TACLOBAN CITY— The provincial government of Northern Samar through its Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO), in coordination with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), has conducted a series of coordination meetings with concerned local government units as part of preparations for the proposed Catarman–Allen–Victoria Transmission Loop, a project aimed at reducing brownouts and improving power reliability in Northern Samar.

Provincial officials said the planned transmission loop is designed to strengthen and add flexibility to the province’s power transmission system by providing alternative routes for electricity during outages, particularly those caused by tripper incidents along the Palanas–Cara transmission line.

Discussions during the meetings focused on system planning, site requirements, land use considerations, and the support needed from local government units to facilitate the implementation of the project. The transmission loop is also expected to support the integration of renewable energy sources and help meet the province’s growing electricity demand.

A coordination meeting with the local government unit of Victoria, attended by NGCP and PEDIPO officials and held in the presence of Mayor Joey Ardales, centered on the proposed construction of a five-hectare substation in the municipality, including the development of an access road.

The Victoria substation was identified as a key component of the transmission loop, as it will provide an alternative power route during system disturbances, particularly those affecting the Palanas–Cara Substation.

Separately, PEDIPO and NGCP also met with the local government unit of Catarman, through the efforts of Mayor Dianne Rosales, to discuss plans for a proposed two-hectare switching station. The meeting tackled the proposed site location and coordination requirements needed to move the project forward.

Once completed, the Catarman switching station is expected to enhance system flexibility and contribute to a more reliable electricity supply for Catarman and nearby communities.
Provincial officials said the coordination activities reflect the Northern Samar provincial government’s commitment to strengthening power infrastructure, supporting renewable energy integration, and improving electricity service across the province.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Wildlife authorities in Ormoc City have rescued two reticulated pythons found in residential areas of Barangay Punta.

City officials said the snakes were turned over to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) for proper handling and assessment following separate rescue operations by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

The first python was rescued on January 17 after a resident along Apitong Street reported seeing the snake on her ceiling. ENRO records showed the python measured 10.17 feet long and weighed 10.5 kilograms. Examinations revealed it had ingested a young dog and suffered an eye injury. The reptile later regurgitated the dog on January 20 and underwent eye surgery a day later. It is currently under observation at the Ormoc Wildlife Rescue Center in Barangay Dolores and is expected to be released back into the wild after a 10-day recovery period, upon veterinary clearance.

In a separate incident on January 21, another reticulated python was rescued from the ceiling of a house at Sacay Compound, also in Barangay Punta. Measuring 11.2 feet long and weighing 10.5 kilograms, the second snake was examined by the City Veterinary Office and declared fit for immediate release into its natural habitat.

City officials stressed the importance of promptly reporting wildlife sightings and maintaining close coordination among residents and response agencies to ensure both public safety and wildlife conservation. They reminded the public to immediately alert authorities when wild animals are spotted in residential areas.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY —Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre on Sunday, Jan.18, urged an end to what he described as baseless allegations, welcoming contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya’s public denial of claims linking former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to an alleged high-end property purchase in Makati City.

Acidre said Discaya’s categorical denial highlights the importance of grounding public discourse on facts and verified evidence, not speculation. “This underscores the need for evidence-based discussion anchored on documents and sworn testimony, rather than conjecture,” he said.

The lawmaker issued the statement after Discaya refuted allegations that he acted as a “front” for Romualdez, representing Leyte’s first congressional district, saying he had only seen the former Speaker once at a public event and had never spoken to him. Discaya also lamented that his name was being used to drag Romualdez into the controversy.

While stressing that legitimate inquiries should proceed where warranted, Acidre cautioned against repeating unproven claims. “Investigations serve the public best when they rely on verified records. Repeating allegations without proof only muddies the waters,” he said.

Earlier, Romualdez, through his lawyer and spokesman Atty. Ade Fajardo, denied any knowledge or involvement in the alleged property transaction, branding the claims as baseless.

Discaya, who remains detained at the Senate over his alleged links to the flood control controversy, said he has nothing to hide and is even willing to have the Makati property included in the list of assets under review by the Anti-Money Laundering Council, despite maintaining that the accusation is untrue.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)