Catarman, Northern Samar-The DPWH-Northern Samar 1st DEO in partnership with the Northern Samar First District Employees Association (NSFEDEA) kicked off the Department’s 127th Anniversary through a “Garage Sale for a Cause” initiative which will run today, June 10 to 13, 2025 at the district compound.

NSFDEO employees were encouraged to donate gently used items such as t-shirts, pants, bags, shorts, shoes, and children’s items. These donations are now up for sale at affordable prices with all proceeds directed toward a charitable cause.

The proceeds from this said activity will be used to hold a charity event “Back-to-School Program”, to take place during the anniversary celebration on June 23, 2025.The program will provide essential school supplies and learning materials to selected student beneficiaries from marginalized communities within the district.

District Engineer Engr. Alvin A. Ignacio expressed his appreciation to the overwhelming support of the employees who never hesitated to donate their pre-loved belongings just to share and give hope-embodying the deeper significance of this year’s anniversary.
DE Ignacio further added that the district together with NSFEDEA have lined up activities for the anniversary celebration.

The initiative is part of a week-long series of anniversary activities aimed at promoting social responsibility, unity among employees, and service to the community — values that have defined the DPWH for over a century.

(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)

NSSDEO, Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, Northern Samar – To encourage environmental conservation and foster a sense of environmental responsibility, the Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office joined the nationwide simultaneous tree planting activity today, June 11, 2025, at Brgy. Talisay, Laoang, Northern Samar.

This tree planting activity was led by OIC-District Engineer, Atty. Arthur Eric L. Sabong. It was also attended by DPWH-NSSDEO Key Officials, and staff and employees, Barangay Officials of Brgy. Talisay, headed by Hon. Gaudencio R. Villosa, Barangay Health Workers (BHW), and Brgy. Tanods.

A total of 250 mangroves were planted at intertidal zone, which will safeguard the seaside communities of Brgy. Talisay, Laoang, Northern Samar. According to a nearby resident, their location is susceptible and prone to unusual rise of sea water level especially in times of inclement weather. By this activity, NSSDEO is not only focusing on infrastructure development, but also improving the welfare of the community.

This undertaking aligns with the observance of Philippine Arbor Day, which is celebrated every month of June through tree planting, and in conjunction with the DPWH’s 127th Founding Anniversary and as a part of its commitment to environmental protection, and a way to give back to the environment and combat climate change.

The DPWH is actively involved in tree planting initiatives, underscoring the importance of incorporating sustainable development and protecting its infrastructure projects, and show the Department’s significant ways to protect and preserve our planet for future generations.

(dpwh8/nssdeo/rnl/jmp)

KANANGA, Leyte– The major streets of this town burst into color and rhythm on Sunday, June 15, as it marked the third year of its Kaanyag Festival, celebrating local heritage with vibrant performances and an intensified dance competition.

Now a highlight of Kananga’s cultural calendar, the festival featured six contingents competing in school-based and open categories during the much-anticipated ritual dance showdown, held in celebration of the town’s 75th founding anniversary.

In the school-based category were Kananga II District (Mattswerting Kanangahanon), Kananga III District (Banay Alimyon), and Kananga I District (Kanangahanong Mattahum).
The open category featured ‘Tribu ni Don Mariano Lantawan Festival’ of Capoocan, Leyte; STI College Ormoc/Ormoc City’s ‘Pundok sa Nagkahiusang Ormocanon’, and ‘Pundok sa Villabanhanong Manaragat’.

Mayor Manuel Vicente “Matt” Torres expressed his gratitude to the performers and spectators, saying he hopes to see Kananga Kaanyag compete on national stages like Sinulog in Cebu and Aliwan Festival in Metro Manila.

“This festival is a vital cultural heritage of Kananga,” said Torres, emphasizing that it was the result of “intensive and comprehensive cultural mapping” in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Adding flair to the festivities was the Kananga Kaanyag Festival Queen 2025 competition, with the following finalists Arian Mae Cogay (Kananga II District), Shielo Sabornido (Kananga III), Pia Lovelle Omega (Kananga I), Eliana Gunabe Igamen (Tribu ni Don Mariano), Ashley Marie Rojas (STI College Ormoc), and Rea Joy Encienzo Cometa (Pundok sa Villabanhanong Manaragat).

This year’s festival saw a significant boost in prize money, heightening the excitement among participants. The top award for the ritual dance competition rose from P200,000 to P500,000, while the street dance prize increased from P20,000 to P50,000—a fitting tribute to the town’s diamond jubilee celebration.

(RONALD O. REYES)