DPWH Samar 2nd DEO meets with DENR to discuss Basey-Maydolong project

By MARK ERROLD G. PABUA
January 23, 2025

CATBALOGAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Samar 2nd District Engineering Office, led by District Engineer Herminio V. Gulmatico, held a productive meeting with personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) at the Aviore Hotel in Tacloban City. The event was organized by Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Operations Angelito Villanueva, formerly the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) stationed in Catbalogan City.

The meeting focused on addressing the key components and environmental considerations of the Basey-Maydolong Project, a significant undertaking of the DPWH Samar 2nd DEO aimed at improving connectivity and fostering development in the region.

District Engineer Gulmatico extended his gratitude to DENR for their invaluable contributions and for providing resolutions to various environmental impacts associated with the project. The collaboration highlights the strong partnership between DPWH and DENR in ensuring that infrastructure development aligns with environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.

The discussions underscored the commitment of both agencies to balance development and environmental preservation, ensuring that the Basey-Maydolong Project delivers benefits to local communities while minimizing ecological disruptions.

This meeting marks another milestone in the ongoing efforts to deliver sustainable infrastructure projects, exemplifying the dedication of government agencies to serve the public effectively.

8ID units receives awards for dismantling Communist Terrorist Groups in EV

By DPAO, 8ID PA
January 22, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The Visayas Command (VisCom), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has conferred the AFP Campaign Streamer Awards to the two Infantry Brigades, three Battalions and former Operational Control (OPCON) Unit of 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division after successfully dismantling Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in Eastern Visayas.

The awards was given to the units during the Command Conference held at Headquarters VisCom, Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City on January 22, 2025.

Lieutenant General Fernando Reyeg, the Commander of VisCom together with 8th Infantry Division Commander, Major General Adonis Ariel Orio and Deputy Commander VisCom, Commodore Oscar Canlas Jr., conferred the award.

The awardees are the 801st Infantry Brigade and 42nd Infantry Battalion, a former OPCON unit of 8ID, for dismantling the ELCON Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC), Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

The 802nd Infantry Brigade was also awarded for dismantling the Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) Bugsok, SRC SESAME of the EVRPC, the Apoy Platoon and Platoon 2, Island Committee (IC) 47 LEVOX, EVRPC.

The 63rd Infantry Battalion for dismantling the SRGU Bugsok, SRC SESAME, EVRPC.

The 78th Infantry Battalion for dismantling the Apoy Platoon, SRC SESAME, EVRPC and the 93rd Infantry Battalion for dismantling the Platoon 2, IC 47 LEVOX.

Maj.Gen. Orio, lauded the awardee units for their exemplary service in dismantling the CTGs that greatly contributed in the campaign of ending local communist armed conflict in Eastern Visayas.

"These awards is a testament of your dedication and exemplary service. Your accomplishment of dismantling these Communist Terrorist Groups have been vital in our goal of attaining a peaceful and progressive community for the people of Eastern Visayas," Maj.Gen. Orio expressed.

Maj.Gen. Orio also encouraged the troops to continue their efforts and sustain the gains against the remaining insurgents.

"We are almost there, so, let us continue our efforts and sustain our gains against these Communist Terrorist Groups, the people relies on us," Maj. Gen. Orio added.

This recognition underscores the ongoing efforts of 8th Infantry Division in combating insurgency and promoting stability in the region.

DPWH Samar 2nd DEO completes construction of Calbiga Flood Control Project

By MARK ERROLD G. PABUA
January 22, 2025

CATBALOGAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Samar 2nd District Engineering Office proudly announces the completion of the Calbiga Flood Control Project, located along the Calbiga River in Calbiga, Samar.

Funded through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2024, the project was completed at a cost of P96,748,541.63. The structure spans 277.9 meters in length, with a 3-meter easement width and a 2.7-meter height, providing vital flood mitigation benefits to the local community.

This initiative is a significant step toward protecting Calbiga’s residents, agricultural areas, and infrastructure from the adverse impacts of flooding. The flood control system underscores the government’s commitment to disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation.

The DPWH Samar 2nd District Engineering Office, under the leadership of District Engineer Herminio V. Gulmatico, commends the teamwork and dedication of everyone involved in the successful implementation of the project.

