GUIUAN, Eastern Samar– Residents, entrepreneurs, and investors here and neighboring towns no longer had to travel long distances to process environmental permits after the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) rolled out its two-day “Express Permitting on Wheels” program in Eastern Samar.

The mobile permitting caravan, held at the Guiuan Gymnasium from July 15 to 16, offered a one-stop venue for the processing of various environmental documents, part of the agency’s effort to make government services more accessible while promoting responsible and environmentally compliant development.

Among the services provided were the application and processing of Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC), Certificates of Non-Coverage (CNC), tree-cutting permits, Certificates of Area Status, land status certifications, and land titling applications.
The activity brought together several DENR offices and attached agencies, including the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Protected Area Management Office (PAMO), and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Borongan.

Guiuan Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan welcomed the initiative, saying it allows government services to reach communities that would otherwise need to travel to regional or provincial offices.

She encouraged entrepreneurs, investors, farmers, and fisherfolk to take advantage of the program, describing it as an example of government services becoming more accessible to the public.

The mayor also stressed that the initiative goes beyond simplifying permit applications.
“It is about helping our people understand the proper processes, encouraging responsible development, and making sure that progress and environmental protection coexist,” she said.

Benjamin Gonzales, officer-in-charge of CENRO(Community Environment and Natural Resources Office)-Borongan, said the mobile caravan primarily aimed to make DENR services more affordable and accessible not only to Guiuan residents but also to those from nearby municipalities, including Salcedo, Mercedes, and Quinapondan.

He said the office processed numerous requests for land status certifications and accepted applications for land titling during the two-day activity.

Meanwhile, Robert Julius Miano, Ecosystems Management Specialist II of PAMO, said one of the most requested services was the issuance of certificates of area status, a document required before developers and business owners can obtain a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) clearance.

The clearance is necessary for projects located within protected areas, including the Guiuan Marine Resource Protected Landscape and Seascape (GMRPLS), one of Eastern Visayas’ largest protected coastal ecosystems that covers extensive coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and island communities. The protected area is recognized for its rich marine biodiversity and is subject to stricter environmental regulations to ensure sustainable development.

Residents welcomed the initiative, with Guiuan resident Marichu Padriquez, who availed herself of the land titling service, saying the process was faster and more convenient than traveling to government offices outside the municipality.

The DENR said the Express Permitting on Wheels program is expected to be expanded to other local government units across Eastern Visayas in the coming months as part of its effort to improve public access to environmental services while encouraging compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

(MARK VAN MACAWILE)

ORMOC CITY-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) builds a multi-purpose building in Brgy. Puertobello, Merida, Leyte under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2024 with a contract amount of P14,834,999.26.

The 1,226.02-square-meter building was built to function as a public market which is divided into separate sections for fish and seafood, meat, and dry goods, giving vendors dedicated space to display their products. It also features PWD-friendly access, wide pedestrian walkways, two comfort rooms each for male and female users with individual cubicles, adequate ventilation, and a drainage system designed to keep the facility clean and functional.

With the market now completed, vendors in Brgy. Puertobello have a permanent venue to conduct business, consolidating commerce that was previously scattered across the community. The facility is expected to generate additional income opportunities for vendors and give residents easier access to fresh produce and other essential goods. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — Disability-inclusive search and rescue was formally introduced for the first time in the Eastern Visayas Regional Rescue Jamboree, with more than 160 rescuers undergoing specialized training aimed at improving emergency response for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups during disasters.

The Disability-Inclusive Search and Rescue (DiSAR) program was integrated into the 2026 Eastern Visayas Regional Rescue Jamboree, held in Ormoc City from July 12 to 17, through lecture forums, practical demonstrations, and simulated rescue scenarios involving persons with disabilities.

According to Dr. Raymund Balverde, founder and overall lead of the DiSAR program, the initiative broadens the traditional scope of rescue operations by ensuring that responders not only save lives but also protect the dignity, mobility, and independence of survivors.
“Disability-inclusive rescue recognizes that successful emergency response is not measured solely by survival. It also means preserving a person’s function, independence, and dignity throughout the rescue and evacuation process,” Balverde said.

More than 160 rescuers representing the 68 participating rescue teams attended the DiSAR forum, while teams competed in three disability-inclusive rescue scenarios designed to simulate real-life emergencies involving persons with disabilities.

The exercises included assisting Deaf individuals during infectious disease outbreaks, remotely guiding newly blinded survivors following a radiological emergency, and rescuing and transporting persons with suspected spinal cord injuries in an active conflict setting.
The program was facilitated by a multidisciplinary team composed of rehabilitation medicine specialists, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and trained volunteers, demonstrating that disability-inclusive rescue techniques can be integrated into existing emergency response systems without compromising operational efficiency or responder safety.

