ORMOC CITY— Re-elected Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez vowed to sustain the city’s momentum of progress and development as she formally began her second term in office.

In her inaugural address on June 30, Gomez thanked the people of Ormoc for their trust and support, calling the city “better, brighter, more progressive, and more beautiful” than ever before. She reflected on the achievements of her first term and reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to inclusive growth.

“Development is always in the context of physical spaces and people,” Gomez said, stressing that the city’s development plans prioritize families, especially senior citizens and the youth.

She laid out her vision for Ormoc under four pillars, namely, empowering citizens by helping Ormocanons grow into the best versions of themselves; improving lives by ensuring no one goes hungry or homeless; economic opportunities by creating meaningful, well-paying jobs, especially for the youth; and family time by promoting work-life balance so families can enjoy weekends together.

Gomez also praised the strength of the local government unit, crediting its well-organized structure and effective coordination with barangays. She thanked the Ormoc Development Team and barangay leaders for their dedication and unity.

“We are the ODT,” she declared. “And we will hit the ground running.”
The mayor closed her speech with a message of unity and purpose, expressing confidence in Ormoc’s continued rise in the years ahead.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

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)