TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Samar has donated 300 monobloc chairs, produced from its plastic recycling facility, to two public schools in the province.
The Samar National High School received 240 chairs, while the Valeriano C. Yancha Memorial Agricultural School (VCYMAS) was given 60.

Governor Sharee Ann Tan led the turnover ceremony, expressing enthusiasm for the provincial government’s efforts to address the critical resource needs of educational institutions and provide a high-quality learning environment.

“Through this plastic recycling facility, we are able to transform plastic waste into functional chairs. These chairs are then donated to educational institutions that really need them,” Gov. Tan said.

She added, “We want to care for the environment and eradicate the problem of garbage. At the same time, these products will be utilized by students and schools in need.”

The initiative is implemented with the assistance of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office (PENRMO), aiming to reduce plastic waste while addressing the need for durable school furniture.

To sustain the project, PENRMO encourages local government units and residents to segregate waste and donate soft plastics, such as sachet packaging and food wrappers, to support ongoing chair production.

To date, Samar province has produced 580 monobloc chairs, which have been distributed across various cities and municipalities under the provincial government.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to authorities on February 17, 2025, in Catarman, Northern Samar.

Alias “Ashley,” a 23, female farmer from Gamay, Northern Samar, decided to abandon the armed struggle following negotiations led by the 1st Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (NSPMFC) in coordination with the Catarman Municipal Police Station.

She was previously operating in Northern and Eastern Samar provinces under the command of alias “Liboy.”

Police B/Gen. Jay Cumigad, police regional director, praised this development, emphasizing the government’s commitment to peace and reintegration efforts.

The voluntary surrender of alias ‘Ashley’ highlights the success of our intensified counter-insurgency efforts. We urge other rebel members to lay down their arms and reintegrate into society. The government, through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), is prepared to support them in starting anew,” he said.

The surrenderee is now under the custody of the 1st NSPMFC for processing and possible enrollment in E-CLIP, which provides livelihood, financial aid, and reintegration benefits to former rebels.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

To be over by June this year

TACLOBAN CITY – The repair of the Biliran Bridge has officially commenced, according to OIC-District Engineer Irwin Antonio of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Biliran District Engineering Office (BDEO).

The P28.9 million budget for the project, requested by BDEO, has been downloaded by the DPWH central office following damage assessments conducted in December 2024.

The repairs include replacing corroded bolts, steel members, steel plates, damaged expansion joints with a finger-type expansion joint, and other critical bridge components.
Experts from BDEO and the regional office identified damages beneath the deck slab, particularly on the bridge stringers, steel cross bracing, and loose nuts and bolts at spans 1 and 4.

Antonio confirmed that the contractor, engaged via negotiated procurement, began deploying manpower and materials on February 8 after receiving the notice to proceed (NTP).

The repair is expected to be completed by June 2025.

Antonio assured the public that the bridge will remain open throughout the repairs. However, only vehicles weighing five tons and below are allowed to pass, while heavier vehicles are being transported via barge.

Built in 1976, Biliran Bridge serves as the sole land access connecting Biliran province to Leyte.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)