TACLOBAN CITY — The Tacloban City Engineering Office(CEO) admitted lapses in coordination with traffic authorities following public backlash over the installation of metal railings that blocked a pedestrian crossing in downtown Tacloban.

The issue drew widespread criticism after photos of the railings obstructing the pedestrian lane circulated on social media, prompting concerns from residents and online users about pedestrian safety, accessibility, and project planning.

City engineering officials acknowledged that coordination with the Traffic Operation, Management, Enforcement, and Control Office (Tomeco) was insufficient during the implementation of the project.

Tomeco is the city office responsible for traffic management, road safety, and urban mobility programs, including pedestrian safety measures in major streets and commercial areas.

The controversy sparked discussions in local online communities and Reddit forums, where citizens questioned the design and purpose of the railing installations and called for improved planning in future infrastructure projects.

The incident comes as the city government continues efforts to improve sidewalks, pedestrian access, and traffic flow in key areas of Tacloban.

Previous clearing operations jointly conducted by the CEO, Tomeco, and other agencies focused on removing sidewalk obstructions and illegal structures in busy public spaces.
Residents have urged local officials to strengthen inter-agency coordination and prioritize public consultation and pedestrian welfare in urban development initiatives across the city.

(LANCE GABRIEL ENTEROSO, LNU Student Intern)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) provided aerial support during the live fire exercise showcasing the precision strike capabilities of Japan’s Type 88 Surface-to-Ship Guided Missile System as part of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 on May 6, 2026, in Ilocos Norte. The activity, graced by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjirō Koizumi, and witnessed by international observers from partner nations, involved a decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel as the target, demonstrating realistic maritime strike operations and strengthening multilateral cooperation among participating forces.

During the exercise, FA-50PH fighter aircraft conducted aerial support operations, contributing to the overall execution of the live fire activity. The integration of air assets with ground-based missile systems highlighted coordinated joint and combined operations aimed at improving combat capabilities, enhancing interoperability, and strengthening operational collaboration among allied forces. The activity also reflects the growing defense partnership between the Philippines and Japan, enabled by the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which supports expanded participation in large-scale exercises such as Balikatan.

The conduct of the activity underscores the importance of sustained joint training in addressing evolving security challenges in the maritime domain. In line with the objectives of Exercise Balikatan, it reinforces operational readiness and validates defense capabilities in support of national security. It also supports the Philippine Air Force’s thrust of building a mission-ready, capability-driven, and values-based organization, contributing to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region. (PR)

Catarman, Northern Samar-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) recently completed a one-storey,2-classroom school building at Bobon Central Elementary School in Brgy. Sta. Clara, Bobon, Northern Samar.

The project which has a total floor area of 174.76 square meters, includes plumbing works and fixtures, electrical works, removal of obstruction/structure.

District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio emphasized that the new building will help address the lack of classrooms and ease concerns over the school’s old and dilapidated structures by providing learners with a safer and more conducive learning environment.

DE Ignacio added that the school building features reinforced concrete gutters, a PWD-accessible ramp with handrails, window grills on the front and rear, a parapet wall, and toilet in every classroom for the convenience of both students and teachers.

Bobon Central Elementary School Principal Dr. Ma. Ethel B. Ricafort expressed gratitude for the newly constructed two-classroom, typhoon-resilient building, saying it will provide a safer and more conducive learning environment for primary grade learners and help improve the school’s learning system.

“This one building,2-classroom which is very very demanding for the type of classroom built in our school because it is a typhoon resilient building. This will be occupied by our primary grade learners, with around 30 pupils in each classroom and so we are happy and grateful that we are given this chance to have this building. Our pupils, our learners will be adapting a new style of classroom which will be a big help to the learning system of our school. We will not be thinking that our pupils will be suffering from such hazards brought by this natural phenomenon. Most of our buildings here are old and dilapidated but now through this building given to us, probably this will make a big change and a chance for our learners to experience the new style of buildings because it has amenities.” Dr. Ricafort stated.

The project, with a total cost of P5.93 million, was funded under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF) FY 2025.

(ANALIZA PABIA/PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — Once dependent on government educational assistance to stay in school, 15 former beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are now among the topnotchers of the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), proving that education remains a powerful pathway out of poverty.

The achievement of the former 4Ps monitored children was formally recognized by the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) during its Monday Flag Raising Ceremony on May 18, 2026.

Leading the group was Rashil Rae Recorte, a graduate of Visayas State University, who secured the Top 1 spot in the Secondary Level LET and posted the highest rating recorded in the history of the examination.

Recorte said their success should inspire current 4Ps beneficiaries and students facing financial hardships to continue pursuing their dreams through determination and perseverance.

She emphasized that discipline, hard work, and consistency helped them overcome challenges and achieve their goals despite limited resources.

The awardees, all former beneficiaries of the government’s flagship anti-poverty program, excelled in one of the country’s most significant professional licensure examinations, highlighting the long-term value of sustained educational support.

DSWD officials said the accomplishment of the LET passers demonstrates how social protection and educational assistance programs can create lasting opportunities for disadvantaged families.

Officer-in-Charge Assistant Regional Director for Operations Leila Auditor noted that the success of the topnotchers reflects the positive impact of government interventions aimed at helping underprivileged children complete their studies and build professional careers.
Under the 4Ps program, qualified low-income households receive conditional cash grants to support children’s schooling, healthcare, and nutritional needs.

According to DSWD, many former beneficiaries have already completed college degrees and entered various professions through the assistance provided by the program.
Following their recognition, the LET topnotchers also paid a courtesy visit to the Department of Education Regional Office VIII, where Regional Director Dr. Salustiano T. Jimenez, CESO III, commended state universities and colleges in Eastern Visayas for producing outstanding graduates, including former 4Ps beneficiaries who excelled in the licensure examinations.

For DSWD-8, the success of the 15 LET topnotchers is more than an academic milestone — it is a testament to how accessible education, combined with government support and personal determination, can help break the cycle of poverty for Filipino families.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA/LIZBETH ANN AN ABELLA)