CATARMAN, Northern Samar— Plans to improve livestock production and increase support for local raisers were discussed during a meeting between a Department of Agriculture (DA) official and the mayor of Palapag, Northern Samar.

DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminant Livestock Dr. Benjamin Albarece met with Palapag Mayor Fawa Batula at the municipal hall during his courtesy visit to the municipality.
The meeting focused on measures to strengthen the local ruminant livestock industry, particularly the production of cattle, goats and sheep.

Among the areas discussed were livestock breeding, forage development and the implementation of agricultural support programs aimed at increasing farm productivity and improving the livelihoods of livestock raisers.

Albarece emphasized the DA’s commitment to providing local government units with technical assistance and resources to support livestock development, food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

Batula thanked the DA for its support and reaffirmed the municipal government’s commitment to aligning its agricultural programs with the national livestock development agenda.

The meeting is expected to strengthen coordination between the DA and the municipal government in developing Palapag’s livestock sector and expanding assistance to local farmers and livestock raisers.

(EUGENE M. ENANO)

TACLOBAN CITY — Contract of Service (COS) personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office were briefed on tax compliance and a one-time tax abatement program aimed at helping micro taxpayers address penalties arising from non-compliance.

The briefing was conducted on Sept. 18, 2026, by the DPWH Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO) in coordination with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District Office No. 88–Eastern Leyte and Biliran.

The activity focused on concerns involving COS personnel who had failed to update required tax documents and consequently incurred penalties.

DPWH L2DEO Administrative Section Chief Annabelle Asis urged personnel to use the briefing as an opportunity to better understand their tax obligations and the steps needed to address compliance concerns.

“This is an opportunity for us to be enlightened and become more aware of our tax obligations, particularly the penalties that may arise from non-compliance,” Asis said.
She expressed hope that the activity would help personnel understand the requirements and procedures they need to follow to settle their tax-related concerns.

The briefing was facilitated by Michelle Petilla, chief of the BIR Assessment Section, and Meg Reamico, Revenue Officer IV.

They discussed the applicable provisions, documentary requirements and procedures under the One-Time Abatement of Taxes and/or Penalties for Micro Taxpayers.

The activity also emphasized the importance of timely compliance and keeping tax records and requirements updated to prevent the accumulation of penalties.

The DPWH said the briefing was intended to equip COS personnel with information that would help them comply with their tax obligations and address existing tax-related concerns.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — A new Carrier showroom has opened here in the city, with its owner seeking to address the need for accessible installation, maintenance and technical support for air-conditioning systems in the city and nearby areas.

The Air Authority Center–Tacloban, owned by businessman Eugene Tan, offers Carrier air-conditioning units for homes, offices and commercial establishments, along with installation, maintenance, genuine parts and technical assistance.
During the showroom’s opening held on Sept.28, Tan said his decision to establish the center was influenced by his more than two decades of experience using Carrier air-conditioning units.

“I didn’t just choose Carrier. I have been with Carrier,” Tan said, noting that some Carrier units in his home have been operating for more than 20 years.

Tan said that when he first began using air-conditioning systems, his home had units from four different brands. After about 18 years, he said, the Carrier units remained operational while some of the other units had already failed or reached the end of their service life.
The experience, he said, showed him that the initial purchase price should not be the only consideration when buying an air-conditioning system.

“Sometimes the cheapest purchase is not necessarily your cheapest investment,” Tan said, citing energy efficiency, durability, technology, reliability and long-term operating costs as factors consumers should consider.

Tan also said the establishment of the Tacloban center was partly prompted by his experience with delays in repairing and servicing air-conditioning equipment.

He said the center intends to provide customers with installation and servicing support after the purchase of their units, including access to genuine parts and technical assistance.
Carrier’s inverter systems adjust compressor speed based on cooling demand, a technology the company says can help maintain more consistent indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption compared with conventional start-stop systems.

Tan urged consumers to consider the appropriate cooling capacity for their rooms, energy efficiency, installation requirements, maintenance needs, parts availability and after-sales support when choosing an air-conditioning system.

The showroom is expected to serve households, offices, businesses and other establishments in Tacloban City and neighboring areas.

“For us, the true value of any air conditioner is not measured by the day you buy it. It is measured by the years you enjoy,” Tan said.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

Catarman, Northern Samar– To strengthen infrastructure maintenance and improve the district’s transportation network, the Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar First District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSFDEO) continues to intensify its routine road maintenance operations along various road sections within the 1st District of Northern Samar.

Among the maintenance activities being undertaken are vegetation control, pothole patching, canal cleaning, repainting of faded pavement markings, manual ditch cleaning, and other essential road maintenance works along all national roads under the jurisdiction.
Maintenance Chief Engineer Dahlia T. De Asis emphasized that these maintenance activities are conducted regularly as part of the Department’s Road preservation and upkeep program. She further noted that all Maintenance Point Persons (MPPs) were instructed to diligently monitor the condition, safety, and maintenance of all road sections within their respective areas of responsibility.

Meanwhile, District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio also inspects various road sections to monitor and ensure that national roads remain safe, passable and convenient for the travelling public, while minimizing risks and addressing potential hazards.

ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR