The Department of the Interior and Local Government of Northern Samar invited the Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSSDEO) District Engineer Atty. Arthur Eric L. Sabong in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing to formalize the establishment of the Local Infrastructure Learning Hub (LILHUB).

This invitation is pursuant to the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-071 dated July 21, 2025, which provides the Policy Guidelines Enjoining Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Implementation of the Infrastructure Audit Program.

In line with this, the DILG Northern Samar Provincial Office invited various government agencies to collaborate as Partner-Implementing Agencies in the establishment and operation of the LILHub in Northern Samar.

The LILHUB was established across all DILG Regional Offices to serve as a support system for conducting Infrastructure Audits (IA). As the Vice Chair for Disaster Preparedness pillar of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the DILG developed the Infrastructure Audit Program to institutionalize a national standard for assessing local infrastructure, including a tool and manual for LGUs to determine infrastructure vulnerabilities and prepare for high-magnitude earthquakes and define the necessary actions for local governments in preparation for such events.

The MOA Signing Ceremony was held on June 4, 2026, Thursday, at the Anahaw Room, Provincial Capitol, Brgy. Dalakit, Catarman, N. Samar. The event commenced with the preliminaries, followed by the welcome message, presentation of salient provisions of the MOA, MOA Signing proper, messages of commitment from the partner agencies, discussion of ways forward, and concluded with a photo opportunity.

The activity was attended and witnessed by key officials and representative from various institutions, including Northern Samar Governor Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan; DPWH NSSDEO District Engineer Atty. Arthur Eric L. Sabong; DPWH 1st DEO District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio; Office of the Provincial Fire Marshal Catarman N. Samar Caretaker FSINSP Darwin D. Orsolino; the representative of Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Northern Samar Chapter President Engr. Vivian G. Biaco, the representative of DEPED Catarman N. Samar School Division Superintendent Gaudencio C. Aljibe Jr., PhD, CESO V; and the representative of University of Eastern Philippines President Dr. Cherry Ibañez Ultra.

Demonstrating its commitment to the delivery of quality infrastructures and public service, the DPWH, through District Engineer Sabong, expressed its support for the establishment of Local Infrastructure Learning Hub. This is in line with the agency’s mandate to contribute to community development, economic growth, disaster resilience, and a better quality life for its citizens by ensuring that public infrastructure is well-planned, properly constructed, and sustainably maintained.
(Jamaica I. Acebuche – PIO)

ORMOC CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) successfully conducted the DPWH-Contractors’ PE Joint Workshop on June 9 and 11, 2026, at the 3rd Floor, New Building, DPWH Compound, Ormoc City.

According to OIC-District Engineer Peter Scheler V. Soco, the workshop was intended to ensure that DPWH engineers and contractors were on the same page when it came to project implementation. “If we improve our understanding of procedures and field practices, we can make better decisions on site and address issues more effectively,” he stated.

Day 1 featured discussions on Preconstruction Planning and Site Condition Assessment as well as Field Decisions Under Real Conditions. On Day 2, the topics were Quality Assurance: Field Decisions on Tests, Materials and Defects, Contract Management Documents as well as Progress Billing, As-Built Plans, and As-Staked Plans. The workshop concluded with an Integrated Tabletop Exercise which allowed participants to apply the concepts discussed through simulated project scenarios.

To complement the technical discussions, short sessions on the values of Accountability, Commitment and Dedication, and Unity were integrated throughout the program. At the end of the workshop, a short examination was also conducted.

During his closing remarks, OIC-Assistant District Engineer Jonathan A. Santiago thanked the participants for their active engagement and contribution to the success of the activity. “I encourage all of you to apply the knowledge and insights you gained here during this workshop so that we can continue delivering quality service to the public,” he said.
(PR)

MANILA-Reinforcing its commitment to community development and education, Vena Energy, a leading green energy solutions company in the Asia-Pacific region, through its project company Gemini Wind Energy Corp., has signed a 25-year memorandum of agreement (MOA) for a comprehensive scholarship program with Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU).

The landmark agreement, finalized on 26 May 2026, guarantees long-term financial assistance to promising students, underscoring Vena Energy’s dedication to extending meaningful, generational support to its host communities in recognition of their continuous partnership.

The MOA was officially signed by the newly elected President of NwSSU, Atty. Lorielie Tangaran, DM. Serving as witnesses to the milestone event were NwSSU vice president for academic affairs, Romeo Santos, and Marivic Acuyong, representing Vena Energy.

“Our host communities are the backbone of our operations, and we believe that investing in their future is the clearest demonstration of our appreciation and support,” said Samrinder Nehria, Head of Vena Energy in the Philippines. “This 25-year commitment ensures that we provide sustained, impactful assistance to the youth. By empowering these bright minds in STEM, we are helping them achieve their personal dreams while equipping them to become the future innovators of the province.”

Under the terms of the agreement, 10 deserving students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-related courses will be selected as scholars. Each recipient will receive financial assistance of PHP 25,000 per semester to support their academic journey. The scholarship program will run for a continuous 25-year period, ensuring that multiple generations of students will have the resources they need to succeed.

