TACLOBAN CITY-The Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) has successfully completed the retrofitting of the Kawayan Bridge along the Leyte-Samar Road (Via Guintiguian), a vital section of the said National Road. The project, which amounted to P6.3-million, was funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act and concluded on March 18, 2024.

The retrofitting process, which strengthened the bridge’s structure to enhance its resistance to stresses and extend its lifespan, is critical to maintaining the safety and functionality of this key infrastructure.

The Kawayan Bridge spans 14 meters and plays a crucial role in providing connectivity from Tacloban City going towards Babatngan Leyte, making it essential for the continuous flow of goods and people across these places.

“The completion of the retrofitting works on the Kawayan Bridge underscores our commitment to ensure the safety and durability of our infrastructure,” said District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse.

“This project will significantly improve the resilience of the bridge, providing a safer and more reliable route for motorists and contributing to the long-term development of the region.”

The Leyte-Samar Road serves as a major transportation artery in the country, and the retrofitting of bridges along its route is part of ongoing efforts to bolster national infrastructure.
(PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT)

TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre has been appointed as a commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), the national body tasked with conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the Philippine education system.

“I am deeply honored to take on this responsibility. The future of our nation depends on a well-educated citizenry, and EDCOM 2 will play a pivotal role in ensuring that our education system evolves to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world,” Acidre said in a statement upon accepting the role.

EDCOM 2 is mandated to address critical issues such as access to education, quality of instruction, and alignment with global standards. It aims to identify gaps in the current system and recommend reforms to improve learning outcomes, teacher training, and the overall responsiveness of the education sector to the nation’s development goals.

Acidre’s appointment aligns with his long-standing advocacy for education reform. During his first term as a congressman, he, alongside fellow Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Romualdez, championed key legislative measures focused on improving access to and the quality of education. Among these initiatives were The Local Universities and Colleges Governance Act; The Equitable Access to Math and Science Education Act; The Geographically Isolated Disadvantaged Conflict-Inflicted Areas and All Roads to All Learners Act; and the State Universities and Colleges Mental Health Service Act

These legislative efforts demonstrate Acidre’s commitment to bridging the education gap, particularly in marginalized communities.

His track record of pushing for systemic change further positions him to bring meaningful reforms within EDCOM 2.

Acidre emphasized the importance of not only increasing access to education but also enhancing its quality and relevance in today’s global economy.

“We must focus on more than just expanding access. We need to improve the quality of education and ensure it aligns with the skills and competencies required in the 21st century. This is a critical moment to reimagine the future of education in the Philippines,” he said.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Amid red tide advisory

TACLOBAN CITY — At least 30 people, including eight children, fell ill after consuming green mussels, locally known as ‘tahong,’in Daram, Samar, on Wednesday, September 25.
According to reports from the Department of Health (DOH) regional office, all the victims are residents of Barangay Parasan.

They had eaten tahong harvested from the waters of Tinaogan, Zumarraga, also in Samar province.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) had previously issued a red tide advisory for seven major bodies of water in Eastern Visayas, warning of red tide contamination.

Both Daram and Zumarraga were identified as areas affected by the harmful algae.
Of the 30 victims, 19 were admitted to the Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City, including the eight children.

The remaining 11 were treated and discharged, returning to Parasan, an island village about 30 minutes by sea travel from the town center.

“The patients exhibited symptoms such as headaches, numbness in the body and extremities, dizziness, vomiting, and abdominal pain,” the DOH reported on Thursday, September 26.

Further investigation into the incident will be conducted by the DOH’s regional epidemiology and surveillance unit.

It was revealed that the family involved had been holding a novena and had brought three sacks of tahong from Tinaogan, Zumarraga, to serve as part of their meal. The mussels were later shared with neighbors around noon, leading to the outbreak.

The municipal government of Daram had previously issued warnings advising residents to refrain from consuming tahong until BFAR lifts the red tide advisory.

In its latest advisory issued on Wednesday, BFAR identified seven major bodies of water in the region contaminated with red tide.

Aside from Daram and Zumarraga, the affected areas include Cambatutay Bay in Tarangnan, Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, Irong-Irong Bay in Catbalogan City, Maqueda Bay in Samar, and Carigara Bay in Leyte.

While the gathering and consumption of all types of shellfish from these areas are strictly prohibited, BFAR noted that fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs are still safe to eat—provided they are fresh, thoroughly cleaned, and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)