ORMOC CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) completes the construction of a new Philippine National Police (PNP) building in Brgy. Liberty, Ormoc City.

This multipurpose building, spanning an area of 288 square meters across two floors with an additional rooftop deck, was built with a total contract amount of Php 6,687,449.30 funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2023.

The new structure replaces the Ormoc City Mobile Force Company 3rd Platoon Liberty Base’s previous base which was overcrowded and insufficient for their needs.

According to Patrolman Lydon C. Dumpang, their former facility was too small and only rented, with limited amenities. “Malaki ang difference kasi dito sa bago na base, malaki na ang space, meron na kaming magandang nahihigaan, maraming comfort rooms at may tubig na kami dito,” he said. “Unlike before kahoy lang ang base, ngayon concrete building na talaga yung station namin.”

The construction of the fully-equipped PNP station significantly boosts security in Brgy. Liberty, which is a far-flung area that serves as a tri-boundary connecting Albuera, Burauen, and Ormoc City proper.

“Yung presence namin ay malaking tulong sa safety ng barangay kasi ‘pag merong pulis nag-hesitate mag commit ng crime ang mga criminal offenders. Yung mga tao, nakikipagtulungan din sila sa amin na ma-maintain ang peace and order ng barangay,” Pat. Dumpang added.

Enhancing the operational capabilities of the police force in Ormoc, the building also provides a space for the public to report incidents, file complaints, and seek assistance – leading to improved efficiency in delivering services to residents. (PR)

Catarman Northern Samar– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Northern Samar First District Engineering Office (NSFDEO) actively participated in the nationwide synchronized “Operation Baklas”, an initiative led by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to remove unlawful campaign materials ahead of the May 12, 2025, midterm elections.

This activity aimed to dismantle all prohibited election paraphernalia displayed in unauthorized locations, ensuring compliance with election laws and preventing potential hazards caused by the massive hanging of tarpaulins in public spaces. With the election period fast approaching, this measure serves as a preemptive effort to maintain public safety.

District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio deployed roadside maintenance workers to facilitate the removal of unlawful election posters obstructing major highways and in public places outside the common posting areas.

“The midterm election is near, this illegally put-up election paraphernalia along major thoroughfares can pose a serious danger to the traveling public, so we will continue to monitor and will strictly comply with the COMELEC’s directive to ensure public safety.”
DPWH-NSFDEO served a total of five (5) municipalities within the 1st District of Northern Samar during the kick-off of said activity together with the Philippine National Police, and COMELEC personnel.

The District Office’s proactive participation in Operation Baklas demonstrates its commitment to ensuring a safe and compliant electoral environment.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The ‘Tara, Basa!’ tutoring program is set to benefit more learners and families in Tacloban City as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) strengthens its partnership with key local institutions.

On Tuesday, February 11, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed between DSWD regional office, the Tacloban City government, Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), and Leyte Normal University (LNU) to formally implement the initiative in the city.

DSWD Director Grace Sugbong led the MOA signing, joined by LNU president Evelyn Aguirre, EVSU president Dennis De Paz, and Liga ng mga Barangay Tacloban and Region 8 president Raymund Romualdez, who represented Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez. Tacloban Schools Division superintendent Sherlita Palma served as the witness to the agreement.

With a regional target of 1,510 tutors and Youth Development Workers (YDWs) assisting 5,040 learners and parents, Tacloban City will contribute 477 college student tutors and support 1,260 learners and parents under the program.

The ‘Tara, Basa!’ program is a three-pronged social welfare intervention designed to improve literacy skills among struggling Grade 2 pupils through structured tutoring; provide financial support to college students through a cash-for-work scheme, enabling them to serve as tutors; and enhance parental involvement through Nanay-Tatay sessions, where YDWs will conduct discussions on effective parenting, family dynamics, child development, and children’s rights, equipping parents with the skills to better support their children’s education.

The program is set to run in Tacloban from May 19 to June 13, 2025.