CATARMAN, Northern Samar –The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Northern Samar First DEO has now substantially completed the construction of a multipurpose building (Phase 2) at the University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar.

The project, with a total cost of P 9.8 million, involves the completion a two storey multipurpose building (Phase 2) which includes construction of common CR and a covered waiting area on the ground floor, parking area, walkways, electrical works, plumbing works, fire exit ladder, 2000L water tank with 2hp water pump.

This one-stop-shop facility will accommodate essential government agencies such as the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Prior to the construction of the multipurpose building, professionals and locals from this province had to endure a long and tiring six to eight-hour travel time to Tacloban, Leyte, to process important documents and transact with these agencies. This travel requirement not only consumes valuable time but also incurs additional expenses on transportation and accommodation.

District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio stated, “Upon completion of this building, professionals and locals could conveniently process their documents and transactions in Catarman; therefore, saving them time, money, and effort to travel. The one-stop-shop concept streamlines processes, allowing residents to accomplish multiple tasks at a single location.”

The one-stop-shop multipurpose building aligns with the district’s commitment to providing accessible and efficient government services to the people of Northern Samar.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA,PIO ALTERNATE/PR)

ORMOC CITY– About 10 houses were turned to ashes from a fire caused by a gas leak at about 8:00 am on Tuesday (April 30) in Barangay San Isidro, Las Navas in Northern Samar.

Initial investigation conducted by the local fire investigator disclosed that the owner of the house, identified as “Peter” 36, a resident of Brgy. San Isidro, detected a gas leak while cooking, prompting him to move the stove towards the window.

However, the hose was detached from the gas tank resulting in the gas spreading into his house.

As a result, the fire erupted, engulfing his house and spreading to nine neighboring residences which were mostly made of light materials.

Locals conducted a “bayanihan” using water from a nearby river to douse off the fire .
The fire was controlled about 11: 20 am and was totally out about 12: 00 noon.

No one was reported injured from the fire whose estimated damage was pegged at about P1 million. (ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY– The construction of a new school building at St. Francis Integrated School in Tacloban City is currently underway, with 20% of the project already completed.

The project, which commenced on November 24, 2024, is funded under the General Appropriations Act 2023, with a total contract amount of P60,525,000. The construction is expected to be completed within a duration of 220 calendar days.

The new building will be four-storey structure housing 20 classrooms. This development is a significant step towards addressing the lack of nearby schools for students in the area, given the school’s distance from the commercial center of Tacloban City.

In a statement about the project, OIC District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse said, “We are committed to providing quality education facilities for our students. This project not only represents a significant investment in our community but also a commitment to our children’s future. We are making steady progress and are excited to see the completion of this project.”
(TACLOBAN CITY DISTRICT ENGINEERING OFFICE)