Ormoc City – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) completes the preventive maintenance of a four-lane, 90-meter section of the Ormoc-Baybay-Southern Leyte Boundary Road with road segment K1012+374 to K1012+464.
Funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2025 with a contract cost of Php 6,213,000.56, the project involved the removal of defective asphalt pavement and the application of emulsified asphalt, followed by a 50mm Bituminous Concrete Surface Binder Course and a 50mm Bituminous Concrete Surface Wearing Course.
To further enhance road safety and visibility, reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings were also applied.
“The completed works will restore the pavement’s durability and improve riding quality for motorists,” said OIC-District Engineer Peter Scheler V. Soco, “This ensures safer travel along this route that links Ormoc City proper to the neighboring barangays.” (PR)
ACCIDENT. The newly-received ambulance of Catarman, Northern Samar was said to be in wreck after it fell down to a ravine in Lope de Vega just hours after it was turned over by Pres. Marcos to the LGU. (PHOTO COURTESY)
ACCIDENT. The newly-received ambulance of Catarman, Northern Samar was said to be in wreck after it fell down to a ravine in Lope de Vega just hours after it was turned over by Pres. Marcos to the LGU. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — A patient transport vehicle (PTV) or ambulance recently awarded to Catarman, Northern Samar figured in an accident in Lope de Vega just a day after it was turned over by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Ormoc City.
The ambulance, driven by a 41-year-old Catarman resident and carrying one passenger, overturned on the morning of August 19 in Barangay Getigo after the driver lost control while negotiating a curve.
Police said a carabao suddenly crossed the highway amid thick fog, causing the mishap which occurred around 5 am.
Both the driver and passenger sustained only minor injuries.
Mayor Dianne Rosales expressed sadness over the incident but assured her constituents that the LGU remains committed to improving health services.
She also thanked the Lope de Vega PNP, Mayor Bobby Slaudario, and private individuals for their immediate assistance.
The unit was among 22 transport vehicles distributed in Northern Samar through the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
MORE EQUIPMENT. Various local headquarters in the region received body-worn cameras as part of the campaign of the police organization for transparency and efficient operations. Police Regional Director B/Gen. Jason Capoy led the event held on August 20. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
MORE EQUIPMENT. Various local headquarters in the region received body-worn cameras as part of the campaign of the police organization for transparency and efficient operations. Police Regional Director B/Gen. Jason Capoy led the event held on August 20. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
PALO, Leyte– The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) has strengthened its operational capability with the turnover of newly procured equipment, including 060 body-worn cameras (BWCs), during a ceremony at the PRO-8 Multipurpose Hall on August 20.
Regional Director PB/Gen Jason Capoy led the turnover, highlighting the move as part of efforts to improve transparency and efficiency in policing.
The cameras were distributed to provincial and city police offices across Eastern Visayas, while other equipment such as desktop computers, a digital camera, and a television set were assigned to support administrative functions.
“These resources are vital in enhancing accountability and public trust while improving the efficiency of our police units,” Capoy said.
The distribution underscores PRO-8’s commitment to modernize its logistics and sustain operational readiness in the region.
Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan of Northern Samar visits the newly inaugurated salt production facility in San Vicente town on Tuesday, August 12, highlighting the province’s efforts to reduce post-harvest losses and boost local livelihoods. Story on Page 3. (THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan of Northern Samar visits the newly inaugurated salt production facility in San Vicente town on Tuesday, August 12, highlighting the province’s efforts to reduce post-harvest losses and boost local livelihoods. Story on Page 3. (THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
One firm bagged P6 billion projects
GOVERNMENT CENTER, PALO,Leyte– Three construction firms named by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. among the alleged top contractors cornering a significant share of the country’s flood control projects are also handling multi-million to billion-peso contracts in Eastern Visayas, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office confirmed.
Engr. Libertad Morot, assistant chief of the DPWH-8 construction division, identified the companies as Sunwest Construction and Development Corp., Alpha Omega General Construction and Development Corp., and Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corp, in a press conference on Thursday, August 14.
Of the three, Sunwest — owned by Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co — has secured the largest share in the region, with 19 projects worth a total of P6 billion. Alpha Omega has one project worth P241 million, while Hi-Tone holds two projects in Abuyog, Leyte, one of the province’s most flood-prone towns.
