Catarman N. Samar– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed Phase IV of the multipurpose building in Barangay Libas, Lavezares, Northern Samar, marking the project’s full completion.

The P24.74-million infrastructure involves the completion of Multipurpose Building (Covered Court/ Evacuation Center) with a floor area of 1902.80 sq.m. which includes Mechanical works, electrical works, plumbing works, painting, installation of water pumping System and Structural Excavation (Hard Rock and common soil) for driveway and parking.
District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio said that the facility was implemented by phases, with Phase IV marking the project’s full completion and enabling it to deliver services to the local community.

“This new multipurpose facility serves as an ideal venue for a wide range of social activities to be conducted by the Barangay, as well as by neighboring communities.” DE Ignacio further stated.

In an interview, Brgy. Kagawad Ma. Victoria G. Tomada emphasized the significance of the facility to the community.

“Dako an amon pagpasalamat sini niyan nga project kay kadako san naibulig. San naka-agi nga waray pa in ini, kun may ada kami mga activities, nababaraka kami labi kun tag-uran. Makuri kami maka-entertain san amon mga bisita. Kun diin la kami, labi kun nauran nag-peplete kami tent, nagpeplete kami lingkuran nga madayon la an amon mga activities. Sin sini niyan, nga adi na ini niyan, kadako san benepisyo. Diri na kami makukurian labi na gud kun damo an tawo nga mag-aattend. Ada komportable an pamalingkod, may ada lingkuran, ada an mga CR, may ada kami electric fan. Diri na didi napapasuan an amon mga bisita in case may kami mga dagko nga event nga ginkukondukto sin sini didi nga lugar. Nasugad nala kami didi “Didto nala kita sa Covered Court kay dako man iton nga area, dako iton nga building.” Diri na kami magastos sin dako kay tungod nga ini kahaluag sini nga building. Didi sini ginhe-held an mga basketball, ati-atihan, kun may mga awarding didi sini gin-gaganap. Last month pala, nag selebrar kami san Founding Anniversary dinhi kami sini nag okupar nga building.

Another resident, Rosalie D. Aido, shared the direct impact of the facility on the community.
“An impact sini na covered court, dako an nabulig sa amon. Tungod na kun irog siton bagyo, pwede namon masisirungan namon kun in case makusog baya an bagyo. An akon kabataan pirmi naapi sa mga sports sa basketball may ada sira nauuyagan, kasi sanhi pag mauran, diri sira nakakadayon san ira mga pa-uyag, pa-sports san barangay.” Said Rosalie D. Aido.

At present, the multipurpose building also houses the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Lavezares.

The project was implemented under the DPWH Basic Infrastructure Program and funded through the General Appropriations Act of 2024. It aims to support the community by improving access to social services and providing a safe, functional space for various activities.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA /PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — The provincial government of Eastern Samar is set to roll out new public market project in the municipality of Giporlos this year, aiming to improve trading conditions and stimulate local economic activity, particularly for fisherfolk and small vendors.

Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone said the construction of a new wet public market, funded by the provincial government, forms part of a broader initiative to modernize local marketplaces and support grassroots livelihoods.

The planned facility is expected to provide a more sanitary, organized, and accessible venue for vendors, especially those selling fresh fish and other perishable goods, helping reduce spoilage and improve product quality.

During a recent site inspection, Evardone was joined by Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales, who expressed support for the initiative and committed to funding the construction of a separate dry public market to complement the wet market and expand business opportunities in the area.

Local officials, including Mayor Gilberto Go and Vice Mayor Christopher Go, also took part in the inspection, assessing the site’s readiness and coordinating preparations for the project’s implementation.

Once completed, the twin market facilities are expected to enhance the town’s trading environment, increase vendors’ income potential, and contribute to more efficient food distribution—key drivers in boosting Giporlos’ local economy.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Almost 80,000 public school teachers nationwide have been promoted since August 2025 under the Expanded Career Progression System, Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said.

Acidre, chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and principal author of the measure, said the rollout of the reform was made possible through the support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara.

He cited figures presented by Marcos during a recent mass oath taking of newly promoted teachers in Capiz, which he said reflect the early implementation gains of Republic Act No. 12288.

The law establishes a merit-based promotion framework that broadens teaching ranks and allows educators to advance through reclassification, instead of relying solely on the availability of vacant plantilla positions.

Acidre said the reform is designed to address long-standing concerns over limited promotion opportunities in the education sector, noting that it recognizes teachers’ years of service and professional growth.

“This is not merely a promotion system. It is a recognition of the dignity of the teaching profession,” he said, adding that the new structure allows educators to progress in their careers without being constrained by plantilla vacancies.

He expressed confidence that the expanded system will help reduce career stagnation among teachers and further strengthen the country’s public education workforce.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)