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‘Saad na Balay’ project offers former rebels permanent homes in Eastern Samar

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SAAD NA BALAY. A groundbreaking for the construction of houses intended to former rebels, dubbed as “Saad na Balay” project was held Can-avid, Eastern Samar, on September 10, 2025.(JAZMIN BONIFACIO
SAAD NA BALAY. A groundbreaking for the construction of houses intended to former rebels, dubbed as “Saad na Balay” project was held Can-avid, Eastern Samar, on September 10, 2025.(JAZMIN BONIFACIO

CAN-AVID, Eastern Samar — Twelve former rebels and their families from Can-avid, Dolores, and Maslog are set to receive concrete homes under the Philippine Army’s “Saad na Balay” (Promise House) project, providing them with a fresh start and a secure place to live.

Spearheaded by the Army’s 801st Infantry Brigade and funded by the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative (PAFCPIC), the P4.2-million project will build 100-square-meter houses worth P350,000 each. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 10, 2025, in Barangay 4, Can-avid.

Former rebel “Jose” shared that having a permanent home means freedom from fear and a chance at normal life for his family.

“This is a big help for us to have a decent home. We can now sleep and live without fear.’ Jose, who was with the communist armed group for six years and a father to three children, said.

Retired Brig. Gen. Fernando Zabat, PAFCPIC president, said the initiative recognizes housing as a basic need essential for reintegration.

Brig. Gen. Arlino Sendaydiego, 801st Brigade commander, stressed that the project underwent careful validation and coordination with local governments to ensure safety and legitimacy.

“This collaborative effort symbolizes a collective commitment to build not just houses, but foundations for lasting peace and renewed hope in Eastern Samar,” he said.

The “Saad na Balay” project reflects a strong partnership between the military and local communities, offering not just homes but hope for lasting peace in Eastern Samar.

(JAZMIN BONIFACIO)

DPWH completes road concreting to boost connectivity in Julita, Leyte

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CONCRETE ROAD.The construction of the more than 500 meters concrete road is now completed, benefiting the residents of Barangays Caridad and San Andres in Julita, Leyte, as announced by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office. (L2DEO)

TACLOBAN CITY — Rural residents of Julita, Leyte can now enjoy smoother and safer travel following the completion of a major road concreting project by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office.

The newly concreted road connects Barangay Caridad to Barangay San Andres, enhancing access to schools, markets, and other essential services. The project involved the construction of a 200-millimeter-thick Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCP) covering 2,787.48 square meters and extending 557.49 meters. Thermoplastic pavement markings were also installed to improve road visibility and safety.

District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura said the project will make it easier for farmers to transport their produce, stimulate local economic activities, and improve residents’ access to education, healthcare, and other services.

Barangay Chairwoman Elizabeth Lagarto shared the difficulties they faced before the project: “Before, it was very difficult for us to pass through with motorcycles, and even the students struggled to go to school. Delivering our products to Burauen was also a big struggle,” she said.

“We are very grateful to the DPWH for the improvements brought to Barangay Caridad. Now, our students can travel more easily, and our products can already be transported to Burauen without much difficulty. Before, it was such a hardship, but now I am truly thankful because even our roads are in good condition,” she added.

Funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) with a budget allocation of P12.69 million, the project was implemented by WP Alvero Construction Services.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Icot, Lucy, and Cari nominated for RDC chairmanship

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ECONOMIC PROGRAMS. Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla met with mayors and other officials of the province during the recently conducted provincial economic development forum where he bared his economic programs for the province. Petilla, incidentally, is among the three nominees for the chairmanship of the Regional Development Council for Eastern Visayas. ( JERICHO ICOT PETILLA FACEBOOK)
ECONOMIC PROGRAMS. Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla met with mayors and other officials of the province during the recently conducted provincial economic development forum where he bared his economic programs for the province. Petilla, incidentally, is among the three nominees for the chairmanship of the Regional Development Council for Eastern Visayas.          ( JERICHO ICOT PETILLA FACEBOOK)

TACLOBAN CITY — Three local chief executives (LCEs) from Leyte have been nominated for the chairmanship of the Regional Development Council (RDC)–Eastern Visayas, the region’s highest policy-making and planning body.

