NEW BILIRAN BRIDGE? As the Biliran Bridge has reportedly sustained damages, the provincial government is proposing that an alternate bridge be constructed on the island with the national government providing the needed budget. (BILIRAN ISLAND)
Amid viral video showing bridge swaying
NEW BILIRAN BRIDGE? As the Biliran Bridge has reportedly sustained damages, the provincial government is proposing that an alternate bridge be constructed on the island with the national government providing the needed budget. (BILIRAN ISLAND)
TACLOBAN CITY – The construction of an alternate bridge linking Biliran province to Leyte is in the pipeline, according to Biliran District Engineering Office (BDEO) District Engineer Irwin Antonio.
This announcement follows a viral social media video highlighting the current bridge’s structural condition on December 23.
“With the age of the bridge, there is a necessity to construct another bridge,” Antonio said in an interview.
The Biliran Bridge, built in 1976, serves as the only connection between the island province and mainland Leyte. Initially designed to support a 20-ton load limit, this was reduced to 15 tons in 2014 after retrofitting efforts aimed at preserving its structural integrity.
The bridge underwent its first rehabilitation in 1996.
The need for an alternate bridge was emphasized during a Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) meeting on December 24, convened by Governor Gerard Roger Espina.
During the meeting, the council passed a resolution requesting the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to seek funding from the national government for the construction of a new bridge.
Engineer Antonio revealed that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been planning the construction of an alternate bridge for some time.
He noted that discussions involving the national government, Biliran’s lone congressional representative, and DPWH regional and district offices have been ongoing.
“This is the only main link to Biliran province. The project is already in the pipeline and is currently under study to identify contributing factors. Once these are addressed, we will proceed with funding the construction of the new bridge,” Antonio said.
In response to the viral video, the DPWH regional office dispatched a bridge inspection vehicle on December 24 to assess the 200-meter-long Biliran Bridge.
The inspection revealed damages, including issues with the bridge’s stringers, steel cross bracing, and loose nuts and bolts, particularly in spans 1, 3, and 4.
Given these findings, the district engineering office recommended using barges to ferry heavy vehicles, such as cargo trucks and fuel tankers, between Leyte and Biliran. Currently, only vans, four-wheel vehicles, motorcycles, and motorcabs are allowed to cross the bridge.
As a precautionary measure, Governor Espina announced that the provincial government is considering declaring a state of calamity to stabilize prices and mitigate the potential economic impact of the bridge’s condition. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
TACLOBAN CITY – The military in the region has reported delivering “decisive blows” to the remaining forces of the New People’s Army (NPA) this year.
The military operations and encounters conducted throughout 2024 led to the deaths of high-value NPA leaders, the surrender of several members, and the seizure of a significant cache of firearms and explosives, and their camps.
These developments have weakened the local communist armed group operating in the region, particularly on Samar Island, Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) based in Catbalogan City, Samar, said in a statement on Monday, December 23.
“These successful operations highlight our unyielding commitment to preventing the communist terrorist group’s atrocities and maintaining peace in the region,” Orio stated. “We also recognize the vital cooperation of partner stakeholders and the civilian population in achieving these milestones.”
From January to December 2024, the military engaged in 93 armed encounters with the NPA.
These operations resulted in the deaths of 41 rebel members, including six key leaders, the recovery of 75 firearms, and the seizure of 48 anti-personnel mines (APMs).
Additionally, troops discovered 143 NPA lairs, and facilitated the surrender of three officials.
The surrendered officials were identified as alias Ruby, secretary of SRC Sesame, who surrendered to the 78th Infantry Battalion on November 29; alias Ara, squad leader of Squad 2, Apoy Platoon, SRC Sesame, who surrendered on March 29; and alias Geo/Omer, squad leader of Squad 2, Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit Laysan, SRC Arctic, who surrendered to the 20th Infantry Battalion.
