Ormoc City – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) took part in the kickoff ceremony for Fire Prevention Month on Monday, March 3, 2025, spearheaded by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). This year’s theme, “Sa Pag-Iwas sa Sunog, Hindi Ka Nag-Iisa”, is a reminder to look out for each other–whether at home, in the workplace, or in the community–to prevent fires and stay safe.
The event gathered various government agencies, non-government organizations, and private institutions in Ormoc City for a motorcade which marked the start of the ceremony. The program that followed was held at the Ormoc City Fire Station wherein the DPWH Leyte 4th DEO received a Certificate of Recognition for their support in promoting fire safety and awareness.
As Fire Prevention Month continues, the Department encourages the public to stay informed and take necessary precautions to avoid fire-related incidents—because fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. (PR)
REINTEGRATION PROGRAM. Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan extends a warm handshake to a former rebel during the Reintegration Program completion ceremony Wednesday, March 12. The initiative, spearheaded by the provincial government, aims to support former NPA members in rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into their communities.”
(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR
REINTEGRATION PROGRAM. Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan extends a warm handshake to a former rebel during the Reintegration Program completion ceremony Wednesday, March 12. The initiative, spearheaded by the provincial government, aims to support former NPA members in rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into their communities.” (THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR
TACLOBAN CITY– As part of the provincial government of Northern Samar commitment to sustain peace, 55 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) completed the Reintegration Program under the Provincial Task Force Balik-Loob.
On Wednesday, March 12, a simple yet meaningful ceremony was held at the Ibabao Hall of the provincial capitol to honor the ‘completers’, spearheaded by the provincial government through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
The Reintegration Program of the provincial government initiated by Governor Edwin Ongchuan provides former rebels with essential support, including basic literacy training, livelihood skills development, psychosocial sessions, and capacity-building activities.
These interventions are designed to help them rebuild their lives and successfully reintegrate into their communities.
In his speech, Governor Ongchuan recognized the efforts and dedication of the peacebuilders in completing the program.
He reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to taking concrete steps to uplift the lives of those who have chosen peace over armed conflict.
“Rest assured that the Provincial Government will continue taking steps to help improve your lives,” the governor said.
Also present during the ceremony were Vice Governor Clarence Dato, Col. Rudyard Garcia, representing B/Gen Efren Morados of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, and representatives from different government agencies that are part of the Reintegration Program. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
Tacloban City—The Tacloban City District Engineering Office (DEO) actively participated in the recent Upkeep & Cleanliness Inspection of equipment and vehicle-related documents, ensuring compliance with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) standards. The inspection was conducted on March 11, 2025, within the office grounds.
The inspection covered essential documents such as Trip Tickets, Equipment Logbooks, Updated Land Transportation Office (LTO) Registration & Insurance, Updated Property Acknowledgement Receipts, Driver’s Licenses, DPWH Logos marked “For Official Use Only,” and Plate Numbers. Additionally, an inventory of District Engineering Offices’ equipment holdings was conducted.
As part of the activity, a lecture was held for drivers and operators on the proper filling out of Equipment Logbooks and adherence to daily maintenance checks, following the BLOWBAGETS protocol (Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, Gas, Engine, Tire, Self-safety). The team also inspected the status of water-based equipment assigned to dredging sites within the concerned DEOs. Furthermore, employees underwent inspection as part of the evaluation process.
The activity was spearheaded by personnel from the Equipment Management Division of DPWH Regional Office VIII, namely Engr. Chester F. Nibla, Mr. Jasper C. Sarmen, Ms. Maria Luisa V. Pedrosa, and Mr. Pedro E. Adre, Jr.
“Regular inspections like these are crucial in ensuring that our equipment and personnel are in top condition. This allows us to provide uninterrupted public service and maintain safety standards,” District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse said in a statement, emphasizing the importance of the initiative in maintaining operational efficiency and compliance. (PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT)
TACLOBAN CITY – Senator Imee Marcos expressed shock over the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, saying the incident reminded her of the fate of her father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., as well as former Presidents Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“The past is repeating itself,” Marcos said in a media interview in Tacloban City on Tuesday, March 11. “I felt pity for my father in 1986. I also felt the same for the succeeding presidents—Erap (Estrada) and GMA (Arroyo).”
The senator lamented what she described as a cycle of political retribution in the country.
“We never seem to learn. This only brings more chaos. It’s a cycle that keeps repeating—endless retaliation and political infighting. Does this kind of politics improve the lives of Filipinos? Has our country progressed because of this?” she said.
