Manila– From June 9 to 13, United States Army soldiers teamed up with members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to support the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Brigada Eskwela in Rizal, Palawan, rolling up their sleeves to renovate and prepare classrooms for the new academic year.

“Our military service members are honored to join their AFP and PCG counterparts in Brigada Eskwela, demonstrating our shared commitment to supporting and empowering local communities,” said Lieutenant Colonel Adam Chu, Acting Chief of the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group Philippines.

The U.S. Army soldiers volunteered alongside members of the Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Air Force, and the PCG, who were in Palawan together for joint exercises. They worked with local community members to clean, paint, decorate, and repair the facilities of five schools in Rizal: Malapandeg Elementary School, Guilingan Elementary School, Tarumpitao Point Elementary School, Rizal Central School, and Jose P. Rizal National High School.

“It is inspiring to see service members contributing to education on the home front,” said DepEd Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary for Operations Malcolm S. Garma. “These students are the future of our nation. When we help them, we help built lasting peace and prosperity.”

Brigada Eskwela is the DepEd’s annual nationwide program that gathers volunteers and community members to help ensure schools are clean, safe, and welcoming prior to the formal opening of classes. As a longstanding partner committed to community development, U.S. service members have regularly supported the AFP and the Philippine government in initiatives such as Brigada Eskwela, as well as in disaster response, joint training exercises, and other outreach activities.(PR)

Catarman N. Samar– To strengthen coordination and address concerns on road right-of-way acquisition, the Right-of-Way Acquisition and Legal Division (ROWALD) from DPWH Regional Office VIII conducted an orientation for technical personnel in DPWH-Northern Samer District Engineering Office on June 9, 2025 at the district’s conference room.

The event highlighted the presentation of Right-of-Way Acquisition for structures and other improvements, its processes, qualifications, RA 10752 in relation to other relevant laws. The ROWALD team also presented common field scenarios in the acquisition of structures and improvements affected by infrastructure projects, equipping participants with practical approaches to handle various ROW-related situations.

Other topics that were discussed during the orientation include the validation of ROW claims, documents needed for evaluation, documentation and Validation of claims with the REGISTER OF DEEDS as well as other ROW-related issues in the district.

Present during the meeting were NSFDEO District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio, together with planning and design engineers, construction engineers, maintenance engineers, and the district ROW focal person.

District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio expressed his gratitude to the ROWALD personnel for sharing their time, expertise, and guidance. He underscored that orientations like this are essential in capacitating district personnel and ensuring compliance with legal procedures, especially on ROW acquisition that still remain as the most common cause of delay in project implementation within the district.

The activity ended with a photo ops and commitment from both the district and regional offices to maintain active communication and coordination in resolving ROW concerns.

(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)

Lead by Gov. Petilla

PALO, Leyte– Leyte officials, led by reelected Governor Carlos Jericho ’Icot’ Petilla, took their oaths of office on Thursday, June 26, during a ceremony held at the Leyte Academic Center in Palo, Leyte.

Among those sworn in were the province’s 14 newly elected mayors who include Albuera Mayor Kerwin Espinosa, who was notably absent from the event, and Palo Mayor Remedios ‘Matin” Petilla, current present of the Philippines Mayors League, Leyte chapter.
One of the new mayors, Jingle Sudario of Dagami town, emphasized reconciliation and unity as his immediate priority following the heated political season.
“I want to settle things with everyone first so there won’t be any conflicts. You know, there are still lingering differences because of politics,” Sudario said in an interview.
He also expressed gratitude to his constituents for the mandate they gave him, vowing to prioritize programs and services that directly benefit the people of Dagami.
“Delivering the necessary social services for my people will be the top priority of my administration,” he added.
Governor Petilla, who begins his second term in his second cycle as governor, reminded all newly elected officials to move past political differences and focus on public service.
“The campaign is over. It’s time to work. We are facing many problems—the world is in chaos, and so is our country. This is the time when our people need us the most,” Petilla said in his address after taking his oath before Judge Georgina Uy-Perez.
Also sworn in were Vice Governor Leonardo Javier, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and other local officials including mayors, vice mayors, and councilors. Among those present were three councilors from Tacloban City.
Reelected Representatives Karen Javier (2nd District) and Ma. Victoria Veloso-Tuazon (3rd District) likewise took their oaths of office during the event.
Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre represented House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who represents Leyte’s first congressional district.

(JOEY A.GABIETA,LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA, ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways–Leyte Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-L2DEO) has completed a P19.4-million slope protection project along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road in Barangay Cabul-an, Capoocan, Leyte.

The 154-linear meter structure, built along a landslide-prone section of the national road, includes concrete railings and is designed to prevent erosion and ensure safer travel for motorists.

“This slope protection structure will serve as a shield against erosion and slope failure… and ensure the uninterrupted passage of vehicles, especially during adverse weather conditions,” said District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura.

The project, funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, began on February 14 and was completed on May 19. It forms part of DPWH’s disaster risk reduction and preventive maintenance efforts in landslide-prone areas like Capoocan.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)