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)

TACLOBAN CITY — Toyota Tacloban Leyte executive NP Jimmy Yaokasin Jr. was honored as one of the recipients of the 2026 Business Icon Award–Visayas during the 35th Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC) organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), recognizing his contributions to business leadership and regional development.

The award is given to outstanding individuals in the Visayas who exemplify excellence in entrepreneurship, innovation, and community service.

Yaokasin earned the recognition for his leadership and commitment to business excellence through Toyota Tacloban Leyte, where he has helped drive growth and deliver quality service in Eastern Visayas.

Members of JCI Candahug Liberation expressed pride over Yaokasin’s achievement, calling it a reflection of his dedication to excellence, leadership, and service.

“Your JCI family proudly celebrates this well-deserved recognition and your continued commitment to inspiring leadership and business excellence,” the organization said in a statement.

The group also praised Yaokasin for leading with purpose and inspiring entrepreneurs and community leaders across the region.

The recognition underscores the vital role of local business leaders in advancing economic growth and empowering communities in Eastern Visayas.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

ORMOC CITY — A 40-year-old woman listed as a street-level drug personality was arrested by joint operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 8 and the local police during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Mercedes, Catbalogan City on Friday morning, May 15.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Maricar,” is single and a resident of Barangay Mercedes, Catbalogan City. She was reportedly included in the drug watchlist of both PDEA and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Authorities seized approximately 8.56 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board value of P58,240. One sachet was allegedly sold to an undercover operative, while six more sachets were recovered from her possession.

Also confiscated during the operation were the marked buy-bust money, a cellphone, belt bag, PhilHealth ID, cash, lighter, and an improvised plastic scooper.

Law enforcers said the suspect was informed of the reason for her arrest and was apprised of her constitutional rights in a language she understood.

Charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, have been filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office. The suspect is currently detained at the lock-up cell of the Catbalogan City Police Station.

(ROBERT DEJON)