TACLOBAN CITY – The Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the construction of a new multi-purpose building in Barangay Caglawaan, Jaro, Leyte, addressing the long-standing need for a dedicated venue for community gatherings and activities.

Funded under the Basic Infrastructure Program – Multi-Purpose Buildings and Facilities to Support Social Services, the project was sourced from the DPWH General Appropriations Act 2024 and aimed at enhancing local social infrastructure.

District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura stated that the project, with a total cost of P4.93 million and completed on Feb.9 of this year, includes a fully equipped facility featuring two comfort rooms with fixtures and lavatories, an elevated stage, floor tiles, a ceiling, lighting fixtures, and glass doors and windows, ensuring a comfortable and functional space for public use.

“The newly constructed multi-purpose building fulfills the long-standing need for a reliable space where villagers can hold various social, cultural, and civic activities,” he said.

Multi-purpose buildings play a crucial role in fostering community engagement by providing a designated area for public events, meetings, and other communal services that enhance social interaction and local development.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list has urged stronger regional collaboration among Southeast Asian nations to combat human trafficking, following the repatriation of 187 Filipino victims from Myanmar.

Rep. Jude Acidre, chair of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, lauded the Philippine government’s swift response, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), with support from Thailand and Myanmar.

“This underscores the urgent need to address human trafficking in the region. While we welcome the return of our compatriots, 62 Filipinos remain trapped in Myanmar, highlighting the ongoing dangers,” he said.

Acidre called for enhanced law enforcement coordination, stronger preventive measures, and increased public awareness to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Tingog party-list, co-represented by Rep. Yedda Romualdez, also pushed for greater ASEAN cooperation to ensure perpetrators face justice.

“As advocates for overseas Filipinos, we remain committed to policies that safeguard their rights and welfare,” Acidre added.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – First Lady Louise ‘Liza’ Araneta-Marcos led the “Lab for All” medical caravan in Basey, Samar on March 18, bringing much-needed healthcare services to the town’s residents.

She was joined by Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan and Basey Mayor Luz Ponferrada in the municipality, known for its mat weaving industry and Sohoton Cave and Natural Bridge.
Basey’s Lab for All marks the 41st installment of the First Lady’s nationwide initiative, aimed at improving healthcare accessibility, particularly in remote communities.

The program targeted 1,500 beneficiaries, offering services from the Department of Health (DOH), including free medical consultations; comprehensive laboratory tests; HIV, TB, and cancer screening;dental services; prescription glasses and assistive devices; and senior citizen kits.

“We are fulfilling the President’s promise to bring healthcare services directly to the people, rather than the other way around,” the First Lady said in her speech.
She emphasized the crucial role of both government and private sector partners in making these medical missions possible.

In addition to healthcare services, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed P3,000 cash assistance to each of the 1,500 beneficiaries under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, along with family food packs.
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Prospero de Vera III was also present to turn over P8 million in financial aid for medical scholars at the Samar Island Institute of Medicine under the Medical Scholarship and Return Service (MSRS) program. The funds will benefit 16 scholars from Samar State University.

Other government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Public Attorney’s Office, also took part in the event, further expanding the range of assistance provided to Basey residents.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)