temporarily operate on the second floor of the chicken section within the public market. However, the Market Operations Office and the City Treasurer’s Extension Office have yet to announce where they will temporarily relocate.

The city government assured the public that updates will be provided as soon as assessments and investigations conclude.

(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list has welcomed the rise in public trust in the House of Representatives, attributing the positive shift to the consistent and responsive leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) national survey reflects growing confidence in the lower chamber of Congress, capping the 19th Congress on a strong note despite a politically charged atmosphere.

“These results affirm the people’s trust in a House that has remained focused on passing legislation that uplifts lives and safeguards the nation’s future,” said TINGOG Representative Jude Acidre. “We are proud to serve under Speaker Martin Romualdez, whose steady leadership has guided the chamber through challenging times while pushing for meaningful reforms.”

Under Speaker Romualdez’s watch, the House has passed key measures spanning labor, education, healthcare, national security, and economic development. Acidre stressed that the chamber’s legislative work has remained rooted in the needs of ordinary Filipinos.
“Despite political headwinds, the House stayed true to its constitutional mandate. We did the work—and the public responded,” he added. “This growing trust is not just a commendation—it’s a call to continue serving with discipline, consistency, and greater commitment.”

Tingog party-list Representative Andrew Romualdez and Rep. Acidre also underscored the importance of unity and delivery of results, especially as the 20th Congress prepares to open.

“This is a clear signal that the people value unity, competence, and real progress,” said Rep. Romualdez. “Under the leadership of Speaker Romualdez, the House has stayed on course toward these goals, and Tingog remains fully committed to continue that work.”
“As we open a new chapter in legislation, TINGOG will continue to champion a House that listens, acts, and delivers,” Acidre affirmed.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte Second District Engineering Office (L2DEO) has completed a preventive maintenance project on its primary road along a stretch of the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc road, particularly in Tunga town.
The project has a total allocation of P44.43 million which includes the removal of the existing asphalt overlay and its replacement with new asphalt layer to restore and the strengthen roadway spanning a total length of 0.94 kilometers. It also involves the intermittent reblocking of damaged sections of the Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP),particularly along the road and bridge approaches in Naliwatan and Tunga.
In addition, thermoplastic pavement markings are installed to enhance traffic safety, especially during night time travel.

District Engineer Leo Edward L. Oppura said that the project enhancement along Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road serves as a vital access route linking several municipalities and supporting daily transport of people, products, and services, as it is considered one of the busiest roads in the region.

He added that preventing the road structure from developing hazardous conditions such as potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces will lessen accidents and injuries.

The completed road works will provide long-term benefits to road users by improving driving comfort and reducing travel time and vehicle maintenance costs, and they can expect safe and smooth travel along the road network in Tunga.

Funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), through the Asset Preservation Program under Preventive Maintenance of Primary Roads, the project was commenced on March 21, 2025, with 100% reported work accomplishment.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)