NSSDEO, Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, N. Samar– Prior to the construction of Mapanas Boulevard with Seawall in Mapanas, Northern Samar, residents of Barangay Del Sur faced a situation where uncontrollable waves crashed into their homes. Scared of losing their homes, they hurried back and forth to save some properties and tidy up the mess left by disasters. The scenario isn’t the same after its completion, even when the tide shifts and big waves show up, they continue their peaceful routine as if it were a typical day.

Barangay Del Norte has expressed gratitude to the Department of Public Works and Highways—Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSSDEO) for providing them protection during period of rising sea levels and powerful wave action.

“I am really grateful for this DPWH project because the locals struggled during times when there was no seawall, particularly during typhoons, and they were taken to the evacuation center. But now, they are undisturbed. Having this kind of project is greatly beneficial since it relieves the residents doubt during bad weather condition or calamities. It’s commendable that you paid attention to this problem in our barangay”, Punong Barangay Erminda T. Longcop stated.

This protection structure project was implemented through the efforts exerted by DPWH-NSSDEO, headed by District Engineer Charlito S. Carlobos and Assistant District Engineer Atty. Arthur Eric L. Sabong, together with Engr. Gil D. Herrera, Jr., Chief of Construction Section, and assigned Project Engineer Arturo C. Corocoto, Jr., to lead the monitoring works carried out at the site and ensure that every method complies with the DPWH’s standards and specifications.

The construction of a 0.434-kilometer lane roadway, 16 sets of solar street lights, 217 meters of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) and seawall structure was carried out by JD Partuza CONSTRUCTION & SUPPLY under the General Appropriations Act (GAA). These features currently provide protection to those who live near the coastal area in Barangay Del Norte, Mapanas, Northern Samar.

In addition to serving as a barrier to human livelihood, this boulevard with seawall values the coastal area that Mapanas has long been proud of. The protection of landform from further erosion contributes to increase fishing livelihood. Moreover, this project draws local tourists that offer security with solar-powered street lights installed while taking nighttime walks and enjoying the scenic view of ocean and beach.
(Zyra Joy J. Ching)

In Ormoc City

TACLOBAN CITY – For the fifth time, STI College Ormoc has been declared the grand champion of the Piña Festival ritual dance competition, held on Sunday (June 23) at the Ormoc City Sports Complex.

The STI-Ormoc ‘Pundok sa Nagkahiusang Ormocanon’ contingent outperformed other dance ritual groups from various barangays and schools in the city. They won P500,000 and also secured the titles of best in street dancing, best in graphic design, and best choreographer.

The Piña Festival street dancing event started at Robinsons Place Ormoc and concluded at the Ormoc City Sports Complex.

The cash prize and trophy were awarded by Ormoc City Fiesta committee chair Jude Abenoja, Piña Festival and Ormoc Festival and Cultural Foundation chairman Estrella Pangilinan, Vice Mayor Toto Locsin Sr., and members of the city council.
Brgy. Ipil’s ‘Pundok Madasigon’ was declared the first runner-up, winning P450,000, while Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU)-Ormoc ‘Pundok Sidlakan’ was adjudged the second runner-up, taking home P425,000.

Other contingents were awarded a P375,000 consolation prize.

These included Western Leyte Colleges ‘Pundok Kasadpan’, Brgy Don Felipe Larrazabal’s ‘’Hamtatamsi, Brgy Linao’s ‘Pundok Mapasalamaton’, and St. Aloysius Institute of Technology’s ‘Pundok sa Pamilyang Aloysians.’

Special award winners included EVSU for best in costume, Brgy Linao for best float and audio van and second place in street dancing, and Brgy Don Felipe as third place in street dancing.

In the festival queen competition, Pundok Kasadpan’s Amehan Gonzales was declared the 2024 Piña Festival Queen.

She also won Miss Photogenic, Best Festival Queen Gown, and Best in Solo Performance.
The first runner-up was Princess Navarro of Brgy Ipil’s Pundok Madasigon, and the second runner-up was Monette Paula Mancol of Brgy Don Felipe Larrazabal’s Hamtatamsi. Best in Group Production was awarded to Pundok Mapasalamatun.

The Piña Festival, which started in 2017, is the city’s way of paying homage to the countless blessings and goodness showered upon them by God through the intercessions of their patron saints, Peter and Paul. The festival also celebrates the bountiful harvest of Queen’s pineapples, the city’s second-largest agricultural product after sugarcane.
The city is celebrating its fiesta on June 28 and 29. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Scheduled on June 27

TACLOBAN CITY – Ten contingents from various locality in Leyte province will be vying for this year’s Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festival 2024 grand champion.

The festival competition is going to be held at the grandstand this Thursday (June 27) at 2 pm, the organizers said.

Among the contingents that will showcase their prowess in the ritual dance competition are Eastern Visayas top festival contingents like the ‘Buraburon Festival’ of Burauen, ‘Buyugan Festival’ of Abuyog, ‘Lingganay Festival’ of Alangalang, and ‘Pasaka Festival’ of Tanauan.
These festivals had been ruling the Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals bagging championship title earning them a ticket to represent the province at the Aliwan Festival in Metro Manila and Sinulog Festival in Cebu.

New contingents are also expected to debut in this year’s Kasadyaan fest such as the ‘Himorasak Festival’ of Matag-ob, ‘Batong’ Festival of Babatngon, ‘Tabontabon Festival’ of Tabontabon, ‘Karayhakan Festival’’ of Javier, Magsanga Festival’ of Merida, and ‘Hiraite Festival’ of Leyte that was adjudge last June 9 as the Kaanyag Festival grand champion in Kananga town.

Four or five contingents are to compete at the Pintados grand showdown competition before the Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals but the organizers had not yet reveal the names of each contingents.

Just like last year, the biggest festival competition in the region will not hold a street dance competition this year due to the absence of parade permit after the city government of Tacloban failed to grant their request.

This is the second time that the festival will immediately hold ritual dance competition and forego with the street dance.

Prior to the competition, a mass is going to be held at the grandstand and after the announcement of winners and awarding this will be followed by a concert of the REO Brothers.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)