TACLOBAN CITY— Representatives from the Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO), Philippine National Police (PNP) Abucay, Tacloban City Traffic Management Enforcement and Control Office (Tomeco), and Barangay 94 gathered on January 14, 2025, to address the safety concerns following the recent incident on Tigbao Bypass Road.
The meeting was held at Barangay 94, Tigbao, and Tacloban City. Among the TCDEO representatives present were Maintenance Section Chief Engr. Charlie B. Tampil, accompanied by Engrs. Rey P. Jecino and Elizar Jerome Baclea-an.
Despite the presence of safety warnings on the Tigbao Bypass Road and the preventive measures implemented by the TCDEO, there were still accidents recorded, raising concerns about the safety of the area. In response, the meeting identified the need for additional interventions to improve road safety.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement to propose the construction of a traffic island along the Tigbao Bypass Road. This measure aims to improve traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of further accidents. Hence, Barangay Tigbao, through the council, will draft a formal resolution to be forwarded to the CDEO, requesting immediate action.
Engr. Tampil, the Maintenance Section Chief of TCDEO, emphasized the agency’s commitment to address the issue, stating, “We recognize the urgency of improving safety on the Tigbao Bypass Road. Our office is prepared to act swiftly upon the resolution’s approval, and we are determined to implement measures that will make this road safer for all motorists.” (PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT)
TACLOBAN CITY—A total of 530 centenarians in Eastern Visayas have received benefits under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 8’s Centenarian Program since its implementation in 2016.
In accordance with Republic Act 10868, also known as the Centenarians Act of 2016, each beneficiary received a monetary incentive of P100,000 and a letter of recognition from the President of the Philippines.
Based on data, 34 centenarians hailed from Biliran province, 63 from each Southern Leyte and Northern Samar, 79 from Samar province, and 92 from Eastern Samar.
Leyte province recorded the highest number of beneficiaries, with a total of 199 centenarians.
Of the total beneficiaries, 126 were men and 404 were women.
The program’s successful implementation over the years has been made possible through the collaboration between the DSWD and various Local Government Units (LGUs) in the region.
The initiative aims to honor and recognize centenarians for their significant contributions to society.
Starting in 2025, the management of the Centenarian Program will be transferred to the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC).
This transition will coincide with the implementation of Republic Act 11982, or the Expanded Centenarians Act, which seeks to provide cash incentives to Filipino octogenarians (80 to 85 years old) and nonagenarians (90 to 95 years old). (PR)
ORMOC CITY— A 39-year-old woman was apprehended by local police in Barangay Libtong, Naval, Biliran following the issuance of a warrant of arrest for a cybercrime violation on Tuesday morning, January 14.
Police identified the suspect as alias “Duday,” a married resident of the said barangay.
The arrest was carried out by virtue of a warrant issued by Executive Judge Luz Petilla Navarrete of the Regional Trial Court, 8th Judicial Region, Branch 16 in Naval.
The court recommended bail of P10,000 for her temporary release in relation to a case filed under Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Authorities confirmed that the accused was informed of the charges against her and her constitutional rights in a language she fully understood.
The suspect is currently detained at the Naval Municipal Police Station for booking and documentation before being presented to the court that issued the arrest warrant. (ROBERT DEJON)
TACLOBAN CITY– The region’s total number of constructions increased by 5.1 percent, from 1,344 constructions recorded in the 3rd quarter of 2023 to 1,413 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2024.
The regional increase was brought about by the 11.9 percent growth in the non-residential buildings with 421 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2023 to 471 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2024.
The number of residential buildings also went up by 5.1 percent, from 804 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2023 to 845 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2024. On the other hand, the combined number of additions/alterations and repairs decreased by 18.5 percent, posting 97 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2024 from 119 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2023.
In the 3rd quarter of 2024, the number of residential buildings comprised 59.8 percent of the total constructions in the region, while non-residential buildings and additions/alterations and repairs accounted for 33.3 percent and 6.9 percent, respectively.
The growth in the total number of constructions led to a 25.0 percent increase in their total value during the 3rd quarter of 2024. The estimated P 3.0 billion total value of constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2023 went up to P 3.8 billion in the same period in 2024.
This increase was attributed to the 52.5 percent growth in the total value of non-residential buildings, from P1.5 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2023 to P2.3 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2024.
The total value of residential buildings also increased by 2.9 percent from P 1.20 billion in 3rd quarter of 2023 to P1.24 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, the total value of additions/alterations and repair of existing structures went down by 25.6 percent from P0.3 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2023 to P0.2 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2024.
In terms of share to total value of construction, non-residential buildings’ value of construction comprised the bulk at 61.3 percent. The value of construction of residential buildings contributed 32.6 percent, while, additions/alterations and repairs accounted for 6.1 percent of the region’s total value of constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2024.
Average cost of construction per square meter was estimated at P11,108 for residential buildings and P12,261 for non-residential buildings.
Data were based on the results of construction statistics from approved building permits. (PR)
CALL FOR HELP. In the aftermath of severe flooding that devastated Jipapad, Eastern Samar, local officials are urgently appealing for food assistance and livelihood support for affected residents. The town, which has been placed under a state of calamity, continues to grapple with the widespread impact of the disaster.
