TACLOBAN CITY-Tacloban City District Engineering Office has initiated the construction of the approaches for the Mangonbangon Bridge II, a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity in the region.

The bridge project, which was launched in March 2022, involves building a sturdy, four-lane bridge with a total width of 12.48m. This project, funded by the General Appropriations Act of 2022 (GAA 2022), has a total contract value of P17,638,577.64.

Despite the completion of the Mangonbangon II Bridge, the construction of its approaches was only approved this year. This indicates that the bridge and the approaches are not a single project, but two distinct projects.

The second project, which includes the construction of a concrete approach and drainage on both sides of the Mangonbangon Bridge, has a total contract value of P 14,647,891.94. This project is funded under the General Appropriations Act of 2024. As of now, the project is in progress and has reached 15% completion.

The Office believes that this circumstance may have led to the recent public and media misunderstanding that the bridge remains incomplete despite the commencement of construction two years ago. The absence of a fully furnished concrete approaches gives the bridge an overall unfinished appearance.

In light of the confusion, OIC-District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse released a statement to elucidate the situation.

“We wish to clarify to the public that while the Mangonbangon Bridge II is indeed complete, the construction of its approaches has only recently begun. We are dedicated to the expeditious completion of this project for the benefit of the residents of Tacloban,” stated OIC-DE Yuse.

In a bid to expedite the construction of the approaches, Mangonbangon Bridge II has been temporarily closed to traffic from April 29 to May 29, 2024. This measure aims to facilitate uninterrupted construction activities, ensuring the timely completion of the vital infrastructure.

The Tacloban City District Engineering Office remains committed to the timely completion of the approaches, with the goal of fully operationalizing the Mangonbangon Bridge II to better serve the commuting public.
(IAN YVES G.DE PAZ, PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSISTANT, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE,TCDEO)

Intended for former NPA members

TACLOBAN CITY– The provincial government of Samar is expanding the ‘Saad nga Balay’ project to more local government units, aiming to help more former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) secure decent housing.

This was disclosed by Governor Sharee Ann Tan who said that the housing project, conceptualized by 801st Brigade commander BGen Lenart Lelina, will also be implemented in Matuguinao town.

Gov. Tan announced plans to construct 30 housing units in Matuguinao, a municipality located in the heart of Samar Island near the boundary with Northern Samar province.
Initially, the provincial government sought assistance from the National Housing Authority (NHA) for the shelter project, but the agency lacked the necessary funds for housing assistance for former rebels.

“Somehow, all the promises we made to the former rebels were fulfilled except for the shelter. We didn’t want there to be any gaps in our assistance, so we initiated this housing project,” Tan explained.

She added that adjustments to the funding for the project would be made based on their experience with the Saad nga Balay project in San Jose de Buan.

“We just have to make sure that the land we are going to use is ready before we can allocate the funds,” the governor said.

The Saad nga Balay project was first implemented in San Jose de Buan, with groundbreaking in August 2023, construction starting in September, and the completion and turnover of the initial 10 houses to beneficiaries in April 2024 with an initial funding of P2.5 million.

This month, Calbiga town held a groundbreaking ceremony for the second Saad nga Balay project, which includes 10 units in Brgy. Polangi, funded by the provincial government with P2.8 million.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Schools should be reminded that there is a law mandating them not to prohibit students from taking their examinations even if their tuition fees are unpaid. Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla (2nd district) referred to Republic Act 11984, known as the ‘No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act,’ authored by her husband, Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla.
”This is very timely, especially since it is examination week, and many of our young students will be graduating,” she said in a brief interview on Tuesday (May 14).
“The examination of the children should continue despite the non-payment yet of their tuition fee by their parents,” the Cavite lawmaker added.

However, she emphasized that parents are still required to pay their children’s fees.
“What is being prohibited under the law is barring the students to take their examinations,” Mercado-Revilla clarified.
The lawmaker mentioned reports that some students, unable to take their examinations due to unpaid fees, are forced to stop their studies or, worse, develop depression.
Mercado-Revilla was in Tacloban City on her way to attend the 157th founding anniversary of Merida town, Leyte, on Tuesday (May 14). She also visited Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez.

RA 11984, signed into law by President Marcos on March 11, 2023, directs schools to allow students to take their examinations even if their tuition is unpaid.

The law covers all public and private basic education institutions, higher education institutions, and technical vocational institutions.

Failure to comply with the law can result in administrative sanctions imposed by the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (ChEd), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

JOEY A. GABIETA