TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the region is set to undertake an unprecedented infrastructure development program in 2025, with a total of 1,521 projects worth P58.655 billion spread across the six provinces of Eastern Visayas.

This year’s infrastructure push, one of the most ambitious in recent years, aims to enhance road connectivity, fortify disaster resilience, and boost economic growth across the region.
Of the 1,521 projects, a significant portion is dedicated to improving the region’s transportation network, with 288 road projects, including construction, widening, rehabilitation, and improvement initiatives; and 51 bridge projects, covering repairs, widening, and new constructions to strengthen inter-provincial and inter-city connectivity.

A total of 175 flood control structures will be built across the region to mitigate the impact of flooding, protect lives and properties, and strengthen disaster resilience.

Under the Convergence and Special Support Program (CSSP), DPWH-8 will also roll out key projects aimed at boosting tourism, trade, and essential services.

These includes 22 tourism road projects under the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP); 3 projects under Kalsada Tungo sa Paliparan, Riles at Daungan (KATUPARAN), which improves access to airports, railways, and ports; and 4 projects under the Roads Leveraging Linkages for Industry and Trade (ROLL-IT) Program to facilitate smoother logistics and commerce.

To improve basic infrastructure and public service access, DPWH-8 will also implement seven water supply system projects to ensure reliable access to clean water; 14 National Building Program projects, including government office buildings and other public facilities; 587 projects under the Basic Infrastructure Program (BIP) to enhance essential community structures; 326 Sustainable Infrastructure Projects Alleviating Gaps (SIPAG) projects to address infrastructure deficiencies in various sectors; and 44 road projects under the Special Road Fund – Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) for road maintenance and improvement.

Among the flagship projects funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) are Tacloban City Causeway, a vital road infrastructure to improve mobility and ease congestion; Samar Island Medical Center, enhancing healthcare access in the province; Basey-Maydolong Road, providing a crucial link between Samar and Eastern Samar; Mahaplag-Hilongos Road, improving inter-town connectivity; and Tacloban City Bypass Road Extension, aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the city.

With P58.66 billion allocated for 1,521 projects, DPWH-8’s ambitious infrastructure plan is expected to stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, improve connectivity, and enhance disaster resilience across Eastern Visayas.

The agency’s efforts will not only transform the region’s physical landscape but also pave the way for sustainable development and improved quality of life for its residents.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – As Pope Francis continues to battle health issues, one family he personally met during his visit to this city 10 years ago is among those fervently praying for his recovery.

During his historic visit on January 17, 2015, in the aftermath of Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ (international name: Haiyan), the Pontiff made an unexpected stop at the home of Jenita Aguilar, 54, in the San Jose district, the area worst hit by the typhoon.

The visit took place on his way to the cathedral in Palo, Leyte.

“We learned about the Pope’s condition through social media, and since then, we have been praying daily for his fast recovery,” Aguilar shared in an interview on Tuesday, March 4 at their home in Pope Francis-SM Cares Village, a resettlement site in Barangay New Kawayan for Yolanda survivors who lost their homes.

She expressed confidence that their prayers would help the Pope regain his strength.
“I still remember the moment we met him. His hands were so soft, and his voice was gentle. He placed his hands on our heads as he blessed us,” Aguilar recalled, speaking of her personal encounter with the now-ailing Pontiff.

The visit, she said, was a complete surprise.

“We were just outside our house in Barangay 86, San Jose, waiting for the Pope’s convoy to pass by when suddenly, he stopped at our home. No one had informed us that he would be visiting,” she said, adding that the brief encounter lasted only a few minutes.

One of the Pope’s security personnel handed them a rosary, which they have kept at their altar as a cherished souvenir.

Aside from Aguilar, Pope Francis also blessed her husband, Ruby, 48, their daughter Elizabeth, and the families of her three siblings.

The Aguilar family’s joy was bittersweet, as they had suffered a devastating loss during Yolanda.

Their son, Rodgen, who was seven years old at the time, was swept away by the storm surge.

“We were taking shelter at the house of a relative when the storm surge hit us, and I lost my grip on him. We searched for his body, but we never found him,” Aguilar said, her voice filled with emotion.

Several of their relatives also perished in the typhoon.

Since May 2015, the Aguilars have been living in Pope Francis-SM Cares Village, one of the resettlement communities established for survivors.

