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)

TACLOBAN CITY — Three local chief executives (LCEs) from Leyte have been nominated for the chairmanship of the Regional Development Council (RDC)–Eastern Visayas, the region’s highest policy-making and planning body.

The nominees are Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla, Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, and Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos Cari.

All three have extensive experience in governance and regional affairs. Petilla previously chaired the RDC from 2011 to 2012, while Torres-Gomez held the post from 2022 until earlier this year.

Their nominations were made during the RDC’s full council meeting on Thursday, Sept.18, at the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) Regional Office VIII, presided over by acting RDC chair and DepDev VIII Regional Director Meylene Rosales. Also present were League of Municipalities of the Philippines–Leyte Chapter president and Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla.

Under Executive Order 325, the RDC chair and co-chair may be chosen from among provincial governors, mayors of capital towns and cities, league presidents, or private-sector representatives. The final appointment rests with the President.

Mayor Torres-Gomez, speaking earlier during her final full council meeting in June, said she did not want to preempt Malacañang’s decision but noted: “Service is a privilege that not everyone is given. When it is handed to you, you make your time matter.”

Mayor Cari said he is ready for the challenge should he be chosen: “I have plans not only for Baybay but for the whole region.”

Governor Petilla, for his part, said his priority would be to improve attendance and participation in council meetings.

“One major reason why I allowed myself to be nominated is because I want to help the RDC. The best way I can do that is to ensure members — especially regional directors — are present so discussions run smoothly,” he said. Petilla also stressed the importance of having agency heads, not just representatives, at the quarterly meetings.

Aside from the three LCEs, three private-sector leaders were also nominated for the RDC co-chairmanship. Under the rules, if the chair is from the government, the co-chair must come from the private sector and vice versa.

The RDC, composed of local governments, regional line agencies, and private-sector representatives, is tasked with harmonizing development initiatives and recommending policies for Eastern Visayas.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)