The event was attended by Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region VIII Acting Regional Director Erwin Rommel Lamzon, who observed both the DiSAR forum and the mobility challenge.

Lamzon lauded the initiative, saying it strengthens the region’s capacity to provide more inclusive disaster response.

Balverde said the Philippines’ vulnerability to typhoons, earthquakes, floods, and other emergencies underscores the need to ensure that disaster response systems address the needs of persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and others with functional limitations.
“Save Life. Preserve Function. Protect Dignity. These principles define disability-inclusive rescue and remind us that every survivor deserves not only to live but also to retain their mobility, independence, and dignity,” he said.

The DiSAR program is expected to serve as a model for integrating disability-inclusive practices into search and rescue operations across the country.

The annual Eastern Visayas Regional Rescue Jamboree, organized by the Office of Civil Defense, gathers emergency responders from local government units, uniformed services, hospitals, and volunteer organizations to enhance disaster preparedness and interoperability through realistic rescue competitions and specialized training.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

Brgy. Burabud, Laoang Northern Samar – The Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH NSSDEO) has successfully completed the construction of flood control structures and drainage systems within major river basins and principal rivers on April 15, 2026, located in Brgy. Laniwan, Palapag, Northern Samar. This barangay has benefited from this project, which helps protect them during calamities. Specifically, this project was designed to shield residents from typhoons and river flooding, boost the local economy, and protect the environment.
This project is funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 with contract amount of P 110,356,560.50. The scope of work includes the construction of 515.00 linear meters of structural concrete revetment, supported by a steel sheet pile foundation with deadman anchor system.

Cleofe G. Ramos, a local resident said, Ako po’y nagpapasalamat sa ating gobyerno, lalo na sa ating mga kababayan, sa DPWH, maraming salamat po sa inyo, Sa inyong pag-gawa sa riprap, dahil dati po mahirap lang kami, pagdating ng baha, takot na takot kami dahil walang riprap, pero maraming salamat po sa inyo hindi na kami masiyadong takot, pag dumating yung malaking tubig, nandiyan na yung riprap. Malaking pasasalamat namin, sa Brgy. Laniwan, Palapag, Northern Samar. Maraming salamat po DPWH at gobyerno, thank you po.”

DPWH NSSDEO reaffirms its unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, resilient infrastructure projects that will provide sustainable, long-term benefits and improve the quality of life for the people of Northern Samar.

(Jinky A. Dela Cruz/PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial government of Biliran has strengthened its disaster preparedness and emergency response capability following the turnover of more than P17-million Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MoCCoV) from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Governor Rogelio Espina said the state-of-the-art vehicle will enable authorities to maintain communications and coordinate rescue and relief operations even when conventional communication systems fail during major disasters.

“We were surprised because it is no small thing to receive a vehicle worth more than P17 million that can be used during calamities, strong typhoons, and even major events to ensure that communication, instructions, and services are synchronized. This will help prevent unforeseen problems that may arise during approaching typhoons or rescue operations,” Espina said in an interview.

The governor, who personally received the vehicle during a simple ceremony on Wednesday, July 15, assured DOST that the provincial government would maximize the vehicle’s use and regularly provide feedback to help improve future versions of the technology.

“We will make full use of this vehicle. I told the Secretary that we will report to them on how it has been utilized so we can recommend any additional equipment or system upgrades that may be needed. We will provide feedback so it can be modified or improved to help even more communities,” he added.

Aside from Biliran, the municipality of Catarman in Northern Samar also received a MoCCoV unit from the DOST.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said communication systems are often among the first casualties during major disasters, making it difficult for responders to coordinate rescue and relief operations.

“During major disasters, one of the most affected systems is communication. When there is no communication, an area becomes isolated. Even if we want to respond, it becomes difficult to coordinate with local governments and barangays,” Solidum said.

He explained that the MoCCoV serves as a mobile incident command center that allows emergency responders to monitor disaster situations, coordinate response efforts, and maintain communication in areas where conventional infrastructure has been damaged.
The vehicle can also be deployed during major public events to support security operations and incident management.

According to Solidum, some MoCCoV units are equipped with advanced emergency response equipment, including drones, portable rescue boats, and medical triage systems, allowing responders to provide immediate assistance in disaster-stricken communities.
Developed by the DOST, the MoCCoV is equipped with satellite communication systems, surveillance cameras, GPS tracking, and an onboard weather monitoring station linked to the agency’s HANDA hazard monitoring platform.

Biliran is among the country’s disaster-prone provinces, regularly experiencing destructive typhoons, flooding, landslides, and storm surges, making reliable emergency communication systems crucial for saving lives and ensuring timely disaster response.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)