The nominees are Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla, Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, and Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos Cari.

All three have extensive experience in governance and regional affairs. Petilla previously chaired the RDC from 2011 to 2012, while Torres-Gomez held the post from 2022 until earlier this year.

Their nominations were made during the RDC’s full council meeting on Thursday, Sept.18, at the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) Regional Office VIII, presided over by acting RDC chair and DepDev VIII Regional Director Meylene Rosales. Also present were League of Municipalities of the Philippines–Leyte Chapter president and Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla.

Under Executive Order 325, the RDC chair and co-chair may be chosen from among provincial governors, mayors of capital towns and cities, league presidents, or private-sector representatives. The final appointment rests with the President.

Mayor Torres-Gomez, speaking earlier during her final full council meeting in June, said she did not want to preempt Malacañang’s decision but noted: “Service is a privilege that not everyone is given. When it is handed to you, you make your time matter.”

Mayor Cari said he is ready for the challenge should he be chosen: “I have plans not only for Baybay but for the whole region.”

Governor Petilla, for his part, said his priority would be to improve attendance and participation in council meetings.

“One major reason why I allowed myself to be nominated is because I want to help the RDC. The best way I can do that is to ensure members — especially regional directors — are present so discussions run smoothly,” he said. Petilla also stressed the importance of having agency heads, not just representatives, at the quarterly meetings.

Aside from the three LCEs, three private-sector leaders were also nominated for the RDC co-chairmanship. Under the rules, if the chair is from the government, the co-chair must come from the private sector and vice versa.

The RDC, composed of local governments, regional line agencies, and private-sector representatives, is tasked with harmonizing development initiatives and recommending policies for Eastern Visayas.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Leyte board moves to standardize ‘no objection’ resolutions for projects

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TACLOBAN CITY — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte has introduced a measure that seeks to institutionalize a transparent, accountable, and participatory system for issuing Resolutions of Interposing No Objection (RINO) at the provincial, municipal, and barangay levels.

RINOs are a crucial step in the environmental impact assessment process, signaling a local government’s endorsement of proposed projects. However, the absence of uniform guidelines has led to inconsistent practices, limited public participation, and potential environmental risks.

The proposed ordinance draws from the Leyte Environmental Code, Presidential Decree No. 1586 (establishing the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order No. 2003-30. These policies outline safeguards and criteria to ensure that local endorsements are well-informed, inclusive, and environmentally sound.

Leyte First District Board Member Ronnan Christian Reposar, one of the measure’s authors, stressed the importance of aligning the process with the Environmental Code authored by Board Member Carlo Loreto.

“The provisions require that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan be informed, and consent must also include municipal and barangay local government units,” Reposar said.

Under the measure, the issuance of a RINO must pass through a technical review, stakeholder consultations, and legislative approval. Endorsements will only be granted if projects conform to local land use plans, avoid encroaching on protected areas or ancestral domains, and provide adequate environmental safeguards.

To strengthen enforcement, the ordinance empowers local chief executives to issue cease-and-desist orders, suspend activities, and blacklist violators. Penalties include fines of up to P5,000 for individuals and daily fines of P3,000 for continuing violations.

Officials say the measure aims to harmonize local government practices and give communities a stronger voice in determining whether projects proceed — especially those with significant ecological or social impact.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Recycled figures

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Politics in the country hardly changes for the better. Even after being exposed for misconduct, unscrupulous politicians simply reappear in government positions, carrying the same brand of politics that has long stunted national progress. Such a vicious cycle leaves the nation stagnant while other countries move forward.

