With Rep. Libanan and Mayor Agda leading the event

BORONGAN CITY – Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group and City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda led the groundbreaking of a coastal diversion road project worth P163.6 million on Wednesday, July 10.

The proposed coastal diversion road project will connect Barangay Sabang South to Barangay Sabang North Diversion Coastal.

“This day we break ground and commence the construction of a diversion coastal road and bridge from Sabang South to Sabang North. This ceremony signifies our collective commitment to progress, connectivity, and community development,” Libanan, the minority floor leader of the House of Representatives, said.

Mayor Dayan Agda expressed his gratitude for the project, stating that it will be a significant part of the city’s development.

“It will not only solve the problem with accessibility but also contribute to the overall development of our city, especially the 2.1 km Baybay Boulevard. Through this project, sports-tourism development will improve, and people of Borongan as well as visitors will have an alternate route,” he added.

Also present during the occasion were 4Ps Rep.Jonathan Clement Abalos, Vice Governor Maricar Sison-Goteesan, and Engr. Domcelio Natividad, head of the Eastern Samar District Engineering Office.

The project involves bridge and road construction, including drainage, slope protection structures, and other miscellaneous structures, funded by the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) through the initiative of Congressman Libanan.

The project has a remaining 400 meters of unfunded road, costing P100 million, in the Sabang North area. Completing the project, which has a total length of 824 meters, will bring the overall cost to P269.329 million.

The diversion road will serve as an alternate route for vehicles traveling between the southern and northern parts of Borongan City, helping to mitigate traffic congestion.

Libanan vowed to complete the project, informing that he has already submitted the proposal for the unfunded portion to Congress for deliberation when sessions resume.
He also promised an additional P20 million funding for the damaged road in Baybay Boulevard.

“Roads are more than just pavements of concrete and asphalt. Roads connect people from different places. Roads also stimulate economic growth, as the goods produced in one place find their markets elsewhere. Roads also open up opportunities for our students and job-seekers. It is in this way that roads, above all, strengthen the social fabric of our community,” the lawmaker emphasized.

Libanan has been instrumental in the construction of significant road networks in Eastern Samar, such as the Quinapondan to Basey road, North Eastern Samar Circumferential Road (Taft to Lapinig), and the completion of the Maydolong to Basey Road Project.

Also present during the occasion were 4Ps Rep.Jonathan Clement Abalos, Vice Governor Maricar Sison-Goteesan, and Engr. Domcelio Natividad, head of the Eastern Samar District Engineering Office.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – To address the diverse needs of the community and promote social and wellness activities, the Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) initiated the construction of a multi-purpose building in Barangay Canapuan, Jaro, Leyte.

The project, built at a cost of P4.9 million, includes concrete works for additional structural footing, columns, beams, extension of concrete flooring, and the installation of a steel roofing system with pre-painted metal sheets and painting works.

It also provides storm drainage and downspouts, a catch basin, concrete hollow block walls, louver blocks, and the installation of electrical wiring and lighting fixtures.

“The newly built multipurpose building will address community needs and mark a significant milestone in enhancing local activities and events,” said District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura.

He added that the new infrastructure will offer spaces for various activities, such as community gatherings, temporary shelters, and sports events.

Local officials expressed gratitude for the completion of the project, highlighting its importance in meeting long-standing community needs.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Part of DOH’s DTTB program

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) has assigned 12 doctors to various local government units in the region as part of its Doctors to the Barrio (DTTB) program.
The DTTB program aims to provide quality health services to marginalized, vulnerable, and disadvantaged communities by assigning doctors to these areas, aiding the health agency in achieving Universal Health Care across the country.

The doctors are assigned to the municipalities of Salcedo, Eastern Samar; Hilongos and San Isidro in Leyte province; Catubig and Pambujan in Northern Samar; Almagro, Paranas, Talalora, and Santa Rita in Samar; and Anahawan and Saint Bernard in Southern Leyte.
Prior to their deployment, the 12 doctors underwent a pre-deployment orientation, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively meet the health needs of their assigned communities and improve local health systems.

As part of their deployment, a memorandum of agreement was signed by officials of the health department, headed by DOH Regional Director Exuperia Sabalberino, and mayors of the recipient municipalities to demonstrate their commitment and support for the program.
The local government unit of Catubig welcomed the deployment of a doctor under the DTTB program. Assigned to the municipality is Dr. Iamy Gael Juline A. Lilagan, who will serve there for the next three years.

“The administration of Mayor Solomon G. Vicencio and Vice Mayor Galahad O. Vicencio lobbied the Department of Health for the deployment of an additional doctor in the Municipality of Catubig to cater to the growing health needs of the Catubignons. Their commitment to improving local healthcare services in Catubig has been instrumental in making this deployment possible,” the Catubig local government said in a statement.
It added that among the main programs of the present administration are addressing pressing health concerns, implementing preventative measures, and providing comprehensive medical care to all Catubig residents.

“Dr. Lilagan’s arrival is a testament to the ongoing efforts to ensure that even the most remote areas of Catubig have access to quality healthcare,” it further said.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)