PSA Leyte resumes full-swing National ID registration to accelerate province-wide registration progress

By PSA-8
January 21, 2025

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Leyte, through its dedicated registration personnel, has resumed the full-scale implementation of the National ID registration on January 20, 2025. This initiative is part of the government’s continued commitment to provide every Filipino with a unified and reliable identification system under the National Identification System.

During the Online Refresher Training for the National ID Frontline Services last 16-17 January 2025, which was attended by newly-hired registration personnel, PSA Leyte's Chief Statistical Specialist, Sheryl Ann A. Jamisola, highlighted the importance of the National ID in simplifying both public and private transactions, improving access to social services, and fostering financial inclusion."The National ID serves as a powerful tool for empowering individuals and ensuring that no one is left behind," CSS Jamisola stated during the online training.

Registration centers across Leyte are now fully equipped and ready to efficiently and safely accommodate registrants. The PSA Leyte guarantees that strict health protocols are being implemented to protect both personnel and registrants, particularly children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and other vulnerable groups. Details about the exact locations and schedules of registration venues are consistently shared with Local Government Units (LGUs) and Barangay units to keep the public informed.

Citizens are encouraged to visit their nearest registration center with the necessary documents, such as a valid government-issued ID or a birth certificate, to complete their registration process. Mobile registration units were also deployed to remote and underserved areas, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all sectors of the population. PSA Leyte calls on all eligible residents of Leyte to take advantage of this opportunity to register for their National ID.

Moreover, our office also offers services for National ID Institutional Registration, ensuring that organizations and institutions can facilitate the registration of their members, employees, or affiliates for the National Identification System. By extending institutional registration services, PSA Leyte enhances accessibility for individuals who may face challenges in visiting registration centers, fostering broader participation in the National ID program. This initiative underscores the importance of inclusivity and convenience in the National ID registration process.

The National Identification System aims to provide a seamless, secure, and universally accepted identification system for every Filipino, reinforcing the country’s drive towards digital transformation and inclusive development.

International Airborne leaders discuss comprehensive partnerships anew

By OACPA
January 17, 2025

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – Airborne Commanders from the participating Indo-Pacific countries gathered for the International Airborne Commanders Conference (IACC) held at the 1st Airborne Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), Camp Narashino, Chiba Prefecture, Japan on January 10, 2025.

The Philippine Army delegates, led by Vice Commander Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Leodevic Guinid and Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) Commander Brig. Gen. Rosendo Abad Jr., joined the delegates from allied countries to discuss strategic plans and exchange relevant information in response to the emerging threats in the region. The conference also served as the avenue for initiating talks on establishing more and enhanced comprehensive cooperation and military-to-military agreements between the Indo-Pacific nations.

The 1st Airborne Brigade, JGSDF also simultaneously held the International Airborne Chief Sergeants Major Conference and facilitated the exchange of information regarding human resource development, leader-subordinate relations, Non-Commissioned Officers' (NCO) empowerment, and training of the NCOs from the allied countries.

The conferences are part of the significant activities in the New Year Jump in Indo-Pacific 2025 and served as the opportunity to foster collaborations among the participating nations before the conduct of airborne jump demonstrations and technical exchanges on January 12.

BotiCARD opens its 24th Branch in Biñan City

By JOSEPHINE RAMOS
January 17, 2025

SAN PABLO CITY – BotiCARD opened its newest branch in Biñan City, Laguna, on January 8, 2025, to bring high-quality, affordable medicines closer to more Filipinos.

By establishing a presence in Biñan, the pharmacy reaffirmed its commitment to making essential healthcare accessible, providing more affordable alternatives, and delivering health education to the community.

BotiCARD President Rosenda Aquino expressed the pharmacy’s dedication to reaching more communities, particularly those living on the margins. “We believe that expanding our services across the country and improving people’s health is another way to support CARD MRI’s mission of eradicating poverty," she stated.

As part of the celebration, BotiCARD offered free consultations, blood pressure monitoring, and dental extractions to clients and the general public who attended the event. In addition, the pharmacy provided a 28% discount on selected medicines and vitamins.

During the opening, 109 individuals benefited from the free medical services.

Aside from medicines, BotiCARD offers basic medical supplies, hygiene products, and other essential health products.

