The Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office VIII conducted a two-day training session on business writing that took place on August 28-29, 2025, at the DPWH-RO8 Multi-Purpose Hall, Baras, Palo, Leyte.

The training was aimed for DPWH employees who are responsible for drafting and reviewing correspondence. After completion of the program, all participants are expected to be equipped to write effective and ethical communications that adhere to the standard formats used in professional setting. In today’s rapidly evolving workplace driven by technological advancements, effective communication has become increasingly vital. The Department aims to strengthen written communication skills, which are essential for daily operations, stakeholder engagement, and achievement of organizational objectives.

The training session began with a warm welcome from Regional Director Edgar B. Tabacon, CESO IV, followed by Dr. Christine Dawn S. Mombay, a seasoned professional in communication arts with a wealth of experience in business writing and professional communication across various sectors, including government and corporate environments. Her presentation covered essential topics such as business English, fundamentals of business writing, sentence structure, fluency, common sentence issues, and effective office communication. The session concluded with a practical workshop to reinforce the concepts discussed.

DPWH NSSDEO was represented by Ms. Glea C. Gloton-Rubenecia, Ms. Brisa E. Añonuevo, and Ms. Ma. Aiza B. Lozano. The attendance of NSSDEO personnel in the said training serves to enhance skills for drafting and reviewing of DEOs correspondence, which may be imparted to other employees performing similar task.

Furthermore, through this training, participating employees were able to practice a formal style of correspondence that is utilized within the organization. Such correspondence encompasses a variety of documents, including reports, letters, memoranda, and emails, which play a vital role in conveying important information related to internal processes and external interactions. Beyond merely delivering content, effective business writing ensures that messages are communicated with clarity, precision, and professionalism.

The two-day training, driven by the department’s strong dedication to professionalism and excellence, was designed to enhance participants’ skills in creating written communications that are straightforward, succinct, and aligned with the organization’s goals.

(Kristin Kalayaan R. Flores/PR)

CAN-AVID, Eastern Samar — Twelve former rebels and their families from Can-avid, Dolores, and Maslog are set to receive concrete homes under the Philippine Army’s “Saad na Balay” (Promise House) project, providing them with a fresh start and a secure place to live.

Spearheaded by the Army’s 801st Infantry Brigade and funded by the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative (PAFCPIC), the P4.2-million project will build 100-square-meter houses worth P350,000 each. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 10, 2025, in Barangay 4, Can-avid.

Former rebel “Jose” shared that having a permanent home means freedom from fear and a chance at normal life for his family.

“This is a big help for us to have a decent home. We can now sleep and live without fear.’ Jose, who was with the communist armed group for six years and a father to three children, said.

Retired Brig. Gen. Fernando Zabat, PAFCPIC president, said the initiative recognizes housing as a basic need essential for reintegration.

Brig. Gen. Arlino Sendaydiego, 801st Brigade commander, stressed that the project underwent careful validation and coordination with local governments to ensure safety and legitimacy.

“This collaborative effort symbolizes a collective commitment to build not just houses, but foundations for lasting peace and renewed hope in Eastern Samar,” he said.

The “Saad na Balay” project reflects a strong partnership between the military and local communities, offering not just homes but hope for lasting peace in Eastern Samar.

(JAZMIN BONIFACIO)

TACLOBAN CITY — Rural residents of Julita, Leyte can now enjoy smoother and safer travel following the completion of a major road concreting project by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office.

The newly concreted road connects Barangay Caridad to Barangay San Andres, enhancing access to schools, markets, and other essential services. The project involved the construction of a 200-millimeter-thick Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCP) covering 2,787.48 square meters and extending 557.49 meters. Thermoplastic pavement markings were also installed to improve road visibility and safety.

District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura said the project will make it easier for farmers to transport their produce, stimulate local economic activities, and improve residents’ access to education, healthcare, and other services.

Barangay Chairwoman Elizabeth Lagarto shared the difficulties they faced before the project: “Before, it was very difficult for us to pass through with motorcycles, and even the students struggled to go to school. Delivering our products to Burauen was also a big struggle,” she said.

“We are very grateful to the DPWH for the improvements brought to Barangay Caridad. Now, our students can travel more easily, and our products can already be transported to Burauen without much difficulty. Before, it was such a hardship, but now I am truly thankful because even our roads are in good condition,” she added.

Funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) with a budget allocation of P12.69 million, the project was implemented by WP Alvero Construction Services.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)