TACLOBAN CITY – Leyte Representative Anna Veloso-Tuazon has expressed full support for Northern Samar Representative Edwin Ongchuan’s proposal to transfer the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP) back to the Department of Tourism (DoT), saying the move would improve transparency and ensure tourism-driven infrastructure development.
Tuazon, who represents Leyte’s third district, said Ongchuan’s proposal “responds to longstanding concerns” about the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which currently implements tourism road projects but has been criticized for inefficiency and misaligned priorities.

“Returning TRIP to the DoT is a logical step to ensure projects truly match the needs of local tourism and community development,” Tuazon said.

Ongchuan, speaking at the House committee on appropriations hearing on September 2, 2025, pressed for stronger funding and policy support for the DoT as Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco presented the agency’s proposed 2026 budget.

Ongchuan argued that while the DPWH currently handles the engineering and construction of tourism-related infrastructure, its track record has been marred by inefficiency and controversies, including alleged irregularities in flood control projects nationwide.

“Returning the program to the DoT would improve transparency and accountability, and more importantly, ensure that tourism road projects truly match the priorities of the tourism sector,” he added.

The Tourism Road Infrastructure Program, launched in 2012, originally operated under a DoT-DPWH convergence setup but has gradually shifted more control to DPWH over the years. Stakeholders and lawmakers have since raised concerns that projects under DPWH often prioritize roadworks disconnected from actual tourism development plans.

Tourism advocates in Northern Samar say the lack of adequate and well-maintained access roads remains a key barrier to unlocking the province’s eco-adventure potential. By transferring the TRIP back to the DoT, Ongchuan believes projects will be more targeted, less prone to abuse, and better aligned with the needs of local communities.

Ongchuan’s advocacy is part of his broader push to strengthen tourism in Northern Samar. He recently filed House Bill No. 605 seeking to declare the Pinusilan Blue Lagoon in Mapanas town an official ecotourism site—an initiative he says could spur local jobs, protect biodiversity, and put the province on the map for sustainable tourism.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

ORMOC CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office joined the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, together with the Local Government Unit of Ormoc City, national agencies, private organizations, and other stakeholders.

The cleanup drive took place across different waterways and coastal areas in Ormoc City. The DPWH Leyte 4th DEO personnel were assigned to the Malbasag River wherein they collected a total of 15 sacks of trash.

Engr. Joanna Concillado, environmental focal person of the DEO, stated, “This activity is our way of showing care for the environment and raising awareness on the importance of keeping our waterways free from plastic waste. It is also part of our effort to support climate change action by protecting our natural resources.”

The ICC Day, which began in 1986, continues to unite millions of volunteers across the globe every year to remove trash from beaches, rivers, and waterways in support of cleaner and healthier ecosystems.(PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – Matag-ob, Leyte Mayor Bernardino “Bernie” Tacoy has denied any involvement in the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts (“sabungeros”) as he filed his counter-affidavit before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with its ongoing probe into the high-profile case.

Tacoy, through his lawyer Gerenstein Banzon, submitted his response on September 17 to the subpoena issued by the DOJ. In a statement on Thursday (Sept. 18), the mayor expressed confidence the case would be resolved in his favor.

“We already submitted our counter-affidavit yesterday, Sept. 17. We are hopeful that this will be resolved in our favor,” Tacoy said.

Tacoy has been linked to the case by Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” who alleged a connection between the mayor and retired Police General Jonnel Estomo. Tacoy, however, reiterated he has no direct ties to Estomo or any transactions related to cockfighting or game fowl breeding with the retired officer.

“I also have no personal knowledge regarding General Estomo’s involvement in the game fowl business,” Tacoy said, adding that any association with Estomo was limited to mutual acquaintances.

Other individuals issued subpoenas by the DOJ include businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and former actress Gretchen Barretto, who have both denied any involvement in the missing sabungeros controversy.

Tacoy, known in Eastern Visayas as a prominent game fowl breeder, admitted seeing Patidongan previously at Ang’s Batangas game fowl farm but said he only knew him as a caretaker at the time.

He described the accusations as “concerning,” stressing that his participation in the Alpha Group—a cockfighting community—was conducted “in good faith.”

The DOJ investigation into the missing sabungeros continues as authorities work to determine the circumstances behind the disappearances that have attracted national attention.(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Residents and students of Barangay San Isidro in MacArthur, Leyte now enjoy safer and more convenient travel with the completion of a P7.8-million concrete road project funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO), the project covers a 660-meter stretch of concrete road, five meters wide, with 3,300 square meters of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) designed to withstand heavy use and harsh weather. Reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings were also added to enhance road guidance and safety.

District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura reported the road’s completion recently, saying the project fulfills a long-standing need for a durable and accessible route in the barangay.
Angelica Suganob, a teacher at San Isidro Elementary School, said the new road has transformed daily commutes for students.

“Before DPWH’s road concreting project, our students—especially when it rained—really had a hard time walking because the road was muddy, slippery, and full of potholes. Now, students can walk more comfortably, motorcycles and bicycles have easier access, and travel is much faster,” she shared.

Suganob expressed gratitude to DPWH for finishing the project on time, adding that it benefits not only students but also residents, workers, and visitors going to and from the barangay.

The new road is expected to improve access to schools, markets, and health centers, while also boosting economic activity in the community.

Construction began on February 14, 2025, with RCC Builders and Enterprises as the contractor. The project was designed to ensure durability and long-term reliability.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)