NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — A significant step in upholding good infrastructure governance, Governor Harris Ongchuan committed to establishing the Local Infrastructure Learning Hub (LIL Hub) in Northern Samar, signing a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and partner agencies involved in infrastructure development in the province.
The MOA formalizes the commitment of the Provincial Government and partner agencies to share knowledge, expertise, and resources to LGUs on infrastructure audit and related activities, assist and provide pool of trainers or resource persons in delivering capacity development interventions to improve local infrastructure governance, and collaborate in the development of infrastructure audit plans to ensure the sustainability of the LIL Hub.
It strengthens mutual cooperation among partner-implementers for disaster preparedness and infrastructure audit.
”We have seen how typhoons get stronger each year, so it is vital that we build quality, safer roads, bridges and government facilities for our constituents. This MOA ensures that the quality of our infrastructures are looked into,” Governor Ongchuan said.
He also commended the DILG for the initiative, expressing the Provincial Government’s full support and cooperation to its goal. The governor’s commitment encompasses the PGNS departments involved in infra-building: the Provincial Engineering Office, the PDRRMO and the Provincial Health Office.
Spearheading the agreement-signing, DILG Provincial Director Geraldine Maquelabit stressed how vital high-quality local infrastructure delivery is.
”The LIL Hub is a response to the challenging times, a commitment to protect lives. For good governance is also about safe buildings and infrastructures – the biggest legacy that government leaves to the next generation,” she emphasized.
Also signing the cooperation on June 4, 2026 at the Provincial Capitol were DPWH First Engineering District head, Engr. Alvin Ignacio, DPWH 2 District Engineer, Atty. Eric Sabong, DepEd Northern Samar Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Rey Bulawan, BFP Northern Samar OIC Provincial Fire Marshal Darwin Orsolino, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Northern Samar Chapter Officer, Engr. Felix Licas and the representative of UEP. Also present were DILG OIC Cluster Head Eduardo Diaz Jr. and members of the DILG PDMU Team, OIC Provincial Engineer Noel Berbon and Provincial Legal Officer, Atty. Adah Gwynne Tobes.
The learning hub, a catalyst for innovative and collaborative ingfrastructure governance, aims to build an enduring framework to elevate development standards, guarantee public accountability and ensure future public works deliver a safer, more resilient infrastructure landscape for Northern Samar.