(JOEY A. GABIETA, ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The final leg of the 2025 Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet officially kicked off in Tacloban City on Wednesday, March 5, with around 5,000 athletes and coaches from 13 school divisions gathering for the region’s premier sports competition.

“This much-anticipated sporting event serves as a venue for our student-athletes to showcase their talent, determination, and sportsmanship,” said Ronelo Al Firmo, Department of Education (DepEd) assistant regional director, during the opening ceremony at the Tacloban City Convention Center.

“It is through these games that we witness the true power of sports in shaping our youth, instilling in them the values of perseverance, excellence, and unity,” he added.
Despite the rainy weather, the EVRAA Meet 2025 pushed forward with competitions scheduled from March 5 to 9 at various venues across Tacloban City.

Athletes will compete in events such as archery, athletics, dancesport, gymnastics, swimming, taekwondo, tennis, wrestling, and special games for para-athletes.

In a video message, DepEd Regional Director Evelyn Fetalvero commended Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez for his unwavering support and resources in hosting the event.
She also reminded athletes that their participation in this year’s EVRAA Meet would help them “harness potentials, overcome challenges, and create new successes that will propel us into the future.”

“We compete together, face challenges together, and, obviously, we will be successful together,” added Mayor Romualdez in his speech.

A highlight of the opening ceremony was the lighting of the friendship urn, led by 2024 Olympic bronze medalist and Tacloban native Aira Villegas.

She was joined by 2024 Palarong Pambansa gold medalists Jan Dwayne Malpas and Karl Eitan Reposar, as well as Asia Tria Youth Championship gold medalist Yvaine Osias.
Several local leaders also graced the event, including Maasin City Mayor Nacional Mercado, Ormoc Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, and other city, provincial, and congressional district officials.

With the competition now in full swing, Eastern Visayas’ top athletes are set to battle for glory, hoping to bring home medals and make their respective divisions proud.

(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre lauded the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, calling it a significant milestone in addressing the growing mental health concerns among Filipino students.

Signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in December 2024, RA 12080 mandates school-based mental health programs to raise awareness, provide early intervention, and offer direct support to students and school personnel. With the IRR now finalized, public and private schools are set to roll out these initiatives in the coming school year.

Acidre, a commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), stressed the urgency of implementing the law, citing alarming indicators of student distress.

He pointed out that the Philippines had the highest incidence of bullying among OECD countries, as reported in the 2018 PISA study, with 65% of Grade 10 students experiencing bullying several times a month. Additionally, from November 2022 to July 2024, only 11% of reported bullying cases were officially resolved, according to Department of Education (DepEd) data.

“These are not just statistics; they reflect a reality in our schools that we can no longer ignore. If we want our learners to succeed academically, we must ensure they study in safe and supportive environments where mental health is a priority,” Acidre said.

Among the key provision of the law include a school-based care centers – All public schools are required to establish Care Centers offering counseling services, crisis intervention, and regular mental health screenings; division-level mental health offices, each schools division office will have a Mental Health and Well-Being Office responsible for implementing and monitoring mental health programs;and comprehensive training for educators, teachers and school personnel will undergo training to identify early signs of mental health issues and provide basic psychological first aid.

Acidre emphasized that EDCOM 2 has been pushing for stronger learner protection programs as part of broader education policy reforms. In addition to implementing RA 12080, the commission is working with DepEd to revise the IRR of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, ensuring stricter enforcement and clearer accountability at the school level.

“We need a whole-of-school approach—one that not only responds to mental health concerns but also fosters a culture of care, respect, and early intervention,” Acidre noted.
Rep. Acidre also highlighted the importance of normalizing mental health conversations in schools, as stigma remains a major barrier preventing students from seeking help. By institutionalizing these programs, RA 12080 ensures accessible mental health support and reinforces that student well-being is an essential part of quality education.

“This law is about protecting the whole learner—mind, body, and spirit. Every student who walks into a classroom should feel valued and know that help is always within reach,” he added.

RA 12080 was championed by EDCOM 2 Co-Chairpersons Rep. Roman Romulo and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, with Rep. Jude Acidre, Rep. Mark Go, Rep. Khalid Dimaporo, and Senator Joel Villanueva serving as co-authors.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)