CATARMAN, N. Samar– To ensure better agricultural connectivity and transport, the DPWH of Northern Samar First District Engineering Office has completed the construction of a Farm-to-Market Road in Barangay E. Duran, Bobon, Northern Samar.

The FMR project, amounting to P4.96 million, involves the construction of 200 meters of Portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP),) which includes embankment from roadway excavation (1,759.66 cu.m) and slope protection structures on concrete revetment of 34 meters on the left side and 25 meters on the right side.

District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio emphasized that the newly paved road now enhances the efficiency of transporting produce to markets specially that the local communities are mostly engaged in agricultural productivity such as coconut, rice crops and vegetable farming, as their source of livelihood.

For residents like Eugene, the road has already begun to make a difference. “Noong wala pa itong kalsada, mahirap kasi mayroon din doon nagsasaka ng niyog, mahirap magdala dito ng produkto papunta dito sa barangay. Di kagaya ngayon abot na doon at madali na ang pagdala dito nga mga produkto ng mga residente,” he shared.

Another local resident expressed gratitude, emphasizing the project’s impact on transporting their produce. “Mahirap noon ang aming kalagayan, dahil kunti lang ang aming kayang dalhin kasi malayo. Dahil ang pagdala dito ng mga kopras magbabayad ka bawat kilo, gaya din ng kamoteng kahoy Php100 ang bawat sako, kamote. Pwede ka magdala sa may kalsada, ikarga mo dito sa scooter. Napakalaking naitulong ito ngayong kalsada dito dahil madali na ang pagbyahe ng aming mga produkto. Napakalaking pasasalamat naming madali nang bumiyahe papunta sa aming mga baryo.” Angelita Sevellano stated.

This project is in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), aiming to provide better connectivity between production areas and markets, enhancing the efficiency of transporting agricultural products.

Strategically planned for long-term development, it will eventually connect to the San Isidro-Lope De Vega Road, further expanding economic opportunities, fostering rural development, and improving the overall quality of life for communities in the area.

(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)

TACLOBAN CITY—The provincial government of Samar, led by Governor Sharee Ann Tan, launched the Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics (CDP) on February 12 at the Spark Samar Development Hub in Catbalogan City.

The center offers occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy to support children with special needs.

Governor Tan emphasized the initiative’s role in human capital development, ensuring inclusive and accessible care. “Investing in our children’s future is a priority. This center fosters a supportive community where every child can thrive,” she stated.

The center also provides training for parents and teachers to enhance long-term care.
Ralph Tizon, the center’s head, highlighted its commitment to quality services, while Dr. Jansenn Mutya, chief hospital of Samar Provincial Hospital, affirmed its supervision under the hospital for top-tier medical and therapeutic care.

This initiative reflects the provincial government’s dedication to inclusive healthcare and social development, ensuring better opportunities for children with developmental challenges.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office in Eastern Visayas reported that the construction of the Tacloban Airport Passenger Terminal Building is progressing ahead of schedule, with actual accomplishments significantly exceeding planned targets.

The DPWH is managing two contracts under the Tacloban City Airport Development Project, both of which are recording positive progress rates.

Based on the latest update, the phase 3 works of the Tacloban Airport Passenger Terminal Building has reached a 48.33% accomplishment rate, surpassing the scheduled target of 3.98%. Similarly, civil works for the support facilities of the new airport have achieved a 50% completion rate, well ahead of the 12.62% planned progress.

As of January 31, 2025, the overall completion rate for both contracts stands at 32.22%.
“Phase 3 of this project is on track, and we are optimistic that the civil works under DPWH’s responsibility will be completed ahead of schedule,” said DPWH Regional Director Edgar Tabacon in a statement.

The DPWH regional office commenced work on Phase 3 in October 2024. This phase includes embankment works, waterproofing, tile installation, painting, and the installation of essential equipment such as the air-conditioning system and electric elevators.

Carpentry and joinery works, along with the installation of screening and ground support equipment, are also part of the scope.

Out of the P1 billion allotment for this contract, P387.438 million has been disbursed as of the January 31st report.

In addition to the terminal building, the DPWH is concurrently working on various support facilities, including the rescue and firefighting facility, motor pool and maintenance building, sewage treatment plant, passenger terminal parking and taxiway, material recovery facility, and site development works, such as civil works and landscaping.

The contract for these support facilities, scheduled for completion in October 2025, has utilized P159.776 million from its P500 million allocation.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the lead agency for the airport project, is responsible for phases 1 and 2.

The development of the new Tacloban City Airport aims to enhance infrastructure, improve passenger experience, and strengthen the city’s role as a key travel hub in Eastern Visayas.
Despite rapid progress, the DPWH continues to coordinate closely with CAAP Area 8 to address challenges, including adverse weather conditions affecting the region since the last quarter of 2024.

Once operational, the modernized Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport, ranked as the 7th busiest in the country, is expected to accommodate international flights, further boosting economic and tourism growth in the region.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

To also boost tourism in the island

TACLOBAN CITY – The P127-million Higatangan submarine cable project is set to begin this year and is expected to be completed within five to six months.

This 4-kilometer, three-phase submarine cable will provide 24-hour electricity to over 500 households across two barangays that currently experience only eight hours of power supply daily.

The project will also benefit tourism facilities offering accommodations, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the region.

“Having 24/7 electricity is essential for tourism, as power is a basic requirement for accommodation establishments and service providers catering to tourists,” said DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes.

“Visitors expect to charge their gadgets, use electrical equipment, and enjoy well-lit surroundings, especially at night. Reliable electricity will enhance the overall visitor experience,” she added.

Tiopes also emphasized that uninterrupted power will attract more investments to the island, generating jobs, livelihoods, and additional income for locals. “Stable power availability gives businesses more confidence to invest, particularly in the hospitality industry,” she noted.

According to the Philippine Information Agency, the project is funded by the Department of Energy and facilitated by the National Electrification Administration. It has been in development for over four years, as confirmed by Biliran Electric Cooperative (Bileco) general manager Engr. Gerardo Oledan.

The submarine cable will run from Barangay Jubay in Calubian, Leyte, to Barangay Mabini in Higatangan Island, Naval, Biliran.

With a carrying capacity of 13,200 volts, it will replace the current limited power supply, which runs only from 3 pm to 11 pm.

Higatangan Island, accessible via a 30-minute motorboat ride from the port of Naval, is known for its shifting sandbar in Brgy.Mabini, which changes position based on the monsoon. The island also features a sunken chapel ideal for scuba diving, a cliff diving site, and camping areas.

Additionally, the island hosts the Higatangan Island Summer Festival, an annual event that draws local and domestic visitors. In 2024, an international cruise ship made a port call, positioning Higatangan as a potential destination for cruise tourism in Eastern Visayas.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)