BotiCARD, the health wing of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), was established in 2011 to ensure the availability of affordable and quality medicines to CARD members, their families, and communities.

42IB receives awards for dismantling Communist Terrorists Group in Eastern Visayas

By DPAO, 8ID PA
January 17, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division of the Philippine Army has recognized the significant contributions of the 42nd Infantry “Tagapagtanggol” Battalion of the 9th Infantry Division which served as an Operational Control (OPCON) Unit of 8ID, in the fight against the insurgents in Eastern Visayas, in a send-off ceremony held at the Headquarters Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 8, Philippine Air Force in Tacloban City on January 16, 2025.

For almost two years of being an OPCON unit of 8ID, 42IB’s efforts and accomplishments has delivered a decisive blow in the ranks of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in the province of Eastern Samar.

One of its notable accomplishments was the successful dismantling of the ELCON Platoon of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Browser of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) operating in the provinces of Samar and Eastern Samar on March 3, 2023 and the recovery of assorted high-powered firearms and the capture or surrender of CTG personalities.

After its successful operations and contributing to 8ID towards greater heights against the insurgents in Eastern Visayas, the 42IB will now be returning to 9th Infantry Division in the Bicol province.

Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, the Commander of the Joint Task Force Storm and the 8th Infantry Division, spearheaded the send-off ceremony of the 42IB where he awarded the Meritorious Merit Medal (MMM) and the Command Plaque as recognition for the unit’s significant accomplishments and contributions in the pursuit of ending local communist armed conflict in the region.

In his message, Maj. Gen. Orio expressed his gratitude to 42IB for their unwavering commitment to their shared mission of achieving peace, stability and progress for the people of Eastern Visayas.

“Through your tireless Community Support Operations and Mobile Community Support Sustainment Operations, you did more than neutralize threats and recover firearms – you brought hope and security to communities that longed for peace. Your efforts have strengthened the foundation of long-lasting peace and sustainable development for the people of Eastern Visayas,” Major General Orio said.

Maj. Gen. Orio also encouraged the troops to carry the lessons and experiences they have gained in 8ID.

“May you continue to serve with pride, passion, and purpose. Never forget the ripples of change and peace you have created – they will be felt for generations to come, Maj. Gen. Orio added.

NMP receives significant budget boost to empower Filipino seafarers

Press Release
January 16, 2025

TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) has received a significant budget increase in the recently approved FY 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA). Of the P8.081 billion allocated to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), P224.602 million (excluding Retirement and Life Insurance Premium) has been earmarked for NMP, representing a 23.39% increase (P42.580 million) compared to the FY 2024 budget.

Furthermore, NMP has also been allocated P66 million under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget for infrastructure projects to enhance training facilities and overall campus infrastructure.

The increased funding will enable NMP to upgrade its information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, conduct a feasibility study for its proposed expansion in Luzon, and acquire essential training equipment such as maritime simulators, personal protective equipment (PPEs), and motor vehicles.

NMP Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario expressed his gratitude, stating, "We deeply appreciate the government's steadfast support in securing a responsive budget cover for FY 2025. This significant financial backing enables us to enhance our training facilities, expand our capabilities, and provide quality training and research services to our seafarers. On behalf of the NMP, we thank the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) led by Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, Cong. Jude A. Acidre, Chairperson of the Committee on Overseas Affairs of the House Representatives, and all stakeholders who have recognized and supported our vital role in the maritime sector."

This funding boost underscores the government's commitment to supporting Filipino seafarers, whose remittances significantly contribute to the national economy. With the increased funding, NMP is well-positioned to elevate its services, strengthen the maritime workforce, and contribute more significantly to the maritime industry.

2nd Regional Joint Security Control Center convenes to ensure peaceful midterm National and Local Elections 2025

By DPAO, 8ID PA
January 16, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division of the Philippine Army, in collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard Eastern Visayas, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8), the Bureau of Fire Protection Region 8 (BFP Region 8), and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Region 8, convened the 2nd Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) Conference on January 15, 2025, at Abanador Hall, Camp Vicente Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar.

The conference focused on reviewing joint operational guidelines and strategies aimed at enhancing security measures, streamlining communication, and addressing potential challenges that may arise during the election period. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of all agencies involved to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and ensure voter safety.

