Largely funded thru Rep. Libanan

TACLOBAN CITY – The construction of the mini-amphitheater at Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) – Guiuan campus is finally complete following the resumption of groundwork last year.

Phase 1 of the project began in 2022 with an initial funding of P5 million, secured by Rep. Maria Fe Abunda of the lone congressional district of the province which covered the construction of the foundations, columns, and platforms.

In 2023, funding for Phase 2 was released with the assistance of Minority Floor Leader and 4Ps party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan.

An additional P30 million was allocated by the national government to complete the infrastructure project.

The blessing and turnover ceremony took place on Monday (June 3) coinciding with the 2024 graduation exercises.

Aside from Rep. Libanan, also present during the event were Governor Ben Evardone, Guiuan Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan, ACT-CIS party-list Rep.Erwin Tulfo, ESSU president Andres Pagatpatan, and DPWH Eastern Samar District Engineering Office OIC-District Engineer Domcelio Natividad.

“This new amphitheater is not just a building. It is a testament to our collective vision, hard work, and dedication to providing a holistic and enriching environment for our students and community,” Pagatpatan said.

The university president also expressed his appreciation to the officials who ensured the project’s completion.

The facility, with a seating capacity of 245, is designed to host various university activities.
“This new amphitheater will be the center of numerous activities provided by our university, including cultural performances, seminars, gatherings, and other events that will enhance our knowledge and progress,” Rep.Libanan said in his message.

He added that more facilities will be added to the ESSU – Guiuan to ensure it continues to provide quality education and produce high-caliber graduates.

ESSU Student Council president Gene Acosta mentioned that this new infrastructure will greatly benefit students by providing more options for holding their activities.

Before the amphitheater’s completion, Acosta noted that their only options were the function hall, which could accommodate about 50 people, and the covered court.

“We are thankful to have this amphitheater. We now have more options for our activities and events,” Acosta said.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Part of World Environment Day celebration

TACLOBAN CITY – In celebration of World Environment Day and Environment Month, the regional office of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-8) brought their services to the Province of Samar through the “EMBR8 Hatid Serbisyo sa Probinsya” initiative.

The event took place on June 5 at the Tandaya Hall, capitol grounds, Catbalogan City.
EMB representatives conducted an orientation on the process of availing various services offered by the office.

Among the frontline services offered at the Serbisyo Caravan were: environmental compliance certificate (ECC);certificate of non-coverage (CNC);waste water discharge permit; permit to operate; hazardous waste generator ID; small quantity importation clearance; chemical control order registration; chemical control order importation clearance; permit to transport; and pollution control officer accreditation.

Owners of various businesses and establishments, as well as representatives of local offices, were encouraged to visit the Tandaya Hall to avail themselves of these services or inquire about other concerns. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in the region has reported a 96 percent compliance rate in the consolidation of public utility vehicles under the government’s modernization program.

According to their report, out of 3,563 registered public utility vehicles in the region, 3,378 units have been consolidated as of May 31. This information was shared by Gualberto Gualberto, the regional director of the LTFRB, during a media conference organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on Tuesday (June 4).

“I am happy to say that Region 8 is among the leading regions in the country in complying with the consolidation program,” he stated. “In fact, we have a 96 percent compliance rating, making us the number two region in the country in terms of program compliance,” Gualberto added.

Region 12 currently holds the highest rate of consolidation of public utility vehicles.
Gualberto expressed his satisfaction with the compliance of operators in the country, despite the program’s deadline having lapsed on April 30. He mentioned that drivers of public utility vehicles not enrolled by their operators under the program were provided assistance by the LTFRB as part of their social support initiative.

This assistance included enrolling drivers with TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to acquire skills beyond driving, such as entrepreneurship. Alternatively, they were helped to join transport groups or cooperatives that had agreed to consolidate.

“No one was left behind because the LTFRB’s program is really to help our drivers and operators,” Gualberto emphasized.

He also assured that the riding public in the region was not affected by the program due to the high compliance rate among transport owners. Furthermore, based on their monitoring, no public utility vehicles that were not included in the consolidation continued to operate on the streets.

Some drivers and operators in the region have expressed reservations about the program, noting that preparing the necessary documents and purchasing new and modern units would entail high costs.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)

ORMOC CITY– Two sachets containing white crystalline substances weighing 6.46 grams with an estimated street value of P43,928 and a homemade S&W.357 caliber revolver were recovered by operatives of the Station Drug Enforcement Team of Police Station 4 and the City Drug Enforcement Unit of Ormoc City Police Office during a buy-bust operation at about 1:40 am on Thursday (June 6) at CCF Compound in Barangay Linao, this city.

Police Station 4 chief, Captain Jason Mateo identified the suspect as Bienvenido Delgado Jr.31, married, who was in possession of one sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu procured by an operative in the amount of P5,000.

During the conduct of a body search done in the presence of an elected official and a representative from the local media, the cops recovered one more sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected shabu weighing 6.05 grams.

Moreover, the police recovered one unit .357 caliber revolver marked S&W with no serial number, loaded with 3 live ammunition.

The suspect admitted owning the illegal items recovered from him saying he has ventured into the illegal drugs recently but refused to divulge where he gets the prohibited drug.

Charges of violations of section 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of Article II of RA 9165 the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Drugs of 2002 and RA 10591, the Comprehensive Law against illegal possession of Firearms, Ammunition, and Explosives were filed against Mateo who is now detained at the locked-up cell of Police Station 4.
(ROBERT DEJON)