Catarman N. Samar– In a heartfelt show of community service, the District Engineers League of the Philippines (DELP), in partnership with the Northern Samar First District Employees Association (NSFEDEA), held an outreach program on June 24, 2025, benefiting a total of 228 elementary students from San Jose Elementary School in Mondragon and Quezon Elementary School in Catarman—both situated in the First District of Northern Samar.

District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio and Assistant District Engineer Vivian G. Biaco spearheaded the activity, joined by officers and members of NSFEDEA, along with NSFDEO personnel.

The initiative provided students with a variety of essential school supplies, including writing materials, pencil sharpeners, pencils, ballpoint pens, and correction tape. To further prepare them for the rainy season, each student also received an umbrella and a raincoat. The event was capped off with the distribution of Jollibee snacks, which brought cheer to all the students present.

In his message, DE Ignacio shared that the activity is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, particularly in empowering the youth.
“This program is our way of giving back to the community. By providing students with basic school needs and a little joy to lift their spirits, we hope to help them start the school year with confidence and enthusiasm,” he said.

He added that the initiative seeks to uplift underprivileged students by ensuring they are not only equipped for school but also encouraged to pursue their education with renewed motivation.

Mr. Alexis A. Diaz, Head Teacher of San Jose Elementary School, expressed gratitude on behalf of the school community.

“We sincerely thank DELP, NSFEDEA, and DPWH-NS1 for their generosity. I personally witnessed the joy on our students’ faces as they received school supplies and Jollibee packed meals—many of them tasting it for the very first time.”

Mary Ann D. Dapulag, a kindergarten teacher at the same school, shared that it was the first time they had ever received school supplies and meals from Jollibee—an experience that was especially meaningful since many of the students had never tasted Jollibee before. She further stated that said school is located in a remote barangay of Mondragon that requires nearly an hour’s walk to reach.

With the sun beating down relentlessly, the team trekked across muddy roads-not for adventure, but for a cause.

Meanwhile, Teacher-in-Charge, Ms. Ruth M. Castillo of Quezon Elementary School also expressed her heartfelt appreciation.

“Dako nga bulig an mga school supplies sa kabataan,naramdaman san kabataan kung gaano ka-grateful an school sa iyo ginhatag,dako po nga salamat”, she stated.

This annual outreach effort serves as a powerful reminder that even the simplest acts of kindness can leave a lasting impression on young minds and shape a brighter future for the next generation.

(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)

CATARMAN, Northern Samar – The College of Criminal Justice (CCJ) of the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) held its first-ever Pagdayaw Recognition Rites and Hooding Ceremony on June 23, 2025, at the university’s Gymnatorium, attended by around 255 graduating Criminology students.

The event, which began at 3:00 p.m. and concluded past 9:00 p.m., drew a large crowd, including proud parents, faculty members, and university officials.

Dr. Rogelio Banagbanag, UEP’s director for research, served as the guest speaker, delivering an inspiring message that highlighted the vital role of parents in their children’s education. He also shared personal anecdotes from his own college journey, drawing both laughter and reflection from the audience.

Banagbanag recognized the perseverance of the graduates, particularly the 34 Academic Excellence Awardees, whom he described as future pillars in the field of criminology.
“While not all who began the journey made it to the finish line, your success today is a testament to your dedication and resilience,” he said.

He was introduced by Joy Presado, College Secretary, prior to his speech.

Also present during the ceremony were Virgil Osal, dean of the College of Criminal Justice, who gave the closing remarks; Jose Gabon Jr., college research and extension coordinator; Ronato Ballado, vice president for academic affairs; and Josephine Tan, dean of Student Affairs.

The graduating class, known as “Baghawis 2025,” will officially receive their degrees during UEP’s commencement exercises on July 11, 2025.

(PETER PAREDES)

TACLOBAN CITY – House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez officially took his oath of office as Representative of Leyte’s first district during a solemn ceremony held at the historic Price Mansion in Tacloban City on Sunday, June 29.

Court of Appeals Associate Justice Bautista Corpin Jr. administered the oath.
The event also served as a family milestone, with Romualdez’s sons, Andrew Julian Romualdez and Ferdinand Romualdez, also taking their oaths. Andrew Julian as a Tingog party-list representative, and Ferdinand as a newly elected member of the Tacloban City Council.

Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre also reaffirmed his oath of office during the gathering, which included the induction of newly elected officials from Tacloban City and the towns of Palo, Babatngon, Tanauan, Tolosa, Sta. Fe, Alangalang, and San Miguel, all from Leyte’s first congressional district.

In his remarks, Romualdez expressed deep gratitude to his constituents and pledged to deliver more services and development projects across the district.

“We will strive to do our very best to deliver more services, more programs, and more projects—not just for the city of Tacloban, but for all the municipalities in the first district,” he said.

He also acknowledged his family’s support and commended the leadership of Rep. Acidre, calling him “the rock of Tingog.”

“You’ve done so much, not just for the district, but for the entire region and even beyond,” Romualdez added.

The House Speaker also congratulated the newly elected local officials, saying their overwhelming mandates reflected the people’s trust.

“You were overwhelmingly re-elected—that means you’ve done well, and the people believe in you. Now, let’s keep delivering,” he said.

Ending on a note of unity and resilience, Romualdez recalled the region’s recovery after Typhoon Yolanda and encouraged officials to continue aiming higher.

“Together, we shall rise. We proved this after Yolanda—we bounced back. Now, we aim even higher,” he said.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)