NSSDEO, Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, Northern Samar– Some local media practitioners of Northern Samar has conducted a media forum with the top management of Department of Public Works and Highways-Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSSDEO) held on June 11, 2024, at the NSSDEO Conference Room, Barangay Burabud, Laoang, Northern Samar.

This undertaking was spearheaded by District Engineer Charlito S. Carlobos and Assistant District Engineer Atty. Arthur Eric L. Sabong assisted by the NSSDEO-Public Information Unit.

Also attended were Chief of Construction Section, Engineer Gil D. Herrera Jr., Acting Chief of Planning and Design Section, Engineer Fiona A. Anunciado, Chief of Maintenance Section, Engineer Francisco Y. Tañala, and the Chief of Finance Section, Michelle G. Suan.
On the other hand, the media practitioners were Mr. Fermin Honey and Jayne Galit of DYSM Aksyon RADYO Catarman, Dennis Orsolino and Samuel Delabajan of Love Radio Catarman, and Danny Balading and Joy Amor of Radyo Pilipinas Catarman.

One of the questions that was asked during the forum was the issue on Samar Pacific Coastal Road where NSSDEO received three different complaints or Request for Action (RFA) from the concerned netizens.

As a response, DE Charlito enlightened everybody that this road section is still in the process of being converted from local to national road.

”This is not under our mandate, because our mandate is to construct and repair national roads and bridges. This road section is still a local road. We are also trying our best to help, like our maintenance engineers initiates to undertake repair woks on said road.” DE Carlobos said.

Then, ADE Atty. Sabong added that, “Major repair and maintenance of this road is not our jurisdiction yet and not included in our regular DPWH mandate as this road is still a local road, however our office has a project proposal of Php 25 million for FY 2025 for the Rehabilitation of Simora-Palapag Road, Palapag, Northern Samar.”

Furthermore, they eventually asked for the process or criteria of conversion, then ADE Atty. Sabong immediately responded that there a lot of things to consider including the Road Right of Way matters, needed to be 4 lanes, and the traffic survey, for it to be converted into national road.

Some issues that have been raised are the road widening projects, proposal of by-pass Road in Palapag, update of Laoang Bridge 1 and 2, preventive maintenance issues, and update for some NSSDEO breakthrough projects.

Queries raised by the media were all answered. DE Carlobos said that there are lot of on-going projects in the province that is advantageous both to the end-users and the locality.(RONEL L.GALUPO,PIO ALTERNATE/PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – Education knows no age limits, as Rowena Taboso, 52, and Ma. Irma Trinidad, 26, is proving this by enrolling in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) class offered at Northern Tacloban City National High School (NTCNHS).

Taboso and Trinidad are part of the 34 pioneer Senior High School ALS students at NTCNHS. They are grateful for the opportunity to return to school.

As the oldest student, Taboso is proud of her pursuit of further knowledge.

She finished secondary education 28 years ago and, before enrolling in ALS was a computer literacy scholar in a program for parents in northern Tacloban.

“Even though I’m the oldest in the class, I’m not ashamed because my classmates are supportive,” Taboso said.

She always dreamed of going back to school, and 28 years later, after her two children finished college, Taboso finally got the chance.

With this opportunity, Taboso aims to pursue her childhood dream of studying interior design. Last year, she was among the top-performing students in the ALS program.

The ALS is a parallel learning system in the Philippines that provides opportunities for out-of-school youth and adult (OSYA) learners to develop basic and functional literacy skills, and to access equivalent pathways to complete basic education.

Trinidad, unlike Taboso, had to leave school due to poverty, working as a house help in Metro Manila at the age of 13, just after graduating elementary school. Her dream of returning to school was further delayed when she had her first child at 16.

Determined to reach her goal, she enrolled in a computer literacy program for parents in the northern barangays, particularly those relocated to Yolanda housing facilities.

The opening of the Senior High School ALS class last year gave her the chance she had been waiting for.

Trinidad attends her classes with her 1-year-old daughter, as do other ALS students with infant children.

“I am grateful for ALS because I can go back to school even though I am already a mother,” she said.

Trinidad plans to pursue a college education, aiming to study either education or entrepreneurship.

Ares Fritz Almaden, NTCNHS ALS coordinator, shared that from 34 students last year, the number has decreased to 28 due to various circumstances such as marriage, pregnancy, and relocation.

Given the students’ unique conditions, Almaden explained that although ALS subjects are the same as those in regular classes, the teaching approach is different to make lessons easier and more understandable.

“Unlike in regular classes, the teaching method for ALS is simplified for the students to easily comprehend and understand their lessons, helping them catch up to the competency of regular students,” Almaden said.

NTCNHS offers two Senior High School strands: general academic strand and technical-vocational-livelihood focusing on cookery. Students use a blended learning style, combining modular and face-to-face classes.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The six symbolic 100 millionth babies from Eastern Visayas celebrated their 10th birthday on Saturday, July 27, with the Commission on Population Development (CPD) VIII leading the celebration.

The region’s symbolic babies include Rian Go of Tacloban City, Miller Josh Tondo of Tanauan, Leyte, Blair Catalea Balabis of San Juan, Southern Leyte, Sunrey Abenales of Catarman, Northern Samar, Jody Carvantes of Borongan City, and Joven Rey Arsenio of Catbalogan City.

CPD Regional Director Elnora Pulma noted that these symbolic babies represent the challenges the Philippines faces due to its growing population.

She emphasized that everyone should have access to government services and benefits.
“They are symbolic because they signify that our population has reached 100 million, and each of us should receive proper services and assistance for our welfare to ensure a quality life,” Pulma explained.

These services include access to adequate food, quality education, health and medical services, and employment opportunities.

“We have been able to provide these symbolic babies with services, but is this enough for the entire population of over 100 million? Is it enough to ensure a quality of life for every Filipino? That is what we are aspiring for,” Pulma added.

Philippine Information Agency Regional Director Reyan Arinto stated that the celebration “serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility” and the ongoing work needed.

“This milestone ushered in a new era for our population program, pushing us to address the needs of a rapidly expanding and increasingly diverse population,” Arinto said.

Although this is the last year the CPD will host the annual birthday celebration for the six symbolic babies, the agency promised to continue monitoring them until they reach adulthood.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)