ORMOC CITY-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) joined the observance of the 48th National Disability Rights Week with the theme: “Rights First, Legislation Forward: Strategic Action for Equal Participation and Inclusive Development” on Friday, July 17, 2026.

In solidarity with the celebration, all employees wore blue the whole day to symbolize their support. They also attended a Persons with Disability (PWD) Sensitivity Lecture conducted by Mr. Chito Katangkatang, Training Director of Big Minds Training. The lecture provided participants with a deeper understanding of disability rights and inclusion, covering the fundamentals of disability rights, the distinction between rights-based and charity-based approaches, and the importance of creating an inclusive environment in the delivery of government services. (PR)

CATBALOGAN CITY — Twenty candidates representing municipalities and cities across Samar were officially introduced during the launch of the Mutya han Samar 2026 pageant, kicking off one of the major highlights of this year’s Tandaya Festival.

The candidates were formally presented and sash-worn during ceremonies held on July 26 at the Samar Convention Center, this city.

Carrying the theme, “Rooted in Samar. Crowned by Culture. Going Back to the Roots,” this year’s pageant seeks to showcase the province’s rich cultural heritage, promote its tourism destinations, and develop young Samareñas as ambassadors of their respective localities.
The official candidates represent Almagro, Basey, Calbayog City, Catbalogan City, Gandara, Hinabangan, Jiabong, Marabut, Matuguinao, Motiong, Pagsanghan, Paranas, Pinabacdao, San Jorge, San Jose de Buan, Sta. Margarita, Sta. Rita, Talalora, Tarangnan, and Villareal.
The ceremonial sashing was led by reigning Mutya han Samar 2025 Kyrus Babon, Samar Vice Governor Arnold Tan, and Provincial Tourism Officer Marvin Piczon.

Organizers said the pageant encourages contestants to reconnect with the traditions, history, and values of their hometowns while promoting Samar’s identity and cultural pride.
Mutya han Samar is the province’s premier beauty pageant and serves as a platform for young women to champion Samar’s heritage and tourism. Pre-pageant activities will be held in Pinabacdao, while the coronation night is scheduled on Aug. 9 at the Capitol Grounds in Catbalogan City as part of the Tandaya Festival celebration.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Years of uncomfortable learning in Bantayan Elementary School has now been minimized through the completion of the Construction of School Building in Bantayan Elementary School, Brgy. Bantayan, San Roque, Northern Samar.

Completed on July 4, 2026, the new one-storey school building aims to improve the learning environment for students and teachers who have long endured hot, congested, and poorly ventilated classrooms.

“Before po, duon kami sa Marcos type na classroom, siguro mga anim na taon kami duon nag-stay, sobrang hindi siya conducive for learning para sa mga bata, so, dahil sa kakulangan ng pundo ng DepEd, duon lang muna kami pansamantala. But for now, we are so grateful and blessed, na nagkaroon po ng bagong classroom na ginawa ang DepEd at ang DPWH, sa tulong na din po ng ating gobyerno” Teacher II – Maricel T. Tan said, expressing gratitude for the new classrooms in Brgy. Bantayan after years of using inconvenient facilities.

Under the Department of Education (DepEd) Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF) 2025, this project, with Contract ID No. 25II0062, involved the full construction of a one-storey, three-classroom school building with attached toilet facilities, with size of 7.0 meters by 27.0 meters plus a 2.5-meter corridor. It was awarded to EFC Development Corporation for a contract amount of Php 9,944,300.00.

This new facility addresses the long-standing need for safe, spacious, and conducive learning spaces for the learners of Bantayan Elementary School. This school building project will benefit 96 students in Bantayan Elementary School-66 Grade 1 students, and 30 Grade 2 students. By delivering quality infrastructure, the agency supports DepEd’s goal of ensuring every child has access to better education opportunities, aligning with the government’s commitment to human capital development in rural communities.

Furthermore, this completed building will help ease classroom congestion, improve the learning experience for students, and provide a more comfortable working environment for teachers. It also reflects the strong partnership between DPWH and DepEd in building and upgrading school infrastructure across the province.

Through this new school building, DPWH-NSSDEO fulfills its mandate to provide safe, resilient, and quality infrastructure for students as well as for teachers. By addressing overcrowding, Brgy. Bantayan learners can now enjoy comfortable classrooms conducive to learning. The agency will continue to deliver quality infrastructure projects that invest in the next generation, fostering better learning environment and supporting the nation’s.

By: Jamaica I. Acebuche/PR