TACLOBAN CITY — Barangay 35-A, Pampango emerged as the grand champion of the Grand Santacruzan 2026, capping Tacloban City’s month-long celebration of one of its most enduring cultural and religious traditions held on Saturday, May 30.

The annual event, which honors the traditional search for the Holy Cross, brought together participating barangays in a vibrant procession showcasing faith, artistry, and community pride. Streets across the city were transformed into illuminated pathways filled with decorated arches, lanterns, and elegantly dressed sagalas, drawing large crowds of residents and visitors.

Beyond clinching the overall championship, Pampango also swept several major special awards, including Most Disciplined Barangay, Best in Lantern, Best in Sagala Arch, and Best in Reyna Elena Arch, underscoring its strong performance across multiple categories.
The Reyna Elena crown went to Barangay 83-B, Cogon, while Barangay 62-B, Sagkahan was named first runner-up. Barangay 35-A, Pampango also secured second runner-up honors in the competition.

Other top finishers included Barangay 100, San Roque as first runner-up; Barangay 43-B, Quarry as second runner-up; Barangay 83-B, Cogon, San Jose as third runner-up; and Barangay 65, Paseo de Legaspi as fourth runner-up.

Organizers said the Grand Santacruzan continues to serve as a celebration of Tacloban’s deep religious devotion while highlighting the creativity and unity of its communities. The event also plays a key role in preserving a centuries-old tradition that blends faith, culture, and local identity.

For many participants, the yearly procession is not only a competition but also an expression of gratitude and shared heritage that continues to be passed on to younger generations.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY-Residents and farmers in La Paz and Julita now enjoy improved mobility and easier access to markets following the completion of a 970.82-meter farm-to-market road project implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office.

The project connects Barangay Canbañez in La Paz and Barangay Sto. Niño in Julita, transforming what was once a difficult and often impassable dirt trail into a concrete road that supports safer and more efficient transport of agricultural goods and daily commuters.
The infrastructure includes a five-meter-wide, 200-millimeter-thick Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP), complemented by 610mm and 910mm pipe culverts and stone masonry structures designed to improve drainage, prevent flooding, and enhance the road’s long-term durability.

Before its completion, the route—locally known as the “Tagaytay” trail—became muddy and nearly unusable during heavy rains, forcing farmers to carry produce manually and limiting access for vehicles and essential services.

With the new road in place, travel time has been reduced, while transport of farm products has become more efficient and less costly, directly benefiting agricultural households in both municipalities.

One beneficiary, Dolores Reloban of Barangay Sto. Niño, recalled the difficulties they faced before the project was completed.

“Before this project, the road was extremely muddy, with knee-deep conditions during the rainy season. We had to hire people to carry our harvested rice because vehicles could not pass. Now, transporting our products has become much easier and less expensive,” she said.

She added that the improved road has also benefited students, workers, and other residents who regularly travel between the two barangays.

The project was funded under the Department of Agriculture’s 2025 Farm-to-Market Road Program and implemented by Threadstone Construction and Supply with a total project cost of P19.89 million.

DPWH officials said the completed road is expected to enhance agricultural productivity, improve access to basic services, and stimulate local economic activity in La Paz and Julita.
Beyond improving transportation, the installation of drainage structures is also expected to protect the roadway from erosion and damage during heavy rainfall, ensuring long-term usability.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The local government unit (LGU) of Motiong in Samar has strengthened its push for rural development after signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) for the implementation of a P30-million infrastructure project under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) Program.

The agreement, held on May 30, covers the construction of a farm-to-market road (FMR) connecting Barangay Hinicaan to Barangay Malobago (Phase 2), a project expected to improve access to remote communities, ease the transport of agricultural products, and support the livelihoods of local farmers.

The MOA signing was led by Motiong Mayor Rene Anthony Dacanay Cabael and Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Nikko Bermejo, with OPAPRU Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento representing the national government agency.

The Pamana Program is a national government initiative that aims to bring development interventions to conflict-affected and vulnerable communities, focusing on infrastructure, livelihood support, and governance reforms to promote lasting peace and inclusive growth.
Motiong LGU said the project underscores its commitment to advancing peace and development through stronger connectivity and improved access to basic services, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

In a statement, the municipal government expressed gratitude to national government partners and stakeholders for their continued support in implementing programs that generate meaningful development outcomes and expand opportunities for residents.
Officials added that the collaboration reflects Motiong’s broader commitment to building a more peaceful, progressive, and resilient community through sustained partnership with national agencies and development institutions.

OPAPRU Secretary Sarmiento emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between national and local governments to ensure that peace gains are translated into tangible development outcomes in grassroots communities.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Peter Burgos (8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army) provided an update on the peace and order situation in Samar, citing ongoing security efforts to maintain stability and support development initiatives in the region.

Alongside Motiong, the LGUs of Jiabong and Paranas also signed similar MOAs for Pamana-funded projects, represented by their respective local chief executives.

Following the ceremonial signing, officials held a roundtable discussion on regional development priorities, peace-building strategies, and ways to further strengthen collaboration between government agencies and local communities.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ALANGALANG, Leyte– The Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA RSSO VIII), together with PSA Leyte and in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Alangalang, Leyte, successfully brought public services closer to the people through the conduct of a Colocation activity during the “Munisipyo Ha Barangay” program held at the Barangay Capiz Covered Court, Alangalang, Leyte.

During the activity, PSA delivered essential National ID (NID) and civil registration services directly to the residents of Barangay Capiz and nearby communities. The initiative enabled individuals, especially senior citizens and children, to conveniently avail themselves of PSA services without the need to travel to distant service centers. Residents warmly welcomed the activity as it significantly reduced transportation expenses and waiting time in securing their documents and services.

LGU Alangalang Municipal Mayor Lovell Anne M. Yu-Castro expressed her gratitude to PSA for its continued support and partnership in bringing government services closer to the people. In her message, she stated:

“We just would like to express our gratitude to the Philippine Statistics Authority for being our partners in every conduct of our ‘Munisipyo sa Barangay,’ and they are always with us as we bring all the services to the barangays. Madaling ma-access at madaling naaabot ng ating mga constituents ang ating BRAP. Madali na rin makakuha ng mga birth certificates and other documents from PSA kasi kasama na rin natin sila sa pagbaba sa barangay pati na rin ang National ID registration. With your support and help, everything is accessible for the public para at least hindi na kailangan pang gumastos. Maraming salamat po!”
The caravan provided various National ID services, including National ID registration, printing of National ID in paper format, updating of demographic information, and assistance in accessing the Digital National ID.

An information awareness campaign was also conducted by Registration Officer III Marife R. Molon, highlighting the importance and acceptance of the various formats of the National ID and the government’s efforts in bringing PSA services closer to communities. She encouraged all unregistered residents to participate in the National ID System and emphasized the role of the National ID in improving access to government and private transactions. The campaign also clarified common concerns and misconceptions regarding the use and validity of the Digital National ID and the printed paper format.

Meanwhile, the PSA deployed its Civil Registry System (CRS) Mobile Outlet, which catered to requests and issuance of PSA-issued civil registry documents such as Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Death Certificates, and Certificates of No Marriage (CENOMAR). The Birth Registration Assistance Project (BRAP) likewise facilitated the listing and processing of requirements for individuals qualified to avail of free birth registration services.

This joint initiative forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to improve the accessibility and efficiency of frontline services, in support of the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to bring government programs and services closer to the people, especially those living in far-flung areas.

For inquiries and further information, you may visit the PSA official website at www.psa.gov.ph or contact our office through telephone number (053) 839-1884 or email address rsso08@psa.gov.ph.. (PR)