The Department of Public Works and Highways – Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSSDEO) joined the 33rd Kauswagan Caravan offering essential services in the Camporicay District, Laoang, Northern Samar, last January 16, 2025.
The Kauswagan Caravan, led by the Provincial Government of Northern Samar under the leadership of Governor Edwin Marino C. Ongchuan, a multi-sectoral cooperation aimed at providing services to local communities, was enhanced by the participation of various private sector partners supporting the Provincial Government. Together, both government and private sectors delivered essential services, improving access to healthcare, education, and community welfare for the residents of the island town of Laoang, the Camporicay District, consisting of Brgys. Cagaasan, Canyomanao, Sangcol, G.B. Tan and Suba.

Moreover, the program intends to help Nortehanons by bringing the services not only by the Provincial Government but also by the private sector partners closer to them.

NSSDEO’s services includes the distribution of informative communication materials that highlight various completed projects within the municipality of Laoang. The office also received resolutions submitted by barangay officials, fostering collaboration and addressing local infrastructure needs and concerns.

The attendance of the NSSDEO during the caravan is a manifestation of serving the people of Northern Samar. Working together with the Provincial Government of Northern Samar allows the office to enhance the quality of services delivered.

The said program is part of a broader initiative by the Provincial Government to raise community engagement and support local needs through direct service delivery. As the event concluded, beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the collaborative spirit that strengthened the caravan’s ongoing efforts to uplift communities across the province.

(dpwh8/nssdeo/kms/jmp)

ORMOC CITY — A dazzling sci-fi-inspired float titled ‘Space Exploration’ by Rex Morales Construction took home the grand prize in this year’s Parade of Lights, one of the highlights of Ormoc City’s annual fiesta celebration held every June 29 in honor of Saints Peter and Paul.

The winning float, which featured futuristic elements and space-themed designs, bested seven other entries to claim the top prize of P500,000.

First runner-up went to Monster Inc., a vibrant float by ‘E Garage’, which earned P400,000. The second runner-up spot was awarded to ‘Mulan’, a float inspired by the iconic warrior princess and created by Tanaeñ Photo and Video, winning P300,000.

The remaining participants, though not placing in the top three, each received a consolation prize of P100,000.

This year’s Parade of Lights, themed around science fiction and Hollywood films, saw eight contingents parading from the newly constructed Badminton Gym in Barangay Juaton to the Ormoc City Plaza, drawing large crowds and brightening the city streets with creative and illuminated floats.

The city government has vowed to make future editions of the parade “grander and more spectacular,” building on the growing popularity of the annual event.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – A measure seeking to declare the Pinusilan Blue Lagoon in Mapanas, Northern Samar, as an ecotourism site has been filed in the House of Representatives, aiming to promote sustainable tourism and spur economic activity in the province.

Filed by Northern Samar 2nd District Representative Edwin Ongchuan, the proposed measure, titled the “Pinusilan Blue Lagoon Ecotourism Act,” outlines plans to protect and develop the natural attraction known for its turquoise waters and unique tunnel formations that connect to the Pacific Ocean.

“The Pinusilan Blue Lagoon is a picturesque natural attraction,” Ongchuan noted in the bill’s explanatory note. “Its declaration as an ecotourism site will foster greater public appreciation of natural heritage and promote the conservation of biodiversity.”

Under the bill, the Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the local government of Mapanas, and other concerned agencies, is mandated to prepare a comprehensive tourism development plan within one year of the law’s effectivity.

The plan will include the construction and maintenance of tourism infrastructure, while ensuring the preservation of the area’s natural resources.

The proposed measure also mandates the DOT to integrate the development of the Pinusilan Blue Lagoon into the National Tourism Development Plan, as stipulated under Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009.

Once enacted, the DOT is also tasked to include the necessary funding in its annual budget, to be supported through the General Appropriations Act and the agency’s internally generated funds.

Rep. Ongchuan expressed hope that the bill’s passage will attract investments, create employment opportunities, and empower local communities through inclusive and sustainable tourism.

The bill is currently awaiting number assignment and committee deliberation in the House.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)