Marcos said she was shocked upon learning about Duterte’s arrest through text messages and media reports while on her way to Palompon, Leyte.
“I couldn’t believe it,” she said.
Duterte, the country’s 16th President, was arrested by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday for crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s bloody war on drugs.
Her father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., was ousted through the 1986 People Power Revolution. Estrada was forced from office in 2001 during People Power II and was later convicted of plunder before receiving a presidential pardon.
Arroyo, his successor, was detained on electoral fraud and plunder charges but was eventually released after the Supreme Court dismissed the plunder case during Duterte’s presidency.
Marcos declined to comment on the charges against Duterte or issue a message to Malacañang regarding the matter.
She is currently seeking reelection under the Bagong Alyansa slate of her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
ORMOC CITY– A high-value drug personality, ranked No. 5 in the regional priority target list of the Philippine National Police (PNP), was arrested in an early morning buy-bust operation on Sunday, March 2, in Barangay Alegria, Julita, Leyte.
The Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Leyte Provincial Police Office, together with the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of Julita Police, led the successful operation at 5:19 AM.
Five sachets of suspected shabu were recovered during sting operation against the suspect.
The suspect was informed of his arrest and constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine in a language he fully understood.
He now faces charges for violating Sections 5 (selling illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The case has already been filed with the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
The suspect is currently detained at the Julita Municipal Police Station, as authorities continue their intensified campaign against illegal drugs in the region.
PAPAL NUNCIO VISITS CATARMAN. Archbishop Charles John Brown, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, visited Catarman, Northern Samar, on Sunday, March 9, to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of the Diocese of Catarman. He was welcomed by provincial officials, led by Governor Edwin Ongchuan (behind him). Bishop Nolly Buco (not in photo) was also present during the event.
(Photo courtesy of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar.)
PAPAL NUNCIO VISITS CATARMAN. Archbishop Charles John Brown, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, visited Catarman, Northern Samar, on Sunday, March 9, to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of the Diocese of Catarman. He was welcomed by provincial officials, led by Governor Edwin Ongchuan (behind him). Bishop Nolly Buco (not in photo) was also present during the event. (Photo courtesy of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar.)
To alleviate poverty, end insurgency
TACLOBAN CITY – Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara, who is the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Eastern Visayas, has expressed full support for the ‘unity roads’ project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at interconnecting the three provinces of Samar Island.
Speaking during the Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC) meeting on March 6, 2025 in Catbalogan City, Angara commended the province of Samar for its proactive efforts in promoting peace and development.
He pledged to advocate for funding and national support for the project, emphasizing that improved road interconnectivity would enhance security, boost economic growth, and improve the quality of life in Region 8.
According to Angara, infrastructure is the key to peace and progress.
Thus, the unity roads project will not only connect communities but also dismantle barriers that have long hindered development and made people vulnerable to insurgency, he added.
As chair of the Provincial Task Force-ELCAC, Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan formally endorsed the unity roads project, which aims to link Northern Samar, Samar, and Eastern Samar through an expanded network of roads and bridges.
With Secretary Angara’s commitment to push for national support and funding, the project moves closer to realization, bringing hope for a more connected and prosperous Samar Island, Tan said.
The initiative seeks to address two major challenges in the region: poverty and insurgency.
Last February 11, Tan, together with Governors Edwin Ongchuan of Northern Samar) and Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar met in Calbayog City to discuss priority infrastructure projects that would improve access to remote areas and promote economic development.
Among the key projects identified were E. Duran to Macatingog (Bobon) Road in Northern Samar – Estimated budget of P350 million, providing a direct link between Bobon and Calbayog City in Samar; Silvino Lubos-Matuguinao Road (Samar-Northern Samar) – An 18-kilometer road with four planned bridges, costing P3.2 billion, designed to open trade routes and curb insurgent movement; and Catumsan-Jipapad-Las Navas-Catubig-Rawis Road (Las Navas-Jipapad Road) – Currently 72% complete, connecting Northern Samar and Eastern Samar.
All three governors emphasized that these road networks are essential for improving access to health, education, and social services while also ensuring the efficient delivery of government programs to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
The unity roads project aligns with the broader goal of sustained peace-building in Samar Island. By linking remote communities to economic centers, local leaders hope to create new opportunities for trade, tourism, and agriculture—ultimately weakening the root causes of insurgency.
