ORMOC CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) builds a multi-purpose building within its compound in Ormoc City, which will serve as the new Materials Testing Laboratory for the Quality Assurance Section (QAS).

Spanning a total area of 594 square meters across three floors, the completed project has a contract amount of P19,358,711.61 funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2024.

Chief of QAS, Engr. Elmer A. Napoles, noted the huge difference between their previous building and the new one. “The facility is more spacious, allowing us to store more laboratory equipment,” Napoles said. “The old building was very cramped, prone to flood when it rained, and was already deteriorating. Now, personnel can move around freely and we have designated rooms to perform soil, cement, and asphalt testing.”

The building is expected to improve the efficiency of materials testing processes, ensuring the continued adherence to quality standards in projects undertaken by the DEO. Additionally, this development supports the office’s dedication to maintaining the 2-star rating for its materials testing laboratory, a standard it has upheld since 2019.(PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) regional office successfully concluded the 35th Civil Registration Month on February 27, 2025, with a closing ceremony at Gaisano Capital Real, this city.

The event gathered representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, media partners, and poster-making contest participants to highlight the importance of civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) in Eastern Visayas.

PSA Regional Director Wilma Perante emphasized the role of CRVS in public service delivery and thanked stakeholders for their support, especially in the poster-making contest held on February 3, 2025.

Registration Officer IV Jimmy M. Dagupan presented 2023 CRVS data, revealing concerns such as high teenage pregnancies; majority of births from unmarried parents; infant mortality among children under one year old; 60% of registered deaths were unattended; and ischemic heart disease as the leading cause of death in the region

Chief Statistical Specialist Mae Almonte discussed demographic trends from the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, linking census data to civil registration.

Certificates of appreciation were awarded to CRVS stakeholders, recognizing their contributions. Winners of the poster-making contest were also honored for using their art to promote awareness.

The month-long celebration aimed to raise public awareness on civil registration, highlighting its importance in legal identity, policy-making, and service delivery.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

ORMOC CITY– A 52-year-old farmer was arrested by local authorities on Friday, February 28, following the issuance of a warrant of arrest against him for violating the Chainsaw Act of 2002 in Barangay San Isidro, Biliran, Biliran.

Police identified the suspect as alias “Floro,” a married farmer and resident of the said barangay.

The arrest was carried out under a warrant dated February 26, 2025, issued by Judge Ateneones Bacale of the 8th Judicial Region, 2nd Municipal Circuit Trial Court (Biliran-Cabucgayan), Biliran, Biliran.

The suspect is facing charges for violating Republic Act 9175, or the Chainsaw Act of 2002, specifically for selling, purchasing, reselling, transferring, distributing, or possessing a chainsaw without a proper permit, under Criminal Case No. 3453.

The court has set bail at P10,000 for his temporary liberty.

He was then transported to the Biliran police station for documentation and proper disposition before being turned over to the court that issued the warrant.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY-A total of 48 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) received government assistance during an E-CLIP (Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program) caravan held in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

The initiative was organized by the 802nd Infantry Brigade, in partnership with the provincial government of Eastern Samar, to help former rebels reintegrate into society.
Among the beneficiaries, 31 were assisted by the 52nd Infantry Battalion (IB), 15 by the 78th IB, and two by the 63rd IB.

E-CLIP is a government program designed to assist former rebels in their transition to civilian life by providing cash assistance; education and skills training;livelihood opportunities; housing and employment assistance; and loan support for business capital
During the caravan, various government agencies provided essential services, including psycho-social counseling, profiling, and interviews – facilitated by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO); birth certificate and National ID registration – handled by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA); PhilHealth ID registration – for healthcare benefits; free medical and dental check-ups, and medicines – provided by the Provincial Health Office; and turn-in slips and cost valuation certificates – issued by the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office (ESPPO).

Representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) also conducted orientation sessions to inform former rebels about available government programs.

Col. Rico Amaro, deputy brigade commander of the 802nd IB, commended the agencies involved for their support and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to helping former rebels access government programs.

“I hope this marks the beginning of our continuous cooperation. We will help address any challenges in the process so you can fully receive the benefits intended for you. In return, we hope you will also help us in our mission for a peaceful and prosperous Eastern Samar,” he said.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd IB, emphasized the importance of a whole-of-nation approach in addressing insurgency.

“Through partnerships and collaboration with government and non-government organizations, we send a strong message that unity and support create a stable foundation for former rebels as they reintegrate into society,” he said.

Vestuir also assured the public that the military remains committed to protecting former rebels and urged active NPA members to surrender so they, too, could live a normal and peaceful life.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY-A heated argument between a farmer and a village visitor escalated into a violent hacking incident on February 27, in Barangay Caanibongan, Cabucgayan, Biliran.
Police identified the suspect as alias “Rico,” 31, a farmer and resident of the barangay, while the victim was alias “Joey,” 32, from Brgy. Julita.

Authorities responded to the scene after receiving a call from a concerned citizen. According to the initial investigation, the suspect and the victim were arguing over a personal matter when the suspect, in a fit of rage, grabbed a long-bladed weapon, locally known as a “sundang,” and attacked the victim, striking him on the right leg.

Despite his injury, the victim managed to escape and seek safety, while neighbors restrained the suspect until the police arrived.

The suspect was informed of his arrest and constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine in a language he understood. Meanwhile, the victim was taken to Biliran Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.

The suspect, along with the seized weapon, was brought to Cabucgayan Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and legal proceedings.

(ROBERT DEJON)