Ormoc City – In the spirit of compassion and giving, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) brought warmth and joy to the community with its annual “Share A Joy” activity. This year’s efforts touched the lives of some of Ormoc City’s most vulnerable members.
The team visited three charitable organizations that offer hope and healing to those in need. The Hayag Receiving and Child Caring Home provides a safe haven for abandoned children, while the Ormoc Holy Family Foundation serves as a home for the elderly who may otherwise feel forgotten. Meanwhile, the Lingap Center stands as a sanctuary for women who have survived abuse, giving them a place to heal and rebuild.
Through the generosity and teamwork of the employees, the organizations were provided with essentials that go beyond basics. Fresh vegetables, eggs, and milk were shared to nourish, while medicines, hygiene kits, and diapers ensured health and wellness. A wheelchair and mattress foams were also provided for comfort, alongside canned goods, laundry detergents and other supplies that help with the day-to-day challenges these communities face.
For the Department, this act of generosity was not just about handing over donations – it was about connecting with people, sharing smiles, and letting them know they are seen, valued, and cared for. (PR)
TACLOBAN CITY – Personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office, including permanent staff, job order workers, and roadside maintenance crews, received a sack of well-milled rice each as a Christmas gift from Vice Governor Leonardo “Sandy” Javier and Rep. Lolita “Karen” Javier.
District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura expressed gratitude on behalf of the 432 beneficiaries, stating, “We are thankful for the generosity and thoughtfulness of Vice Governor Sandy and Congresswoman Karen Javier, who have consistently shared their blessings with us for six consecutive years.”
Maintenance worker Niño Igot highlighted the impact of the gift, saying, “This sack of rice is a big help to our family. We deeply thank Congresswoman Karen Javier and Vice Governor Sandy Javier for their unwavering support to us here at the DPWH Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO).”
He also expressed the employees’ commitment to public service: “We appreciate your dedicated service to the Second District of Leyte. We pledge to continue serving our constituents with the same integrity and dedication you exemplify.”
The distribution of rice, timed for the Christmas holidays, was facilitated by District Engineer Oppura, Assistant District Engineer Francisco Robin Jr., and the chiefs of sections at the district office. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
TACLOBAN CITY – 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan expressed joy over the groundbreaking of two significant infrastructure projects under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program in Eastern Samar.
The projects, which include the 2.4-kilometer Maslog-Jipapad Road and the 22-meter Panic-an Bridge, aim to connect remote barangays to economic opportunities and essential public services.
These initiatives are expected to promote peace, resilience, and sustainable development in the region, Libanan, who is the minority floor leader of the House of Representatives, said.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place in Brgy. Poblacion, Maslog, Eastern Samar, with Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., presidential adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, highlighting the importance of the projects.
“These initiatives symbolize hope, unity, and the government’s commitment to inclusive growth in Eastern Samar,” he said during his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, Dec.16.
Rep.Libanan, instrumental in securing funding for the projects, received praise from the people of Eastern Samar, particularly Maslog residents who stand to benefit directly.
The projects promise for a better accessibility by linking remote communities to economic centers; increased opportunities through improved access to livelihood, healthcare, and education; and peacebuilding by fostering sustainable peace and progress.
The event was graced by military and local officials, including Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg (commander of the Visayas Command), M/Gen.Adonis Ariel Orio (commander of the 8th Infantry Division), B/Gen. Lenart Lelina (commander of the 801st Brigade), PCol. Ernesto Macasil (director of the Eastern Samar Provincial Police Office), Lt.Col. Dexter Alacan, deputy director for operations of the Philippine National Police-8, and Maslog Mayor Heraclio Santiago, and Vice Mayor Septemio Santiago. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
MISA DE GALLO. On the first day of the nine-day Misa de Gallo, also known as Simbang Gabi, on Monday, Dec.16, police officers across the country provided security and assistance to parishioners attending the early morning Masses. Misa de Gallo is a cherished Filipino tradition observed in the lead-up to Christmas, where churchgoers gather before dawn to celebrate the anticipation of Christ’s birth. Photo shows the San Francisco municipal police station, Southern Leyte were on hand to ensure the safety and orderly conduct of churchgoers at Saint Isidore Parish.(PULIS SAN FRANCISCO)
MISA DE GALLO. On the first day of the nine-day Misa de Gallo, also known as Simbang Gabi, on Monday, Dec.16, police officers across the country provided security and assistance to parishioners attending the early morning Masses. Misa de Gallo is a cherished Filipino tradition observed in the lead-up to Christmas, where churchgoers gather before dawn to celebrate the anticipation of Christ’s birth. Photo shows the San Francisco municipal police station, Southern Leyte were on hand to ensure the safety and orderly conduct of churchgoers at Saint Isidore Parish.(PULIS SAN FRANCISCO)
As proposed by Rep. Gomez
TACLOBAN CITY – The league of mayors in Leyte has firmly opposed House Bill (HB) 11077, a measure seeking to divide Leyte into two provinces.
During their last quarterly meeting on December 14, the League of the Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)–Leyte Chapter, led by its president, Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla, approved a manifesto rejecting the proposed legislation.
“We have come up with a manifesto strongly opposing this plan to divide Leyte. Those who attended the meeting signed it, and others who couldn’t attend also expressed their intent to sign,” Mayor Petilla said, adding that the mayors view the proposal as unnecessary.