Key officials present included Commodore Elgene Gregorio, Assistant District Commander of the Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas; Police Brigadier General Jay Cumigad, Regional Director of PRO 8; Senior Superintendent Randy Mendaros, Assistant Regional Director on Operation of BFP Region8; Atty. Remlane Tambuang, Regional Election Director for Region 8, COMELEC; and Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, along with other RJSCC members.

The meeting aimed to strengthen inter-agency partnerships to guarantee the safe, orderly, and credible conduct of the 2025 midterm elections in Eastern Visayas.

Police Brig. Gen. Cumigad highlighted the significance of the RJSCC in addressing gaps and ensuring comprehensive election planning.

"We were able to address the lacking requirements and provide an avenue for both the PNP and AFP to effectively deploy personnel, leading to comprehensive planning for the midterm elections," he stated.

He emphasized that the RJSCC serves as a vital platform for aligning strategies, assessing preparedness, and enhancing security measures to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.

Atty. Tambuang underscored the essential role of partnerships with stakeholders, including the AFP, PNP, and PCG, in maintaining peace and security during the elections.

"The Commission on Elections cannot achieve this alone. We need the support of all stakeholders to ensure peace and security in our area, allowing people to leave their homes and vote freely on election day," Atty. Tambuang remarked.

He called for collaboration across all sectors, emphasizing the importance of societal encouragement to foster a secure and credible electoral process.

Maj. Gen. Orio reiterated the Philippine Army's commitment to protecting the sanctity of the electoral process.

"This is our mandate for the upcoming elections. We are ready to help ensure the success of this democratic exercise," Maj. Gen. Orio stated.

He further emphasized the Army's readiness to address challenges, enforce security protocols, and prevent disruptions that could compromise the integrity of the elections.

The strong participation and collective resolve demonstrated during the 2nd RJSCC Conference reflect the unwavering commitment of JTF Storm, the Philippine Army, and partner agencies in ensuring stability, fostering trust, and guaranteeing a peaceful election in Eastern Visayas.

Communist Terrorist Group in Eastern Visayas weakens further; Arms cache unearthed in Leyte

By DPAO, 8ID PA
January 14, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Joint troops from the 14th Infantry "Avenger" Battalion and the 93rd Infantry "Bantay Kapayapaan" Battalion of the 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division, Philippine Army, discovered an arms cache in the hinterlands of Barangay Mahilum, Hindang, Leyte, on January 11, 2025.

The cache contained an M60 machine gun, an M16 rifle, and an M14 rifle, marking another significant blow to the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Eastern Visayas.

This success is attributed to the Philippine Army's continued implementation of key programs that have encouraged CTG members to surrender and weakened the group's operational capabilities.

Earlier this year, the 802nd Infantry Brigade launched Project LEVOX (Living a Life that Embraces Peace and Development through Values and Reconciliation that will Overcome Fear, Hatred, and Expand the Culture of Peace). The program has played a pivotal role in locating remaining CTG members and dismantling their influence in the region.

In addition, the FReE Families Program actively engages the families and friends of CTG members, urging their surrender and providing pathways for reintegration into society.

Since January 2024, troops from the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) have participated in 93 armed encounters across Eastern Visayas. These operations have resulted in the neutralization of 41 CTG members, including two high-value individuals and six key leaders. Troops also recovered 75 firearms, 48 antipersonnel mines (prohibited under International Humanitarian Law), and seized 143 NPA lairs, along with additional weapons and arms caches.

Brigadier General Noel A. Vestuir, Commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, credited the success to former members of CTG who shared crucial information under Project LEVOX.

"The families of our Friends Rescued (FRs) have shown their commitment to support our efforts to end the local communist armed conflict. Their encouragement for loved ones to cooperate with the government is a testament to the trust and confidence inspired by our FReE Families Program," Brig. Gen. Vestuir said.

Meanwhile, Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, praised the ongoing efforts to address insurgency in the region.

"This achievement underscores our progress in eradicating insurgency and dismantling its networks. We remain steadfast in our mission to deliver lasting peace to Region 8. The people deserve to live without fear, and we are committed to making this a reality," Maj. Gen. Orio stated.

He further urged remaining CTG members to surrender.