Tacloban City— In a significant move to ensure the safety and integrity of national infrastructure, the Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) has undertaken a comprehensive bridge inspection survey as part of a nationwide event, which also encompasses the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The survey, which commenced in the second week of May, is scheduled to proceed until July 28, 2024.
Under the leadership of BMS Coordinator, Engr. Ted Bryan Bacor, and with the support of engineers from the Planning and Design Section, the program aims to meticulously monitor the state of bridges in Tacloban City. The BMS encompasses a series of critical activities, including bridge inventory surveys, annual condition inspections, updates on bridge condition information, analysis of bridge condition data, and the preparation of prioritized maintenance and network development programs.
“The BMS inspections are not just routine checks; they are a proactive approach to safeguarding public safety and enhancing the efficiency of our transportation infrastructure. By identifying potential structural issues early, we can implement necessary interventions swiftly, avoiding the escalation of minor damages into more significant, expensive repairs.” BMS Coordinator Engr. Ted Bryan Bacor said in a statement.
The BMS inspections are a cornerstone for public safety, ensuring that potential structural concerns are identified and addressed promptly. This proactive strategy not only prevents accidents but also contributes to economic stability by maintaining uninterrupted transportation routes. (PR)
TACLOBAN CITY- A 75-year-old Catholic nun is safe and recuperating from surgery at an undisclosed hospital after surviving a gun attack in Barangay Burabod, Kawayan town in Biliran province.
The incident occurred on the evening of May 26 but was only reported to authorities on May 28.
Authorities identified the victim as Sister Maria Gemma Onipa, a member of the Lady of Peace missionary congregation which is based in Kawayan town.
“The local police have yet to identify the suspect and the motive of the crime,” a police officer, who requested anonymity as she is not authorized to speak to the media told Leyte Samar Daily Express.
But a relative of the victim said that they are eyeing land dispute as a possible reason.
“Our aunt has been helping people in our area who are in dispute on land ownership. It could be the reason why they shot her,” the relative said.
They declined to provide further details except to say that back in early 1990s, Sister Onipa was also attacked by an assailant using a knife.
The nun sustained several wounds on that slay try.
According to information released to the media by the Eastern Visayas police headquarters in Palo, Leyte province, about 126 kilometers from the shooting location, the suspect was described only as a male wearing a yellow jacket.
The shooting was witnessed by her 72-year-old fellow nun, identified only as Sister Ina.
“The victim and witness were inside their house watching a mass on TV when the suspect called out for the sisters outside the house. The witness checked the main door and saw an unidentified man looking for the victim,” the source said.
When Sister Onipa stood up from her chair and approached the main door, the suspect immediately shot her with a firearm of unknown caliber, hitting her in the back.
The victim was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment, while the suspect fled in an unknown direction.
According to the source, Sister Onipa is still in the hospital and not yet ready for media interviews.
Kawayan police have coordinated with nearby police stations to conduct dragnet operations for the possible identification and arrest of the suspect. (RONALD O.REYES)
ORMOC CITY-Three persons were arrested in a sting operation conducted by the elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Station Drug Enforcement Team of Police Station 2 of the Tacloban City Police Office that also resulted in the dismantling of a drug den at about 3:25 pm on Monday (May 27) in Barangay 91, Abucay of said city.
PDEA8 Regional Director Jacqueline De Guzman identified the arrested suspects as “James”, 39, pedicab driver and said to be the drug den maintainer; alias “Van-van”, 27, sales agent, both residents of Brgy. 91; and alias “Virgil”, 29, unemployed and a resident of Brgy. 71, Naga-Naga, Tacloban City (visitor).
The three arrested suspects are listed as high-value individuals on the drug watchlist of the agency.
The target of the operation was the den maintainer with the operatives recovered from his possession a sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu procured by an agent in the amount of P500.
During the conduct of a body search done in the presence of an elected official and a representative from the local media, the operatives recovered five more sachets containing the same white crystalline substances from the suspect with an estimated weight of 15. 03 grams with an estimated street value of P102,500.
Charges of violations of sections 5 (selling illegal drugs) & 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of Article II of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Drugs of 2002, were filed against them who are now detained at the locked-up cell of the Police Station 2 of Tacloban City Police Office.(ROBERT DEJON)
CATARMAN, Northern Samar – The Department of Public Works and Highways-Northern Samar First District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSFDEO) has completed the construction of a P6.78 million, one-story, two-classroom school building at Tarnate Elementary School in Brgy. Tarnate, San Vicente, Northern Samar.
The project involves the complete construction of One storey, two classroom school building with a total floor area of 171 square meters including clearing and grubbing, removal of trees, embankment, CHB gutter.
Each classroom is equipped with essential amenities, including handwashing area, window grills at front and rear windows, parapet wall and comfort rooms. The facility also features ramps with handrails to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities (PWD).
District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio said that the project will provide a conducive learning environment for kindergarten and grade two pupils of Tarnate Elementary School.
“This new school building will significantly enhance the learning experience for kindergarten and grade two pupils. Providing a safe and comfortable learning environment is crucial for the academic and personal growth of young students.”
Meanwhile, velyn Seragon, teacher-in-charge at Tarnate Elementary School, expressed her gratitude for the new classrooms.
“This project has a significant impact on our school. Most of our existing classrooms require repairs, and with the completion of this new building, we will be able to utilize it in the upcoming school year. Our students will greatly benefit from the improved facilities, which will undoubtedly enhance their learning experience and motivation to attend school.”
With the completion of this project, the DPWH-NSFDEO reiterates its commitment to advancing education by providing essential infrastructure.