“The reason for the division is totally uncalled for. We love Leyte, and Leyte is the most developed province in the region,” she added.
Three municipalities—Palompon, Burauen, and Isabel—had earlier passed resolutions opposing HB 11077. These resolutions were forwarded to the Leyte provincial board and subsequently transmitted to the House of Representatives.
Earlier, Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla also expressed his objection to the proposal, calling it as regressive.
“I don’t see any valid reason why Leyte should be split other than for political purposes. Splitting is not developmental; it’s actually regressive,” the governor had said.
He emphasized that larger provinces manage resources more effectively due to economies of scale.
Petilla also highlighted the provincial government’s ongoing infrastructure and health investments in the areas proposed to become Western Leyte, such as upgrades to the Ormoc District Hospital.
He pointed out that Ormoc City, an independent component city included in the proposed province, does not contribute to or directly benefit from the provincial government’s leadership. Past proposals to divide Leyte, including one backed by his relatives, failed due to lack of public support, Petilla noted.
“Even residents of these areas don’t want Leyte to be divided. Leyte’s strength lies in its unity,” the governor said, urging leaders to focus on improving governance and resource management for the entire province.
Details of House Bill 11077
Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomez, author of HB 11077, aims to create a new province called Western Leyte. The division would be based on linguistic differences, with Cebuano-speaking areas comprising the proposed Western Leyte and Waray-speaking areas remaining as Leyte Province.
The proposed Western Leyte would include the municipalities of Albuera, Kananga, Matag-ob, Merida, Palompon, Isabel, and the independent component city of Ormoc—areas primarily within Gomez’s district.
Other municipalities include Calubian, Leyte, San Isidro, Tabango, Villaba, Bato, Hilongos, Hindang, Inopacan, Matalom, and the city of Baybay, covering 2,852.16 square kilometers and a population of over 958,400, according to the 2020 census.
Gomez argued that linguistic distinctions and improved access to services justify the split, claiming it would result in faster economic development and better governance.
“The creation of the province of Western Leyte is expected to further boost socio-economic growth on the western side of Leyte, as well as strengthen governance for all aspects of local government units,” Gomez stated in his explanatory note.
Leyte, the 13th largest province in the Philippines by land area, spans 6,313.33 square kilometers, with 40 municipalities and three cities, and a population of over 1.77 million. The province previously ceded territory to form Southern Leyte and Biliran, but Gov. Petilla asserted that further division is unnecessary.
HB 11077 is currently under deliberation by the House committee on local government.
TACLOBAN CITY– Northern Samar is setting its sights on the global tourism map as the province eyes a groundbreaking partnership with the Island Living Channel (ILC) to showcase its still largely but natural beauty and investment potential.
The initiative, driven by ILC chairman and CEO Radjie Caram Jr. and endorsed by Governor Edwin Ongchuan, seeks to harness the power of media to highlight the province’s natural wonders, rich culture, and untapped investment opportunities.
Gov.Ongchuan, who met the ILC official last Thursday, Dec.12, expressed excitement over the collaboration, describing it as a strategic step toward transforming Northern Samar into a top-tier destination.
“This partnership with ILC is a pivotal opportunity for Northern Samar to showcase our stunning natural landscapes, cultural richness, and welcoming communities,” Ongchuan said in a statement on Monday. Dec. 16.
“By promoting our province to a global audience, we aim to boost tourism, attract investors, and create sustainable opportunities for our people.”
Nestled in the heart of the Philippines, Northern Samar is a province brimming with pristine beaches, magnificent rock formations, vibrant marine biodiversity, and a community known for its resilience and hospitality.
Despite its natural treasures, Northern Samar remains relatively unexplored, making it a hidden gem for adventurers, nature lovers, and even investors.
Through its proposed collaboration with ILC, Northern Samar envisions unveiling its treasures to a global audience.
ILC, the largest lifestyle cable network in Southern Philippines, has been a pioneer in promoting Philippine destinations since 2006.
Broadcasting 24/7 in 75 major cities and towns—including airport and seaport terminals—ILC captivates travelers with immersive tourism content, positioning itself as a powerful platform for Northern Samar’s narrative.
The network’s impressive reach and award-winning programming are expected to spotlight Northern Samar’s tourism potential while attracting investors in sectors like agriculture, real estate, and eco-tourism.
By featuring the province on its platform, ILC will help Northern Samar present itself not only as a travel destination but also as a thriving economic hub.
Among the province’s standout features are its Biri Rock Formations, massive limestone sculptures shaped by nature’s elements located in Biri town, and the enchanting Pink Beach in San Vicente, a rare gem with pinkish sands derived from crushed red corals.
ORMOC CITY– Power interruption led to a devastating fire that destroyed an entire house in Barangay Canramos at around 9:30 am last December 11.
The house, a combination of concrete and light materials, was owned by alias “Lea,” a self-employed, married resident of Brgy. Canramos.
According to the Tanauan Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) investigation, the fire started from an unattended candle that was left burning during the power outage.
The homeowner suspects that the candle, when it had completely melted, ignited the fabric it was placed on, causing the fire to quickly spread. The surrounding area, made mostly of light materials, contributed to the rapid escalation of the blaze.
The fire was brought under control by 10:20 pm and was completely extinguished by 11:20 pm.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The estimated damage to the property was pegged at P2 million. (ROBERT DEJON)