President Marcos earlier disclosed that in 2022 — his first year in office — 15 contractors cornered one-fifth of the P545-billion national allocation for flood control infrastructure, raising concerns over possible preferential awarding of contracts.
Morot said the projects awarded to the three firms are part of 140 flood control undertakings in Eastern Visayas since 2022, of which 68 have been completed and 72 are ongoing. She assured the public that all projects passed inspections by the DPWH regional and central offices, as well as audits by the Commission on Audit (COA).
One of Sunwest’s flagship projects in the region is the Leyte Tide Embankment Project, a P16-billion coastal defense system spanning over 12 kilometers in Tacloban City and the towns of Palo, Tanauan, and Tolosa. Construction began in 2016 to shield coastal communities from storm surges like those unleashed by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013.
“We have experienced several typhoons since this structure was made, and we can say that it serves its purpose,” Morot said in the press conference.
Under DPWH rules, projects worth P150 million and above are supervised by the regional office, while those below are managed by the region’s 14 district engineering offices — suggesting there may be other locally awarded projects involving the same firms at the district level.
Asked whether any Eastern Visayas lawmakers are linked to contracting firms, Morot said she had no information.
The DPWH emphasized that all awarded contracts, regardless of contractor, must meet engineering, safety, and quality standards.
JOEY A. GABIETA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA, ROEL T. AMAZONA
MARTY FOR WATER SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS. Water woes being experienced by water concessionaires in Tacloban City is one of the priorities of City Councilor Ferdinand Martin ‘Marty’ Romualdez, Jr. as he find ways to address the problem.
MARTY FOR WATER SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS. Water woes being experienced by water concessionaires in Tacloban City is one of the priorities of City Councilor Ferdinand Martin ‘Marty’ Romualdez, Jr. as he find ways to address the problem.
TACLOBAN CITY – City Councilor Ferdinand Martin “Marty” Romualdez Jr. is spearheading efforts to bring solar-powered water systems to Tacloban’s most water-deprived communities, aiming to ease the city’s chronic water shortage.
Romualdez met with officials of the Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on August 1, 2025, to map out priority areas for the project. The meeting, held at the Office of the District Engineer, was attended by OIC District Engineer Ray Mate, OIC Assistant District Engineer Charlie Tampil, and Romualdez’s technical team.
Tacloban has long struggled with inadequate water supply, with some areas—particularly northern barangays and post-Yolanda resettlement sites—experiencing water pressure as low as 2 PSI, far from the ideal 10 PSI. Many residents rely on deep wells or expensive refilling stations just to meet daily needs.
“We recognize the urgency of this issue and are committed to providing technical support for sustainable solutions,” Mate said. He noted that the solar-powered water systems would serve as renewable, off-grid sources to supplement existing facilities and improve access for the hardest-hit communities.
The proposed project comes amid mounting complaints over service interruptions, low pressure, and high billing despite irregular supply. Romualdez said the goal is to deliver a sustainable and immediate relief measure while longer-term solutions to the city’s water crisis are pursued.
Philippine Army Commanding
General Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete
Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete
TACLOBAN CITY— The 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City reported that Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete honored its troops for their gallantry, dedication, and notable achievements during his official visit to the camp Sunday, on August 10, 2025.
As part of the visit, Nafarrete conferred two Gold Cross Medals, three Silver Cross Medals, and three Wounded Personnel Medals to individual soldiers, along with commendations to two 8ID units for their significant contributions to the Army’s mission in Eastern Visayas.
In a talk to troops, Nafarrete lauded 8ID’s operational gains, particularly in recent successful operations against the remaining Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the region.
“Your readiness and operational gains support the Philippine Army’s overall mission of protecting our people and preserving peace for every corner of the country,” he said, adding that the awardees’ discipline, skill, and bravery “reflect the highest standards of soldiery.”
Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, 8ID commander, expressed gratitude for the visit, which came shortly after the division’s 37th Founding Anniversary, describing it as a reaffirmation of their shared mission with the Philippine Army.
The visit, according to 8ID, underscored the Stormtroopers’ vital role in ensuring peace, stability, and development in Eastern Visayas.