(DR. BENJIE E. VER FACEBOOK ACCOUNT)
After massive flooding
CALL FOR HELP. In the aftermath of severe flooding that devastated Jipapad, Eastern Samar, local officials are urgently appealing for food assistance and livelihood support for affected residents. The town, which has been placed under a state of calamity, continues to grapple with the widespread impact of the disaster. (DR. BENJIE E. VER FACEBOOK ACCOUNT)
TACLOBAN CITY — The local government of Jipapad, Eastern Samar is urgently appealing for food aid and livelihood assistance for farmers and residents severely affected by massive flooding that began on Friday, January 10.
The continuous heavy rains destroyed newly planted rice crops and impacted over 1,800 families in the low-lying town.
Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Victorina Abestros reported that the floods affected 1,817 families, or approximately 9,913 individuals, across Jipapad.
The devastation included the destruction of 47.99 hectares of rice fields, resulting in crop losses valued at P719,850.
“This involves newly planted rice crops that were completely wiped out,” Abestros said in an online interview on Tuesday, January 14. She emphasized the need for assistance, stating that the local calamity fund of P7.551 million is insufficient to cover the extensive damage.
“We cannot fully use the fund considering that it is just the start of the New Year. For this year, our calamity fund is about P7.551 million,” she added.
Despite limited resources, the local government has prepared food packs for distribution to affected families.
However, Abestros highlighted that the primary concern remains the livelihood of farmers who lost their crops.
The Sangguniang Bayan declared Jipapad under a state of calamity on Sunday, Jan.12, following the recommendation of Mayor Benjamin Ver.
This declaration allows the local government to access emergency funds to support recovery efforts.
Jipapad, situated near the Oras River and Pambujan River, is highly prone to flooding, particularly during prolonged heavy rains. The recent flooding, triggered by the shearline, submerged rice fields and disrupted the lives of its people.
In previous incidents, floodwaters have submerged houses, schools, and other structures in Jipapad.
VISIT. Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown (center) is welcomed by Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan (left) and newly installed Catarman Bishop Nolly Buco (right) during his visit to the province on Wednesday, January 15. Archbishop Brown led the installation of Bishop Buco as the third resident bishop of the Diocese of Catarman, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the Church and government in fostering peace and development in the community.
(Photo courtesy of Northern Samar Provincial Information Office)
VISIT. Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown (center) is welcomed by Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan (left) and newly installed Catarman Bishop Nolly Buco (right) during his visit to the province on Wednesday, January 15. Archbishop Brown led the installation of Bishop Buco as the third resident bishop of the Diocese of Catarman, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the Church and government in fostering peace and development in the community. (Photo courtesy of Northern Samar Provincial Information Office)
TACLOBAN CITY – Vatican Ambassador to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the church and government.
Brown made this statement during his visit to Catarman on Wednesday, Jan.15, where he led the formal assumption of Bishop Nolly Buco as the third bishop of the Catarman diocese.
“The government is not the same as the Church. The church is not the same as the government. We have different functions, don’t we? But, and this is the important thing, when we work together,” Archbishop Brown said during a short program attended by provincial officials and leaders of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Papal Nuncio underscored that despite the distinct roles of the church and the government, their cooperation can bring about positive outcomes that benefit the community.
“Cooperation between the church and the government is so important,” he added.
Archbishop Brown visited the province to preside over the installation of Bishop Buco as the third resident bishop of the Diocese of Catarman. Bishop Buco was appointed by Pope Francis in October 2024 and previously served as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese before his new assignment.
The Papal Nuncio was accompanied by a delegation that included several prominent church leaders: Bishop Francisco De Leon, Bishop Mylo Vergara, Bishop Ruperto Santos, Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian, Bishop Oscar Florencio, Bishop Sofronio Aguirre Bancud, Monsignor Guiseppe Trentadue, Fr. Ric Marpa, Fr. Vjekoslav Holik, Sr. Leah Vinluan, and Fr. Lambert Ramos.
Provincial officials led by Governor Edwin Ongchuan, Vice Governor Clarence Dato, and 2nd District Congressman Harris Christopher Ongchuan, along with Diocese of Catarman Vicar General Gaspar Balerite, warmly welcomed the Vatican representative.
In his message, Governor Ongchuan highlighted the significance of Archbishop Brown’s visit, describing it as a symbol of the enduring bond between the Vatican and the people of Northern Samar.
“The visit of the Papal Nuncio to our province symbolizes the enduring bond between the Vatican and the people of our province, a relationship rooted in a remarkable history of shared faith, mutual respect, and a commitment to serving humanity,” Gov.Ongchuan said.
He further expressed that the event marks a renewal of hope for the community, especially with the installation of a new bishop to guide the faithful in faith and service.
“This event is a profound moment and renewal of hope for our community as we welcome our new shepherd to guide us in faith and service. As we gather here today, let this moment be a reminder of the enduring power of faith and unity,” he added.
Archbishop Brown’s visit underscores the continued relevance of church-government partnerships in addressing the needs of the people in Northern Samar, fostering hope and strengthening ties between religious and civic leaders.
