TACLOBAN CITY,Philippines – Construction of 90.4 kilometers new roads that would connect the central boundaries of the three Samar Island provinces is scheduled to start this year.

Dubbed as “Peace and Prosperity Roads”, the project amounting P900 million is in line with President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s priority agenda for peace.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Rolando M. Asis revealed this saying that the Northern Samar First District Engineering Office (NSFDEO) under District Engineer Sandy T. Pua is currently conducting the Preliminary Survey for the opening of five new roads in Northern Samar province--that would connect the isolated hinterland villages to the main roads. (Jack Cadaingan)

Iloilo liquor ban for lent

ILOILO CITY (PNA) — The Iloilo City Peace and Order Council (ICPOC) passed a resolution that prohibits selling and drinking of liquor during the observance of Holy Week.

The council, chaired by Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, agreed during their regular monthly meeting that a liquor ban will be imposed starting Holy Thursday until Black Saturday in deference to the Catholic tradition.

Mabilog said drinking will not be allowed within the premises of all public plazas in the city this Holy Week. Stores are also advised not to sell alcoholic drinks especially to minors.

P162 M for Cebu schools

CEBU CITY (PNA) — The Department of Education (DepEd) has set aside about P162.74 million to build 64 school buildings in 28 towns in Cebu Province.

The project is divided into 44 clusters and each cluster will get an allocation from the DepEd Central Office.

A similar project will start in Mandaue City next month after they complete the bidding process, administrative officer Benjamin Tiongson of the city schools division said. Tiongson is the vice chairman of the bids and awards committee (BAC), chaired by superintendent Ninfa Bongo.

Crisis in Capiz

CAPIZ (PNA) — Some 350 families in Barangay Dulangan, Pilar town in Capiz are affected the recent fish kill in the locality.

The massive fish kill has surprised residents in the said barangay after various species of both salty and fresh water fishes were seen floating in the river.

Vice Governor Esteban Contreras II personally visited the area to assess the situation and the sad plight of his constituents.

The fish kill was the second time to happen in the area. He said fisher folks mostly relied their source of livelihood in the river to sustain the daily needs of their respective families.

P.C.G. urged to monitor parts

ILOILO CITY (PNA) — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) here is enjoining heads of local government units (LGUs) to closely monitor sea ports within their jurisdiction with no Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) units.

The reminder was aimed to prevent overloading of passengers and to avoid any untoward incident as people rush home for the Lenten Season.

It was also in compliance with the directive of Secretary Jesse Robredo in anticipation of the influx of passengers in observance of the Holy Week.