ALANGALANG, Leyte – World Bank task team leader, Theresa Quiñonez, expressed satisfaction with how the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project is being implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Eastern Visayas over the past four years.

Quiñonez said during the 11th Implementation Support Mission (ISM) held in this region from March 19 to 21 this year, “I am very happy to see the progress made in Region-8.” “Based on what we have heard from the ARBs (agrarian reform beneficiaries), they are happy with the process of SPLIT, how the DAR had conducted the activities under SPLIT, ensuring participation as well as in decision making of ARBs,” she added.

Together with other World Bank representatives, Quiñonez proceeded to Barangay Borseth in this town, some 30 kilometers away from Tacloban City, on the first day, despite heavy rains, and had a consultation-dialogue with ARBs who are recipients of the SPLIT Project.
The World Bank team, accompanied by representatives from the Central Project Management Office (CPMO) of DAR, were happy to note that the ARBs were fully informed and understood the purpose of the SPLIT Project after each one of them were asked to share their individual experiences related to SPLIT implementation.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Agrarian Reform Office (MARO) personnel were likewise commended for knowing the process and doing their job correctly after they were asked to demonstrate the steps in conducting the “pulong-pulong.”

Though, the team decided to forego the observation of the actual conduct of the survey due to the inclement weather, Quiñonez likewise commended how this region accomplished survey activities conducted by administration.

Assistant Regional Director for Operations, Renato Badilla, reported that survey conducted by administration was more efficient and effective over survey conducted by contract. Badilla explained that field activities were completed in a shorter period with surveys conducted by administration.

Further, DAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director, Atty. Robert Anthony Yu, disclosed to the World Bank that “field validation throughout the region is already completed, while redocumentation activities by the MAROs are being monitored daily to make sure that we be able to deliver our target this year.”

ISM, according to Quiñonez, is being conducted jointly by the World Bank and DAR every six months to see the progress of the SPLIT Project as well as determine the areas that need improvement to expedite its implementation. SPLIT Project is going to end in 2027.
The World Bank provides funding to the implementation of the SPLIT Project through a loan.

(JOSE ALSMITH L.SORIA/PR)

A construction project of Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) for a three-storey building intended for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Regional Office VIII in Tacloban City is underway to replace the aging facility currently in use.

The project, now at 25% completion rate, was funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act with a contract amount of P48.2-million

The construction of the building will include the offices for the Provincial Director, Office of the Regional Director, Finance and Administrative Services Division, and Regional Operation Division. Additionally, the building will feature essential areas including stock rooms, records rooms, pantries, toilet facilities, an elevator room, a meeting conference room, office spaces, and a multi-purpose hall. These improvements are designed to provide a safer and more inviting workspace for TESDA employees and a better service environment for clients.

“This construction project reflects our commitment to modernize government infrastructure. Our goal is to deliver a safe, versatile, and inviting space that not only meets current needs but also supports future growth,” said District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse.
(PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT)

CATARMAN, Northern Samar– In recognition of the remarkable contributions of the late Bishop Angel T. Hobayan, the first bishop of the Diocese of Catarman, the local government of Catarman has begun the process of renaming Sergio Osmeña Street to Bishop Anghel T. Hobayan Street/Avenue.

The request, made by the Diocese of Catarman through Vicar General Msgr. Gaspar Balerite, has been endorsed by Mayor Antet Rosales for deliberation at the Sangguniang Bayan.

The proposal aligns with the 50th founding anniversary of the Diocese and serves as a tribute to Bishop Hobayan on the second anniversary of his passing.

Osmeña Street holds great significance for the Catholic community, as it is home to the Catarman Cathedral where Bishop Hobayan is laid to rest, and the Diocesan Catholic Center (DCC), a place he helped establish and where he resided until his final days.

On Tuesday, March 25, Councilor Neil Hernandez led a joint meeting of the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Ordinances and Legal Matters and the Committee on Tourism, Trade, and Commerce to discuss the proposed street renaming.

Among those who attended to share their insights were MLGOO Roel Ortiz, MPOSO Chief Atty. Harold Horcasitas, OIC Municipal Tourism Officer Randy Tobiaso, Acting SB Secretary Glenn Delorino, Ms. Mariel Ong-Lao of MPDC, and Ms. Karen Gajutos, Executive Secretary of the Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat Office.

Beyond honoring Bishop Hobayan’s three decades of service (1975-2005), this initiative seeks to ensure that his legacy remains deeply ingrained in the community of Catarman.

(RACHEL ARNAIZ, MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF CATARMAN INFORMATION OFFICE)

TACLOBAN CITY – As part of its intensified security measures for the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE), the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) deployed 88 personnel under the Regional Special Operations Task Group-LEYSA (RSOTG-LEYSA) to key areas in Leyte’s 4th district on Thursday, March 27.

A send-off ceremony was held in Palompon, Leyte, marking the beginning of heightened security operations aimed at ensuring a safe, orderly, and peaceful election in Eastern Visayas.

PB/Gen. Jay Cumigad, police regional director, underscored the importance of strategic deployment in maintaining peace and order during the electoral process.

“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to safe and secure elections. By strategically positioning our personnel and resources, we aim to deter potential threats, enhance security operations, and uphold the integrity of the electoral process. The responsibility of safeguarding our democracy rests not only on law enforcement but also on the collective vigilance of the community,” he said.

The deployed personnel will be stationed across six municipalities—Palompon, Isabel, Merida, Matag-ob, Albuera, and Kananga—where they will man fixed control points, checkpoints, and key entry-exit areas to ensure heightened security.

Shooting incidents which sometimes led to death have been reported in these areas, some involving political leaders of political leaders.

To further enhance law enforcement capabilities, two SWAT teams from Albuera have been reassigned to Palompon as a Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF), ready to respond to high-risk situations requiring specialized intervention.

Additionally, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD-8) has deployed a Mobile Response Vehicle (MRV) to improve mobility and provide immediate response to any security concerns in the district.

Cumigad urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement to maintain peace and security during the elections. He also reminded deployed personnel of their critical role in protecting democracy.

“To our personnel, this mission is of great significance. You are not only securing our communities but also safeguarding the foundation of our democracy. Serve with professionalism and unwavering dedication. Let us work together for a safer and more peaceful Eastern Visayas,” he emphasized.

The campaign period for those seeking local elective posts officially starts on Friday, March 28.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)