The project commenced on November 21, 2023, and was completed on March 29, 2024, as part of the Department of Education’s Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEEF) for FY 2023. (ANALIZA A. PABIA, PIO ALTERNATE/PR)
TACLOBAN CITY – The regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced through the ‘Kapihan sa Barong Pilipinas’ program that the causeway project in this city is now underway and is expected to be completed by 2025 and onwards.
The causeway project is primarily a storm surge protection structure designed to withstand disasters and high humidity, offering protection to nearby communities.
Its alignment starts at Magsaysay Boulevard and ends at Kataisan Point in Brgy. San Jose and includes a navigational opening sufficient for boat traffic and waterways that allow the continuous flow of seawater.
According to Engr. Edgar Tabacon, the DPWH regional director, the project has an allocation of P4.5 billion and involves the construction of a 4-lane road embankment approximately 2.566 kilometers in length, which includes separate bike lanes, concrete canals, sidewalks, and wave deflectors on both sides.
To ensure the continuous flow of seawater, the structure includes five reinforced concrete box culverts and a bridge spanning 360 meters, extended from the initially planned 180 meters based on the recommendation by the city council.
The total project cost is P4.586 billion, with a total released amount of P880 million (2022 & 2024 General Appropriations Act).
The project schedule is from February 2023 to January 2025 and onwards. Currently, the project has a 5.16% completion based on the total project cost.
The project, also serving as an alternate route for the traveling public, aims to reduce travel time from Tacloban City proper to the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport and decongest traffic along the existing thoroughfare.
Once completed, the usual travel time of 45 minutes from the city proper to DZR Airport will be reduced to just 10 minutes.
This reduction in travel time will result in cheaper logistics costs, faster financial returns, easier access to essential goods and services, and a more affordable and safer travel experience in Leyte’s capital city and the entire Eastern Visayas region, Tabacon said. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
BANOG-BANOG FESTIVAL. As part of the month-long celebration of the 59th founding anniversary of Northern Samar, several activities have been lined up, including the ‘Summer Saya sa Ibabao Banog-banog’ competition. The province, under Gov. Edwin Ongchuan, will mark its founding anniversary on June 19.(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
BANOG-BANOG FESTIVAL. As part of the month-long celebration of the 59th founding anniversary of Northern Samar, several activities have been lined up, including the ‘Summer Saya sa Ibabao Banog-banog’ competition. The province, under Gov. Edwin Ongchuan, will mark its founding anniversary on June 19.(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
Tornado hit N. Samar town
TACLOBAN CITY—Tropical storm ‘Aghon’ did not result in significant damages to Eastern Visayas, which was among the areas where the storm was expected to hit.
In a related development, a rally organized by the group of former President Rodrigo Duterte was canceled on Saturday (May 25) due to the bad weather.
According to a report from the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), about 475 families, consisting of 2,026 individuals, were affected by the bad weather. These families were from Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar provinces.
In Lavezares, Northern Samar, a tornado hit Sitio Feeder Road of Barangay Caburihan, causing significant damage. Four houses were totally destroyed, while eight others were damaged. The tornado, which lasted for four minutes, occurred around 2 am on Saturday (May 25).
Rei Josiah Echano, provincial disaster risk reduction management officer of Northern Samar, reported that the tornado affected 14 families, consisting of 53 individuals.
“Governor Edwin Ongchuan has already mobilized the province’s resources to provide shelter assistance and other needs of the victims,” he said. The affected families are temporarily taking shelter at their barangay hall.
Police Staff Sergeant Amiel Galdonez, head of operations of the Lavezares police, confirmed that out of the 12 houses damaged, four were totally destroyed. Most of these houses were made of light materials.
The tornado also damaged the covered court of Sitio Feeder, blowing away some of its roofs.
“According to the residents, the tornado lasted around one minute. Fortunately, no one was hurt,” Galdonez said in a phone interview.
He added that the tornado could have been spawned by Typhoon ‘Aghon.’
The bad weather also disrupted sea travel across the region, as the Coast Guard issued an advisory prohibiting sea travel.
More than 500 sea travelers were affected by the order in the three ports of Allen, Northern Samar: Dapdap, Balwhartico, and Santa Clara.
In Macrohon, Southern Leyte, a fisherman named Celso Plasabas, 67, was reported missing after he ventured out to sea to fish on the afternoon of May 23.
The DSWD in Eastern Visayas had prepositioned P119.29 million worth of relief items in preparation for the possible impact of Tropical Depression ‘Aghon’ in the region.
These resources include P114.76 million worth of food and non-food items and a P4.52 million standby fund, according to DSWD regional information officer Jonalyndie Chua.
The relief goods include 91,130 family food packs (FFPs) and 35,602 non-food items (NFIs).
“In response to the possible effects of this weather disturbance, the DSWD field office held a quick response team meeting to discuss preparedness measures to respond to the needs of the local government units,” Chua said.
The stock of food supplies in strategic areas of the region will ensure faster delivery of relief goods in case of severe flooding and other disasters.
These goods are prepositioned in Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and DSWD regional resource operations centers in Palo, Leyte, Sogod, Southern Leyte, and Biliran province.
Each FFP contains six kilos of rice, four cans of corned beef, four cans of tuna flakes, two cans of sardines, five sachets of coffee, and five sachets of cereal drinks. The NFIs include sleeping kits, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, laminated sacks, plastic mats, modular tents, and kitchen utensils.
Meanwhile, the scheduled ‘Maisug’ rally of former President Duterte’s group was also affected by the bad weather. The organizers were forced to cancel their rally at the Remedios Trinidad Romualdez (RTR) Plaza, located in the city proper but owned by the provincial government of Leyte.
The former president was expected to arrive from Davao City to Tacloban for the rally.
His son, Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte, in a press conference on Sunday (May 26), expressed disappointment that their ‘prayer rally’ did not take place but hoped to reschedule it.
“We hope to come back again to Tacloban for the Maisug rally,” he said.
