BRIDGE CLOSURE. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced the closure of Daguitan Bridge in Burauen, Leyte, to heavy vehicles and trucks starting March 27, 2025, due to give way for the repair of the bridge’s approach. Light vehicles and motorcycles are still allowed to pass. (L2DEO)
BRIDGE CLOSURE. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced the closure of Daguitan Bridge in Burauen, Leyte, to heavy vehicles and trucks starting March 27, 2025, due to give way for the repair of the bridge’s approach. Light vehicles and motorcycles are still allowed to pass. (L2DEO)
TACLOBAN CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced the closure of Daguitan Bridge in Barangay Cantimawa, Burauen, Leyte, to heavy vehicles and trucks starting March 27, 2025, due to structural damage.
According to DPWH 2nd Leyte Engineering District (LED) Engineer Leo Edward Oppura, the bridge’s approach has been damaged, making it unsafe for heavy vehicles to cross. However, light vehicles and motorcycles are still allowed to pass.
Motorists are advised to take an alternate route via the Dulag-Mayorga-La Paz Road until repairs are completed.
The closure is expected to cause inconvenience, particularly for truckers and motorists transporting heavy loads. Oppura apologized for the disruption and assured the public that repairs will be prioritized to restore full access as soon as possible.
Motorists are urged to plan their routes accordingly and exercise caution while traveling in the affected area.
NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL MONUMENTS. A group of renowned geologists recently visited Northern Samar to conduct their study on various geological sites like the rock formations in Biri Island for them to be considered as national geological monuments.
NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL MONUMENTS. A group of renowned geologists recently visited Northern Samar to conduct their study on various geological sites like the rock formations in Biri Island for them to be considered as national geological monuments.
TACLOBAN CITY – A team of geologists from the National Committee on Geological Sciences (NCGS), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and the University of the Philippines – National Institute of Geological Sciences (UP-NIGS) recently conducted a three-day assessment in Northern Samar to advance the nomination of Biri Rocks and other geological sites in the province as National Geological Monuments (NGM).
The delegation, which arrived in the province on Sunday, March 23, included Dr. Allan Gil Fernando, a famed geologist and micropaleontologist from UP-NIGS, alongside experts from the MGB.
Their mission focused on geological surveys, site validation, and scientific data collection to support the NGM declaration, the Northern Samar Planning and Development Office (NSPDO) in a report on Tuesday, March 25, said.
The fieldwork involved mapping, rock sampling, and microscopic analysis to determine the age and composition of rock formations in the province.
Among the sites under evaluation were the Biri Rock Formations in Biri town and Mampugay Falls, the highest waterfalls in Samar Island, located in Palapag town.
During their visit to Mampugay Falls on Monday, March 24, the geologists collected rock samples, including conglomerate, a coarse sedimentary rock. While its origins remain under study, experts believe it could offer valuable insights into Palapag’s geological history.
Initial findings also indicate the presence of fossil-rich limestone and calcareous siltstone, a type of sedimentary rock composed mainly of silt-sized particles and calcium carbonate, the NSPDO said.
These formations, it added, suggest that parts of Northern Samar may have once been covered by shallow marine or lake environments, offering clues to ancient ecosystems and past depositional conditions.
Governor Edwin Marino Ongchuan has expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing its potential to boost geotourism, scientific research, and environmental conservation under his “Padayon nga Kauswagan” or Sustained Progress development agenda.
If granted NGM status, these sites could attract more tourists, researchers, and geology enthusiasts, further promoting responsible tourism while ensuring their long-term preservation, the NSPDO said.
The NGM program, spearheaded by UP-NIGS, aims to recognize and protect sites of exceptional geological significance in the Philippines. These sites showcase outstanding rock formations, landforms, or geological features that hold valuable scientific, educational, and cultural importance.
NGMs are selected based on their role in understanding Earth’s history, geological processes, and natural hazards. Designated sites serve as outdoor laboratories for geology students and researchers while promoting conservation and sustainable tourism.
Among the recognized NGMs in the Philippines are Chocolate Hills in Bohol; Taal Volcano in Batangas; Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao; Hundred Islands in Pangasinan; and Mayon Volcano in Albay.
TACLOBAN CITY – The Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) has reported a significant decline in focus crimes in the province, with a 48% decrease recorded in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
During the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting led by Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla, LPPO officials presented data showing that the number of focus crimes dropped from 107 cases in the first quarter of 2024 to 56 in the same period this year.
The monitored crimes include theft, rape, murder, homicide, robbery, physical injury, carnapping, and motornapping.
Among the eight focus crimes, physical injury showed the most significant decline, plunging by 79.2%, from 24 cases last year to only five this year.
Other notable decreases include murder – down 56%, from 18 cases to 8; robbery – down 50%, from 14 cases to 7; rape – down 48%, from 23 cases to 12; and theft, down 26.3%, from 19 cases to 14.
