NSSDEO, Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, Northern Samar — Key officials and personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways – Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH – NSSDEO) started the new year with vibrant colors and cultural pride as they donned traditional Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-inspired attire during the Department’s first flag-raising ceremony of 2025.
The event, led by District Engineer Sabong and Assistant District Engineer Tanala, highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Southeast Asia through the diverse and colorful outfits. The initiative was in compliance with the latest Civil Service Commission (CSC) Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 16, s. 2024, which introduced a revised dress code for government officials and employees.
Under the Memorandum, employees are required to wear ASEAN-inspired attire every first Monday of the month, while Filipiniana-inspired clothing is prescribed for the remaining Mondays. The directive aims to promote cultural appreciation and unity among government workers while showcasing regional identities.
The flag ceremony not only marked the start of the year but also reflected the commitment of the DPWH team to uphold government mandates while celebrating diversity and tradition.(PR)
CATARMAN, Northern Samar– A mark of its continued commitment to sustainable peace, the Provincial Government released immediate and livelihood assistance worth P1.12 million to 28 peacebuilders Monday, February 10, at the provincial capitol.
The recipients are currently enrolled in Balay Darangpan, the 8th batch since this half-way home for peacebuilders started operations.
Each received immediate assistance and livelihood assistance amounting to P40,000 funded under the Local Social Integration Program of the provincial government (LSIP).
Leading the distribution of assistance was Vice Governor Clarence Dato representing the provincial government, attended by other members and representatives of the Provincial Task Force Balik Loob (PTF-BL).
The LSIP is a continuing initiative of the provincial government to help former rebels reintegrate with the community by offering financial aid, literacy and livelihood training, firearm remuneration, and other social services, hoping to achieve overall peace and stability among communities in Northern Samar by redirecting and leading new lives.
Also present in the distribution were DILG NSPO Program Manager, Eduardo Diaz; PLTCol Antonio Montanio of NSPPO; CPL Noriel L. Rebangcos from 803rd BDE; 1st Lt. Kenneth Mark Juan from 20th IB; PLO representative, Atty. Janil Jay Equiza; and Pastor Peter Paul Reynaldo, Founder of Sinag ng Hilaga.
SAMAR ISLAND DEVELOPMENT – The three governors of Samar Island have joined forces to improve the living conditions of their constituents by committing to the construction of roads and bridges that will connect the provinces of Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar. This initiative is expected to drive economic development and help address the island’s insurgency problem. Photo shows Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan and Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan during their meeting on Tuesday, November 11, in Calbayog City. Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone sent a representative.
(story on page 2) (THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
Thru roads and bridges connectivity
SAMAR ISLAND DEVELOPMENT – The three governors of Samar Island have joined forces to improve the living conditions of their constituents by committing to the construction of roads and bridges that will connect the provinces of Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar. This initiative is expected to drive economic development and help address the island’s insurgency problem. Photo shows Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan and Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan during their meeting on Tuesday, November 11, in Calbayog City. Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone sent a representative. (story on page 2) (THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
TACLOBAN CITY – The three governors of Samar Island are pushing for the construction of roads and bridges that would link the entire island in an effort to address its two fundamental challenges: poverty and insurgency.
On Tuesday, February 11, Governors Edwin Ongchuan of Northern Samar, Sharee Ann Tan of Samar, and Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, through a representative, met in Calbayog City, Samar to discuss key infrastructure projects that could connect their respective provinces.
This initiative highlights their collective effort to fast-track Samar’s development through enhanced connectivity and economic growth.
Governor Tan emphasized that the meeting was an opportunity to align with development partners and discuss the challenges of securing funds and addressing insurgency.
“We are considering the amount or the funding needed, but there is also another dimension, which is the insurgency problem that the military has pointed out,” she said.
Governor Ongchuan stressed that, given the multi-billion peso cost of these projects, provincial governments alone cannot shoulder the burden, making national government support crucial.
“While we have made significant strides in infrastructure development—including roads, bridges, and essential public amenities—there is still a pressing need for further support. A comprehensive and efficient road network is crucial for propelling Northern Samar, and the entire Samar Island, toward a future marked by lasting peace,” Ongchuan stated.
In the past two years, Northern Samar has invested over P850 million in various infrastructure projects, including roads and bridges, to boost connectivity and economic activity, he said.
Jhon Allen Berbon, head of the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office of Northern Samar, expressed optimism about the initiative, citing its wide-ranging impact on the entire Samar Island.
“The interconnection of the three provinces will pave the way for economic development, improve the delivery of basic services, and, most importantly, help eradicate the insurgency problem,” he said.
The three Samar provinces continue to struggle with insurgency, a major factor deterring potential investors.
Additionally, these provinces are among the least developed in the country, with poverty incidences of 35.8% in Samar, 35.6% in Eastern Samar, and 27.5% in Northern Samar, based on the 2023 report from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Berbon also stressed the need for full support from all congressmen representing Samar Island, as well as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to secure funding for these infrastructure projects.
“The three governors are optimistic that with their endorsement, the backing of all congressmen, and the support of the President, these projects will receive funding,” he added.
They hope that allocations for these infrastructures will be included in next year’s national budget.
Among the priority projects discussed were the completion of critical routes such as the E. Duran to Macatingog (Bobon) Road in Northern Samar and the Silvino Lubos-Matuguinao Road in Samar.
The nearly completed Catumsan-Jipapad-Las Navas-Catubig-Rawis Road, also known as the Las Navas (Northern Samar)-Jipapad Road in Eastern Samar, is currently 72% complete.