“This historic partnership with Vena Energy is a monumental milestone for Northwest Samar State University and our students,” said Atty. Tangaran. “Beyond the vital financial relief it provides, this scholarship is a profound investment in the future of Samar. By supporting our STEM students today, Vena Energy is helping us cultivate the next generation of engineers, scientists, and local leaders who will drive sustainable progress in our province for decades to come.”

The NwSSU scholarship builds on Vena Energy’s ongoing community initiatives in Samar, which support young people from early childhood through higher education. It reflects Vena Energy’s commitment to the socioeconomic development of its host communities alongside its clean energy projects.

For more information about Vena Energy’s community programs and sustainability initiatives, please visit Vena Energy’s official website. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Baybay City government is moving forward with a P50-million housing project aimed at providing affordable and decent homes for government employees, with construction of the first 25 units scheduled to begin this year.

Mayor Jose Carlos Cari announced the initiative during Baybay City’s 19th Cityhood Celebration on June 16, 2026, attended by city officials, barangay leaders, clergy members, private sector representatives, and Leyte 5th District Representative Carl Nicolas Cari.
The housing project will rise on a city-owned property in Barangay Maitum and will initially consist of 25 housing units, including both single-storey and two-storey designs.

The city government has earmarked around P50 million for the project’s first phase. Prospective beneficiaries will be given the option to choose between single-detached and row-house units based on their housing preferences.

Mayor Cari said the detailed engineering design is currently being finalized, while the city government is also preparing the guidelines and eligibility requirements for government employees interested in availing themselves of the program.

He emphasized that the housing initiative will not be exclusive to City Hall personnel. Employees assigned to provincial government offices, the Department of Education, and other national government agencies may also qualify.

“You will be entitled to a decent housing project initiated by the city government,” Cari said.

In addition to the city-funded development, the local government is exploring a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with private developers to build more housing units for government workers in Barangay Hibunawan.

Cari said the city recognizes the need for housing options that can better accommodate larger families, noting that some existing national government housing designs may not fully address their needs.

To support the future housing communities, utility providers have started expanding essential infrastructure in the area.

The Leyte V Electric Cooperative has begun constructing a 25-kilovolt substation, while the Baybay City Water District, with assistance from the provincial government, has completed a water reservoir and pipeline network project.

The housing initiative forms part of the city government’s broader efforts to improve the welfare of public servants and address the growing demand for affordable housing in Baybay City.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA/LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

The Ayala Group, through Brigadang Ayala, mobilized 150 volunteers across General Santos City and Sarangani to carry out relief assistance, psychosocial support, school safety assessments, and other recovery efforts. The response followed the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck oA the coast of Mindanao on June 8, devastating communities across Southern Mindanao.

Within 24 hours of the earthquake, Ayala Foundation deployed volunteers to distribute relief packs to families in Purok Balite, Barangay Lagao, General Santos City. The Foundation also conducted rapid assessments to identify priority needs in selected communities.

Ayala Foundation and the WeAreAyala Business Club (WAABC) Davao mobilized more volunteers on June 16 to support expanded relief and recovery operations in South Cotabato and Sarangani Province.

The ongoing Brigadang Ayala operations provided relief food packs to around 6,500 individuals in Barangay Ligaya, General Santos City and Barangay Kawas, Alabel,
Sarangani.

“Brigadang Ayala’s disaster response combines immediate relief with volunteerism, including skilled expertise — supporting LGUs together with local communities and partners to address urgent needs while helping lay the groundwork for recovery and resilience,” said Tony Lambino, President of Ayala Foundation.

Volunteers also provided psychosocial support and community resilience initiatives designed to address the longer-term impacts of the disaster.

Through Project Aruga, a psychosocial intervention initiative for children in evacuation areas, volunteers from the Psychology Community of General Santos came together to support more than 100 children aAected by the earthquake. Volunteers ran activities designed to help children process their experiences, restore a sense of safety, and support their emotional well-being following the disaster.

The response mobilized volunteers from across the Ayala Group, including Alveo, Avida, Ayala Land, Ayala Land Premier, BPI, Globe and MDC.

For many volunteers, the effort was deeply personal. Queenie Miranda-Asensi, Human Resources Officer of MDC Mindanao and a native of General Santos City, joined the relief mission to support communities in her hometown.

“Volunteering for Brigadang Ayala reminds me that even small acts of service can make a big diAerence in people’s lives. Being able to help communities in my hometown during a difficult time made the experience even more meaningful,” she shared.

“We are grateful to every volunteer across the Ayala Group and every partner who showed up with care, compassion, and discipline. Our commitment is to keep working alongside affected communities in Mindanao, supporting them as they recover and rebuild with
dignity and hope,” said Paolo F. Borromeo, Ayala Corporation Chief Social Infrastructure Officer.

As communities continue to recover, Brigadang Ayala remains committed to working alongside local partners, volunteers, and affected families to support rebuilding eAfforts and strengthen community resilience. (PR)