Ormoc City – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) maintenance team conducted a weekend de-clogging and clearing activity along the canal in Brgy. Owak, Ormoc City after continuous rains caused it to overflow. The team worked to remove debris and ensure the free flow of water to help prevent flooding and minimize inconvenience to the community. (PR)
TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Northern Samar reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and compassionate governance by sustaining the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Northern Samar Provincial Jail.
The initiative was recently highlighted during a Portfolio Day, Sportsfest, and “Tagisan ng Talento” held inside the jail facility, showcasing the talents, skills, and academic milestones of PDLs.
Governor Harris Ongchuan personally graced the event, underscoring the role of education in rehabilitation and reintegration.
“Inclusive education is at the heart of our administration’s development thrust. Through ALS, we provide our PDL community with the opportunity to learn, transform, and eventually contribute back to society,” Ongchuan said in his address.
He further emphasized that the program is not only about academic learning but also about affirming the dignity of PDLs as part of the wider community. “We believe in their potential to help in the progress of our province, and the provincial government is committed to providing the right support and services,” he added.
Outstanding PDLs were recognized for their academic efforts, while winners of the sports and talent competitions were awarded—proving that correctional facilities can also be hubs of personal growth.
OIC Provincial Warden EnP Jay Keenson Acebuche, who formally opened the activity, assured PDLs of the jail management’s commitment to rehabilitation through education. DepEd’s support was also reinforced by Annalyne Balero, principal of Acereda Integrated School, who vowed continued assistance for the ALS program.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
Seeks DPWH accountability
TACLOBAN CITY — Matag-ob, Leyte Mayor Bernardino Tacoy has called for an investigation into a P96-million flood control project in his municipality after parts of it were damaged during heavy rains on Monday, August 25.
The project, located in Barangay Riverside and implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Fourth Leyte Engineering District, was intended to protect flood-prone areas in the town. However, Mayor Tacoy expressed disappointment over what he described as poor coordination between the DPWH and the local government.
“We were never informed or asked for input. How can we suggest solutions or share our observations if there’s no coordination?” Tacoy said, stressing that consultation with local governments is vital to ensure infrastructure projects meet community needs.
Tacoy questioned whether proper planning and quality control were observed, pointing out that the project cost was comparable to other flood control structures in the region. He urged authorities to probe possible irregularities in the construction and implementation of the project.
“Whatever assistance we can provide to those who will investigate, we will give,” the mayor assured.
As of press time, the DPWH Fourth Leyte Engineering District has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
Flood control projects have come under public scrutiny nationwide amid allegations of overpricing and corruption.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier revealed that only 15 contractors have cornered more than 10,000 flood control projects worth over P545.64 billion since 2022.
Leyte, one of the provinces hardest hit by Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ in 2013, remains vulnerable to flooding during extreme weather events, making the integrity of flood control systems a crucial component of disaster resilience efforts.
ROEL T. AMAZONA
TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Samar has issued a statement clarifying a viral video showing Governor Sharee Ann Tan dancing the kuratsa while tossing money into the air during the Catbalogan City Fiesta, a scene that sparked mixed reactions on social media.
In its August 25 statement, the Governor’s Office explained that the video was taken on August 23 during Hermano Night at the Catbalogan Convention Center, an event hosted by Hermano Mayor Ruben Panaligan as part of the annual feast of St. Bartholomew.
Officials stressed that the gathering was not a lavish dinner nor connected to any government program, but a long-standing cultural tradition in Samar and Leyte.
The kuratsa, a popular courtship dance in Eastern Visayas, typically includes the “gala” or money shower ritual, which symbolizes generosity and communal support.
“It is in no way a display of luxury or wealth, but a practice deeply embedded in our way of celebrating faith and togetherness,” the statement read.
The governor’s office added that Tan participated as an invited guest, noting that many attendees also contributed money during the dance.
All proceeds from the gala were donated to local religious institutions, including the St. Bartholomew Parish Church, the Diocesan Marian Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Ubanon, and two chapels in Catbalogan City.
The viral clip, however, stirred online debate, with some netizens questioning the appropriateness of such displays by public officials amid persistent poverty and governance concerns.
The provincial government acknowledged these sentiments and said it respects calls for public officials to exercise sensitivity, but emphasized that Governor Tan’s participation was meant to honor cultural heritage and support charitable causes, not to flaunt wealth or power.
“Governor Tan joins these cultural traditions not to display wealth or power, but to celebrate Samarnon identity and support the causes they represent,” the statement added, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transparency and improved public service delivery.
Officials urged the public to appreciate the practice within its cultural and charitable context, rather than interpret it as extravagance.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
TACLOBAN CITY – Vice Mayor Warren Hermano has taken over as acting mayor of Burauen, Leyte, following the six-month suspension of Mayor Fe Sudario Renomeron by the Office of the Ombudsman.
Mayor Renomeron was suspended without pay for signing a marriage certificate in 2014 without personally officiating the ceremony, an act deemed by the Ombudsman as “conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.”
Renomeron, who called the complaint politically motivated, vowed to continue serving her constituents despite the suspension.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
TACLOBAN CITY – Palo Mayor Remedios “Matin” Petilla has been elected president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Leyte Chapter during an election held on August 19 at the Capitol Multi-Purpose Hall.
Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla administered the oath of office, with LMP National Secretariat representative Cherry Joyce del Rosario and DILG Leyte Provincial Director Annabelle V. De Asis witnessing the ceremony.
Other key officers for the 2025–2028 term include Javier Mayor Michael Dragon Javier as vice president, Carigara Mayor Eduardo Ong Jr. as secretary, and Tanauan Mayor Ma. Gina Merilo as treasurer.
Also elected were Mayor Rolando Villacensio, auditor; and Jose Jingle Sudario of Dagami as public information officer.
The board also includes municipal mayors from all five legislative districts of Leyte.
(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)
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