Meanwhile, ongoing efforts to complete the Silvino Lubos (Northern Samar)-Matuguinao Road (Samar) aim not only to curb insurgent movements but also to open essential trade routes.
These roads are particularly vital for connecting remote communities across Samar’s provinces, improving access to healthcare, education, and other basic services, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for Samarnons.
The Silvino Lubos-Matuguinao Road, extending 18 kilometers with plans for four new bridges, is estimated to cost P3.2 billion.
Furthermore, the development of the E. Duran to Macatingog (Bobon) Road, with an estimated budget of P350 million, promises a more direct link between Bobon in Northern Samar and adjacent areas like Calbayog City in Samar, aiding in efforts to combat insurgency.
Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone, who was represented at the meeting by his provincial planning development officer Joselito Abrugar, reiterated the province’s full support for the initiative, emphasizing its role in addressing poverty and achieving long-term peace and stability in Samar.
TACLOBAN CITY – The Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) deploys its maintenance team early this morning, February 10, 2025, to inspect roads and drainage systems for potential flooding. This comes in response to persistent rains caused by the shear line, which continue to affect Leyte.
The Maintenance Section, led by Engr. Charlie B. Tampil, mobilized personnel as early as 6 a.m. to conduct thorough inspections and declogging operations on road drainages. These efforts aim to ensure that major roads remain passable despite the ongoing inclement weather.
According to the latest update from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the shearline affecting Leyte is bringing cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms. The prevailing weather system, influenced by the shear line, has potential to produce moderate to heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash floods and landslides in low-lying and mountainous areas.
District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse emphasized the importance of vigilance and preparedness amid the current weather conditions. “We are closely monitoring the situation and implementing proactive measures to mitigate flooding and road disruptions. I urge the public to remain alert and immediately report any blocked drainage systems or hazardous road conditions to our office so that we can respond swiftly,” Yuse said.
She further assured residents that the Maintenance Team will remain on the ground to address drainage issues as needed, ensuring public safety and minimizing disruptions to transportation. (PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) in Eastern Visayas has disbursed a record P5.6 billion in claims in 2024, reflecting a 51% increase from P3.7 billion in the previous year.
According to Asisclo Militante Jr., head of PhilHealth’s field operations division, the rise in claims is attributed to the agency’s expanded coverage, particularly benefiting low-income families, and improved awareness of healthcare benefits among members.
“We had more claims last year as we expanded our coverage, especially for poor families. We are focused on maintaining critical services to ensure that those who need them most continue to receive proper medical care despite funding challenges,” Militante said during the ‘Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas’ of the Philippine Information Agency(PIA) Tuesday, February 11.
PhilHealth also accelerated its claims processing, reducing the turnaround time from 26 days to just 19 days, significantly faster than the 60-day legal limit and the 30-day ideal processing period.
Militante emphasized that there have been no cases of delayed payments to hospitals and healthcare providers in the region.
Currently, there are over 200 accredited PhilHealth healthcare facilities in Eastern Visayas, including hospitals, rural health centers, and birthing clinics.
Meantime, Rosario Suyom, the agency’s health care delivery management chief, reported that moderate-risk pneumonia ranked first in total benefits paid, amounting to P741 million, while hemodialysis remained the most frequently claimed procedure, with payments reaching P710 million.
In 2023, PhilHealth processed 162,733 hemodialysis claims, compared to 19,678 pneumonia-related claims. However, the higher payout for pneumonia in 2024 is due to a 50% increase in benefits, from P15,000 to P29,250 per case.
At present, 4.9 million individuals—including PhilHealth members and their dependents—are covered under the agency in Eastern Visayas.
TACLOBAN CITY– The mayor of Borongan City, Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, has called on his people to venture into agripreneurship, particularly fish farming, as part of the city’s ‘Dukwag Agrikultura’ program.
“I really appeal that we engage in entrepreneurial business for our food security,” Mayor Agda said in a Viber interview.
The rising prices of fish stem from the city’s insufficient local production, an issue that could be addressed if more Boronganons took up fish farming, the city mayor added.
The mayor reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for fish farming as a key strategy for the city’s food security. “It is in line with the city’s vision to make basic needs affordable for ordinary people,” he said.
“Fish farming has already shown success, but our efforts to convince more people to engage in agricultural entrepreneurship must continue. We must not rest until those who participate in the Dukwag Agrikultura program achieve financial independence,” he added.
To support this initiative, Mayor Agda encouraged residents to take advantage of the ‘Dukwag Agrikultura’ program, assuring them that assistance would be readily available.
“If you encounter problems, do not hesitate to inform my office so we can find solutions. This does not only apply to ‘Dukwag’ but to all services of the city,” he added.
According to Mayor Agda, some residents have already started fish caging for bangus (milkfish) farming.
He shared that, based on monitoring by the City Agriculturist Office, bangus grown in fish cages along Borongan’s coastal areas thrive naturally due to the abundance of plankton, their primary food source.
“The quality of Borongan’s bangus can even rival the famed Dagupan bangus,” he said, expressing optimism that this could serve as a strong foundation for the success of the ‘Dukwag Agrikultura’ ordinance, which aims to boost food production and security in the city.
Mayor Agda also urged residents to support local fishermen by purchasing their catch, emphasizing that experiencing the taste and quality of Borongan’s bangus firsthand would further promote its value.
Currently, fish cages for bangus can be found in the villages of Punta Maria, Takyang, parts of Tabunan, and Canlaray. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