Meanwhile, cases of carnapping remained at three, and motornapping stayed at zero. Homicide, however, saw a slight increase, rising from six cases in Q1 2024 to seven this year.
According to the LPPO, the decline in crime rates reflects the positive impact of strategic interventions, including enhanced surveillance, intensified checkpoints, and stronger coordination with judicial authorities.
“The Leyte PPO is committed to sustaining these gains through expanded CCTV coverage, increased crime prevention awareness, deployment of additional security measures, and streamlined case resolution in collaboration with prosecutors,” the LPPO stated.
The provincial police vowed to continue strengthening law enforcement initiatives to maintain peace and order in Leyte.
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 8 (Eastern Visayas) is stepping up its support to enhance the economic potential of coastal and marine biodiversity in the region as part of its blue economy initiatives.
Being one of the regions in the Visayas Islands that is heavily reliant on the ocean for sustenance and economic prosperity, the department prioritizes implementing initiatives and programs that focus on fisheries, marine transportation, aquaculture, island communities, and tourism, Marilyn Radam, DOST assistant regional director for technical operations, said in an interview Friday, March 28.
Radam said they have already crafted a proposal, in coordination with Central Visayas, Western Visayas, and Negros Island Region, to strengthen efforts for the blue economy in central Philippines.
Among the DOST-supported projects are the sea ranching projects in Southern Leyte, the maintenance of Samar’s safe water system, and other naturally thriving species, seaweeds, and fishery resources.
She said they are taking action on the decreasing production of seaweeds in the region, following a report on poor production in Bato, Leyte, home of the region’s major seaweed farm.
“Data showed that seaweed production in Leyte has been dwindling. The DOST, in coordination with BFAR, deployed national scientists for us to be provided with necessary actions,” she said.
In addition, the DOST identified other economically significant species of fishery resources found in the Visayan Sea and is also looking into other priority commodities in the region where technology could be applied to improve production, she added.
Last year, the DOST allocated P2 million for a shipyard in Albuera, Leyte, converting ship waste to something “usable.” It is expected to be operational by the end of this year or next year.
The DOST initiatives under the Blue Economy Program are coordinated with the local government units, state universities and colleges research offices, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.
Its blue economy program focuses on the sustainable management and use of natural and other resources in the maritime sector for economic growth and improved livelihoods.
(With reports from Christian Dave Noseñas, OJT/PNA)
ORMOC CITY-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) builds a one-story, two-classroom school building at Macabug Elementary School in Brgy. Macabug, Ormoc City.
Covering an area of 171 square meters, the building is designed with student comfort and accessibility in mind. Each classroom is equipped with its own comfort room, a Persons with Disabilities (PWD) ramp ensures ease of access, and ten faucets installed along the side of the building promote proper hygiene.
Funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) with a contract amount of P4,925,161.47, the project helps address classroom shortages while enhancing the overall learning experience. With improved facilities, students can concentrate better, teachers can engage more effectively, and the school community benefits from a more conducive educational setting.
Through this project, DPWH Leyte 4th DEO continues to support the improvement of school infrastructure in the district, ensuring better educational opportunities for young learners. (PR)
TACLOBAN CITY – Candidates across Eastern Visayas officially launched their local campaigns on Friday, March 28, starting with Holy Masses before engaging in house-to-house visits, motorcades, and proclamation rallies.
In Tacloban City, reelectionist Mayor Alfred Romualdez and his slate began their campaign with a motorcade from Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport, passing through the downtown area and heading toward the northern part of the city.
Ferdinand Martin “Marty” Romualdez Jr., son of House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, went on a house-to-house campaign, personally introducing himself to voters. He is vying for a seat in the city council, while his brother, Andrew Julian Romualdez, is the first nominee of the Tingog party-list. This marks the first electoral run for both siblings.
Meanwhile, Speaker Romualdez held a meeting with mayors from Leyte’s 1st District, including Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla, mother of Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla.
The younger Petilla, a former political rival of the Romualdezes, is seeking a second term as governor unopposed.
In Southern Leyte, Governor Damian Mercado and his brother, Roger Mercado, who is running for congressman, also attended a Mass before launching their campaign.
In Samar, reelectionist Governor Sharee Ann Tan joined the proclamation rally of Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy and his slate.
Borongan City, Eastern Samar, also saw a major campaign kickoff as reelectionist Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda and his team held their proclamation rally.
Some other key candidates in the region opted for a low-key start to their campaigns, either planning rallies over the weekend or maintaining a minimal campaign presence due to a lack of strong opponents.
The first day of the campaign period was also marked by “Operation Baklas,” an initiative led by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to remove campaign materials placed outside designated areas.
Comelec-8 legal officer Atty. Ma. Krishna Athena Elardo warned candidates that violations could lead to disqualification.
“Of course, due process will be observed,” she assured.
(JOEY A. GABIETA, ROEL T.AMAZONA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
