Ex-PRO-8 head

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas extends their congratulations to General Rommel Francisco Marbil on his appointment as the new PNP chief.

Marbil previously served as the top police official in Eastern Visayas from August 15, 2022, to May 2, 2023.

He later assumed the role of chief of the PNP directorate for comptrollership until his appointment as the 30th PNP chief by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday (April 1).
In a statement posted on its social media account, the Police Regional Office 8, under the leadership of PB/Gen. Reynaldo Pawid conveyed their warm wishes to PGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.

“With his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to duty, we have full confidence that PGen.Marbil will continue to advance and uphold the noble ideals of the organization,” they added.

Under Marbil’s new leadership, the Police Regional Office (PRO-8) pledges to remain dedicated to supporting the plans and programs of the PNP, ensuring efficient police service to the community.

Marbil succeeds PNP Chief Benjamin Acorda, becoming the second former regional police director from Eastern Visayas to lead the country’s police organization.

The first was Gen. Dionardo Carlos, who served from August 10, 2018, to October 25, 2019, as the top police officer in Eastern Visayas before assuming the role of PNP chief.

During his tenure in Eastern Visayas, Marbil focused on the anti-illegal drug campaign, resulting in the surrender of Erwin Ogario, former regional director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) of the National Capital Region on January 2023, who was implicated in illegal drug activities.

During his tenure in Eastern Visayas, Marbil established the Task Force Maharlika by putting up checkpoints from Allen in Northern Samar to San Ricardo, Southern Leyte providing police visibility along the major national road in the country.
(ROBERT DEJON, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA, and ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Catarman N. Samar– The Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar First District Engineering Office has recently completed the construction of a multipurpose facility along with the installation of a dual-purpose structure serving as both a port and shore protection in Brgy. Barobaybay, Lavezares, Northern Samar.

The project, amounting to P9.89 million, involves the construction of an 18m x 5m Multipurpose Facility strategically designed to serve the needs of the community, offering a versatile space for residents to gather and wait, particularly for passengers traveling to and from the neighboring barangays and island towns.

Additionally, a 40m x 10m area of reclamation serves as both a vital port and a protective barrier against coastal hazards. Functioning as a designated area for vessels to dock and unload cargo, this port enhances maritime operations and supports local commerce. Simultaneously, it acts as a frontline defense mechanism, safeguarding the shore against storm surges and rising sea levels.

Andres B. Martires, a resident of Barangay Barobaybay, expressed profound gratitude for the project’s impact, stating, “The completion of the multipurpose facility and the installation of the port and shore protection structure have been a game-changer for us. It has provided much-needed shelter from the elements, offering a comfortable space for residents and travelers alike.”

Commencing on November 27, 2023, and concluding on March 7, 2024, more than one month ahead of schedule, this project signifies a significant milestone in the development of Barobaybay, Lavezares, Northern Samar.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA, PIO Alternate/PR)

Catarman N. Samar– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues to fortify its commitment to the professional development of its workforce with the successful completion of a two-day Remote Computer Proficiency Examination (CPE) held on March 25-26, 2024.

This initiative, organized by the DPWH Information Management Service (IMS), has profoundly benefited 72 employees of the Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office (DEO).

Under the vigilant guidance of the IMS and with unwavering support from District Information and Technology Support Officer Franchette L. Dones, the examination rigorously evaluated the computer skills of clerical and technical staff within the Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office.

District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio underscored the significance of nurturing essential digital competencies among employees. He emphasized, “In today’s swiftly evolving technological landscape, proficiency in computer skills is not merely advantageous but essential. This examination exemplifies our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and advancement within our department.”

The examination, designed to assess a broad spectrum of computer competencies, aimed to equip employees with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of modern-day digital tools and technologies effectively.

This initiative underscores DPWH’s ongoing efforts to empower its workforce and ensure they remain equipped to meet the challenges of today’s digital landscape. The department remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and excellence among its dedicated employees.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA, PIO Alternate/PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Eastern Visayas received several recognitions during the agency’s National Summative Assessment held in Angeles City, Pampanga for the 2023 performance.

DAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director Robert Anthony Yu proudly announced that from March 5 to 8, Region 8 collected 19 certificates and plaques of recognition for various indicators that contributed to the national accomplishment of the said government agency.

He exclaimed, “Our efforts paid off!” addressing all DAR employees throughout the region.

Topping the list of awards received was for the resolution of agrarian-related cases where the collective efforts of Regional Agrarian Reform Adjudicator (RARAD) Virgilio Rosacay (concurrent PARAD of Leyte and Biliran), Provincial Agrarian Reform Adjudicators (PARADs) Florenz Hipe (Southern Leyte), Nellie Canillas (Western Samar), Bryan Lassiter (Eastern Samar), and Editha San Jose-Cerillo (Northern Samar) placed DAR Eastern Visayas at rank number one among regions with heavy caseloads.

The above-mentioned adjudicators were able to resolve last year a total of 4,157 agrarian-related cases.

This region was also cited, among others, for the following: First in Agrarian Legal Service for regions with low case load; second in E-title Registration for Leyte under high category and in Field Validation for Leyte under high category; second in E-title Registration for Region 8 under high category; second in Provincial Performance on all ARBDSP Indicators for 2023 for Samar; second in Regional Performance on all ARBDSP Indicators for Region 8; second in Regional Over-All ARBDSP Performance for 2023; environmental and social safeguards outstanding data compliance award; and outstanding financial performance as one of the highest Budget Utilization Rate for 2023 for Southern Leyte.

(JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA/PR)