TACLOBAN CITY — Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Mel Senen Sarmiento visited a housing community for former rebels in Calbiga, Samar, on Aug. 21, underscoring government efforts to sustain their reintegration and promote peace and development in the municipality.

Sarmiento visited the Saad nga Balay Housing Project, a joint initiative of the Samar Provincial Government and the Calbiga Municipal Government that provides housing and socioeconomic support to former rebels and their families.

During the visit, Sarmiento met with local officials, peacebuilders, security sector representatives and former rebels who are now members of the Calbiga Peacebuilders Group.

He also led a listening session to identify areas where the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) could provide additional support to local government and security sector efforts aimed at sustaining the reintegration of former rebels and advancing community development.

Sarmiento also administered the oath of office of the officers of the Saad nga Balay Homeowners Association, led by president Diodario Nablo.

He said the housing project goes beyond providing shelter, describing it as an opportunity for former rebels and their families to rebuild their lives in a peaceful and productive community.

The project is aligned with the Transformation Program Implementation Plan developed by the Samar provincial government in 2023 with assistance from OPAPRU. The plan outlines locally driven programs to strengthen peace and security while addressing the needs of former rebels, their families and communities.

OPAPRU has supported the project through conflict-sensitive and peace-promoting approaches, including beneficiary identification, social preparation and consultations, project communication and monitoring.

The visit was attended by Calbiga Mayor Red Nacario, OPAPRU Director Col. Noly Mapili, Assistant Division Commander BGen. Niceforo Diaz Jr., 801st Infantry Brigade Commander BGen. Arlino Sendaydiego, 63rd Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Ricky Rosalejos, Calbiga Chief of Police Maj. Juan Carlos Recluta and OPAPRU Eastern Visayas Regional Program Manager Imelda Bonifacio, among other local officials and representatives.

Calbiga was declared to have a stable internal peace and security condition (SIPSC) in April 2026.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

In Samar

TACLOBAN CITY — The municipal government of Paranas, Samar, has intensified its campaign for better maternal and child health by highlighting the importance of proper nutrition and breastfeeding during the first 1,000 days of life.

The campaign, held as part of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, brought together 15 adolescent pregnant and lactating women, including mothers with malnourished children, along with their male partners or significant others.

Participants received information on maternal nutrition, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and infant and young child feeding through interactive learning sessions and health assessments.

The first 1,000 days—from conception until a child’s second birthday—was emphasized as a critical period for establishing the foundation for lifelong health, growth and cognitive development.

The activity also promoted exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months, followed by the timely introduction of safe and nutritionally adequate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding.

Held in line with Republic Act No. 10028, or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, the event also featured a practical cooking contest dubbed “Idol Ko si Nanay.”

Municipal Vice Mayor Atty. Eunice Babalcon urged the young mothers to remain resilient, pursue their education whenever possible, and prioritize their health and nutrition and the well-being of their children.

Babalcon assured the participants of the local government’s continued support for their welfare and that of their babies, encouraging them to work toward a better future for their families.

The activity also emphasized the role of fathers, partners and other family members in supporting breastfeeding, proper nutrition and childcare.

Organizers said involving the entire family in maternal and child health programs promotes shared responsibility and contributes to the overall well-being of mothers and children.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Catarman N. Samar-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues to make significant progress in its efforts to restore the capacity and improve the water flow of heavily silted waterways in Catarman, Northern Samar, with more than 93,000 cubic meters of dredged material already removed from Maroyondoyon and Kaglangkoy Creeks.
The DPWH Regional Office VIII Equipment Management Division (EMD), through its amphibious excavator K4-80, remains deployed in the area for the ongoing desilting operations.

According to Engr. John Von B. Asid, Dredge Master of the DPWH Regional EMD, the operation has already reached 73.29% of its target, equivalent to approximately 93,728 cubic meters of dredged material cleared from the waterways.

District Engineer Alvin Ignacio continues to monitor the operation with visible progress achieved.

“We can see significant progress and good accomplishments in the dredging operation conducted by the EMD team. In fact, some residents have shared positive feedback on the impact of the dredging. Noon, binabaha sila, ngayon hindi na. This kind of relief inspires us to continue and complete what we have started, providing much-needed relief and greater protection to residents, especially during inclement weather.” Ignacio said.

DE Ignacio also clarified that the sustained implementation of the said initiative is made possible through the coordinated efforts and resource-sharing of the DPWH Regional Office VIII, Equipment Management Division, DPWH Northern Samar First District Engineering Office in partnership with the Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENRO and CENRO) and the Local Government Unit of Catarman.

Once completed, the dredging operation will help improve the flow of waterways, reduce flood risks and provide greater protection to residents and their properties during periods of heavy rainfall.

(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — The legal camp of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez remains confident that the Office of the Ombudsman will dismiss the complaints filed against him over alleged irregularities involving flood control projects.

Atty. Ade Fajardo, Romualdez’s legal counsel, said during a press briefing on Aug. 20 that the former Speaker’s camp is “101 percent” confident that the cases will be dismissed.
“We are 101 percent confident that the case will be dismissed,” Fajardo said.

The statement came after Orly Guteza reportedly recanted his allegations and three former Marines repudiated earlier statements that allegedly linked Romualdez to claims that millions of pesos in cash were delivered in suitcases to his residence.

Guteza’s allegations and the statements of the three former Marines were cited by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and former congressman Mike Defensor in their accusations against Romualdez.

Fajardo said the individuals concerned have withdrawn their earlier statements through affidavits, with the latest affidavit reportedly executed on Aug. 13.

Romualdez has denied the allegations and previously asked the Ombudsman to dismiss the plunder, graft and other criminal complaints filed against him in connection with an alleged flood control kickback scheme.

His legal camp has maintained that the recantations weaken the allegations and remove the supposed direct link between Romualdez and the alleged unlawful transactions.
The complaints remain subject to the Ombudsman’s evaluation and determination.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)