The persistence of traditional politicians and dynasties has entrenched a system where public office is treated less as a mandate to serve and more as a family enterprise. Power rotates among familiar surnames, cementing their grip over local and national governance. Instead of ushering in reform, these recycled figures bring the same strategies of manipulation, patronage, and survival, ensuring their presence remains unshaken despite scandals or public outrage.

Corruption thrives in this setup, though rarely leaving a trail that could pin down those responsible. The cunning methods of siphoning funds, rigging contracts, and exploiting government resources have evolved into sophisticated practices that make accountability nearly impossible. Laws and investigative bodies, often controlled by the same political forces, become ineffective in dismantling these webs of deceit. The result is a government machinery that operates, not for development, but for self-preservation.

The consequences are glaring. While neighboring nations attract investments, improve infrastructure, and uplift the lives of their citizens, the Philippines remains shackled by inefficiency, poor governance, and misplaced priorities. Economic opportunities are wasted, social services are compromised, and generations of Filipinos are condemned to bear the burden of a nation that refuses to progress. This is not due to a lack of talent or resources but because leadership is monopolized by the same discredited personalities who only serve themselves.

It takes a political awakening among the electorate to break this cycle. Citizens must learn to reject recycled names and demand new leaders with competence, integrity, and vision. Electoral reforms should be strengthened to dismantle dynasties and make it harder for tainted figures to return to power. Collective vigilance and decisive reforms should free the Philippines from the grip of traditional politicians to finally advance as a nation.

Saliva-coated veggies

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A video recently surfaced showing vegetable vendors spraying water on their produce—using their mouths instead of sprayers. It was not a sight of ingenuity but of utter disregard for hygiene. To spit on the very food that people will bring home to their families is nothing short of alarming.

When one sees carrots, eggplants, and leafy greens glistening with moisture at the market, the first thought is freshness. But after that video, one cannot help but ask: whose breath, whose saliva coats those vegetables? Freshness quickly loses its charm when it dawns on us that the dew-like mist might be droplets from a vendor’s lungs. Suddenly, what was meant to entice becomes a repulsive image of contamination.

Indeed, these vendors are merely trying to keep their goods appealing. Vegetables wilt quickly under the tropical heat, and a dried bunch of pechay will not sell as well as one that looks freshly plucked. Yet their choice of method—substituting a spray bottle with their mouths—is more than just cutting corners. It is a careless gamble with public health. If even one of them carries a communicable disease, every unsuspecting buyer becomes a potential victim.

Diseases do not announce themselves. Coughs can be hidden, infections can be invisible, and carriers may appear perfectly healthy. This is precisely why such practices are dangerous. Saliva is a bodily fluid, and science has long established its role in transmitting illnesses. To pretend that blowing or spraying with the mouth is harmless is to mock common sense itself.

One cannot help but reflect on the golden rule that should guide every human interaction: do not do unto others what you would not want done unto you. Would any of these vendors willingly eat food misted with another person’s saliva? Would they serve such to their own children? It is the most basic appeal to conscience, yet it seems drowned out by the daily desperation of eking out a living.

Some might argue that poverty drives such behavior. Indeed, sprayers cost money, and every peso counts when margins are thin. But cleanliness is not a privilege of the rich; it is a duty that transcends class. A spray bottle costs less than the shame of being exposed to such a degrading practice, and certainly less than the cost of someone falling ill. Sometimes, common sense is cheaper than stinginess.

What makes the matter worse is the silence around it. Buyers walk past, either unaware of the practice or unwilling to confront it. Authorities turn a blind eye, perhaps dismissing it as too trivial a concern compared to larger issues. Yet this is how neglect festers: little things that appear harmless pile up until they form a culture of carelessness, where standards collapse and lives are risked in the name of convenience.

This practice must stop, and it will only stop if people speak up. Information drives change; awareness pushes behavior. Vendors must be told, firmly but patiently, that such shortcuts harm more than they help. Communities must step in to remind them that vegetables symbolize nourishment and life, not contamination. In the end, all it takes is a little conscience, a little common sense, and the humility to accept correction for the sake of the public’s health.

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