NSSDEO, Brgy, Burabud, Laoang, Northern Samar – To assess the functionality of by-pass roads in Gamay, Lapinig, and San Roque, the Department of Public Works and Highways-Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office recently conducted an assessment of these roads for their possible conversion from local roads to national roads. The Subject Road for Conversion (SRC) include the Gamay By-Pass Road, Lapinig By-Pass Road, and San Roque By-Pass Road.

This assessment and validation activity of subject by-pass roads was led by the Planning and Design Section, with the support from the Construction Section, Quality Assurance Section, and Maintenance Section, and was conducted from October 6 to 10, 2025. Known as the Traffic Condition Assessment (TCA), this evaluation aims to determine the current condition of the identified roads and verify their potential function as by-pass or diversion roads in accordance with Department Order No. 112, series of 2024, Revised Criteria and Guidelines for Road Conversion from Local to National Roads and Vice Versa. The assessment team carried out field data collection, including traffic volume counts, road inventory, and travel time and delay surveys.

The activity commenced on October 6, led by DPWH-Central Office personnel, followed by an orientation for the personnel assigned to conduct the Traffic Condition Assessment (TCA) on the identified by-pass roads. On the following day, October 7, the team formally began the traffic survey at the San Roque By-Pass Road which included the mobilization of survey equipment such as tents, traffic signages, and other necessary materials.

On October 8, the team prepared to mobilize the survey equipment, including tents, traffic signages, along with the assigned personnel. The following day, October 9, they proceeded with the traffic surveys at Gamay By-Pass Road & Lapinig By-Pass Road. The activity concluded on October 10, with an exit conference attended by District Engineer Atty. Arthur Eric L. Sabong, OIC- Assistant District Engineer Francisco Y. Tañala, and Planning & Design Chief, Engr. Joseph C. Romance.

This activity highlights the department’s aim to balance development with sustainable mobility by rigorously evaluating traffic conditions, impacts, future directions on the said SRCs, and by promptly producing solutions to the identified problems.

Furthermore, the possible conversion of the subject roads is expected to greatly support the Implementing Office in fulfilling its mandate to deliver essential infrastructure services by ensuring the timely execution of routine maintenance to prolong the serviceable condition of its national roads.

By: Jamaica I. Acebuche-PIO Staff Writer

TACLOBAN CITY — Police arrested Eastern Visayas’ top priority drug target in a major anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay 97, Cabalawan, this city on Wednesday, December 3, yielding over P11 million worth of suspected shabu.

The suspect, identified only as “Roy,” 55, unemployed, and a resident of Brgy. 109, Tacloban City, is ranked number one on the Regional Priority Target List (RPTL), according to the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8).

Authorities recovered 16 knot-tied and four self-sealing sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 1,701 grams, with a Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) value placed at P11,566,800.

The arrest was carried out through a joint operation of multiple law enforcement units, including the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 8 (RPDEU-8), Regional Intelligence Division 8 (RID-8) Tracker Team, Leyte Police Provincial Office intelligence units, Tacloban City Police Office, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and other specialized units.
PRO-8 regional director PB/Gen. Jason Capoy praised the successful arrest of the high-value suspect.

“Their relentless efforts reflect our strong commitment to safeguarding our communities and achieving a drug-free Eastern Visayas,” he said in a statement released on Thursday.
Police said the seized evidence was properly marked and inventoried at the place of arrest, with the required witnesses present.

Criminal charges against the suspect are now being prepared.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the region has rolled out a new capacity-building program in Naval, Biliran aimed at developing the province’s emerging agarwood industry through science-based processing technologies and stronger collaboration among government, private sector, and local communities.

The initiative, led by the DOST–Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO)–Biliran, and partner Roving Agriventures Inc. (RAI), was formally launched with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to outline joint commitments in research, training, and sustainable production.

Agarwood—one of the world’s most valuable forest products—is a dark, resinous heartwood that forms when certain tree species react to natural or induced injury.

While propagation and plantation-based cultivation of agarwood species are allowed, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) strictly prohibits the gathering of seeds or wood from the wild without proper permits.

Under the agreement, DOST-FPRDI will spearhead research activities, technology transfer, and technical training; DOST VIII and PSTO Biliran will coordinate Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) programs in the region; and RAI will continue promoting responsible agarwood cultivation with its advocacy of “transforming lives, one tree at a time.”

The launch featured an orientation on ongoing agarwood research initiatives and fragrance profiling, followed by hands-on training in liniment and balm production. The activity aims to equip farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with skills to produce value-added products for medicinal and cosmetic markets—creating new livelihood opportunities across Biliran.

The event gathered representatives from DOST VIII and FPRDI, DENR-PENRO Leyte, Biliran Vice Governor Roselyn Espina-Paras and the RAI team, reflecting broad support for developing a sustainable agarwood value chain in the province.

The program reinforces DOST VIII’s commitment to harnessing STI to uplift communities, expand local industries, and promote environmentally sound economic development in Eastern Visayas.

(ROEL T.AMAZONA)