The six slain NPA leaders were Ariel Baselga, alias Ariel/Polly, secretary of SRC Emporium, killed in an encounter at Barangay Paco, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on December 2; Glen Acebuche, alias Baste, squad leader of Squad 2, remnants of the dismantled Front Committee 15; Genaro Adarayan, alias Tibay, finance officer of SRC Emporium, killed in an encounter at Barangay Victory, Las Navas, on December 4; Monmon Diaz, alias Beloy, vice-commanding officer of the Sub-Regional Operational Command (SROC), SRC Emporium, killed in Barangay Paco, Las Navas, on December 2; and Joey Locindo, alias Towing, squad leader of Squad 2, Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit Laysan, SRC Arctic.
The 8th ID reported that these operations have also led to the dismantling of 143 NPA camps in the region, mostly on Samar Island.
Military officials reiterated that the insurgency problem in Eastern Visayas is primarily concentrated on Samar Island, particularly in Northern Samar.
They have expressed confidence in ending the region’s insurgency before the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. concludes.
The Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the NPA, were established during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the father of the incumbent President. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
The year 2024 is defined by challenges, exposing vulnerabilities across societies, and showing the resilience within. It has served as a stark reminder of how urgently needed bold action is for so many systemic problems facing us—problems that simply cannot afford a year-long wait. With everything, from climate crisis to failing governance, drawing very sharp lessons, survival and improvement demand a recalibration of priorities rooted in accountability and foresight.
The exacerbation of climate-related disasters showed that the cost of ignoring environmental imperatives is high. Unprecedented wildfires, floods, and heatwaves are grim reminders that mitigation strategies, however belated, can no longer be optional. Governments must understand that token efforts in reducing emissions or saving ecosystems are equivalent to denialism. Enforceable policies—one that places sustainable development over-exploitation for profit—must come into being to overcome the inertia of political will.
Global instability put failures in leadership into stark relief, most particularly in the balance of national interest against collective well-being. Wars, economic disparities, and political polarization have further exposed the widening fissures in governance. Leaders who pursue division for short-term gain weaken the very institutions that underpin fairness and stability. The lesson here is clear: leaders need to be more than visionaries; they also must be stewards of ethical governance with a serious commitment to transparency and the public good.
2024 also brought home the fragility of health and education systems, mostly in deprived areas. This pressure on these basic services exposed decades-long neglect and the catastrophic consequences of misallocation of resources. Governments need to stop treating these sectors as afterthoughts; they are the bedrock of societal stability. A lack of investment in healthcare and education only serves to perpetuate cycles of poverty and hold back generational progress.
Lastly, the past year exposed the reality that in the face of common crises, unity is paramount. Whether it was a united global response to pandemics or joint efforts in countering misinformation, cooperation worked better than disjointed action. Partisanship and ideological obstinacy continued to get in the way. The requirement for inclusiveness and collaboration across sectors, borders, and ideologies must supersede the pursuit of partisan agendas.
With 2025 now in view, it’s time to internalize the lessons and take bold action. Solutions must be rooted in responsibility, guided by the courage to right past wrongs, and driven by the collective will to forge a better future. Only through deliberative and sustained action can the missteps of 2024 be transformed into opportunities for meaningful change.
New Year’s resolutions have somehow become notorious for being broken before January is even over. Yet we go through the motions year after year as if the very ritual itself had the magical power to change us into better individuals. The problem isn’t the concept of resolutions; it’s how we pick them: too ambitious, too vague, or too driven by momentary fancies. If we want to make resolutions that last, we need to focus on making meaningful, realistic changes rather than chasing trendy, empty goals.
For a start, let’s stop declaring war on our bodies every January. All that “new year, new me” rhetoric tends to translate into punishing diets, punishing workouts, or punitive self-talk about why we aren’t already skinny, fit, or flawless. We forget that our bodies carried us through whatever chaos the past year has brought—aching knees, stretch marks, pandemic pounds, and all. So how about resolving this time around to treat our bodies like allies instead of vowing to shrink ourselves? Drink more water, sleep like it’s a luxury, and maybe stretch once in a while—not because Instagram told you so, but because you deserve to feel good.
Another resolution worth making is learning how to say no—a skill that feels as rare as May rain. We’ve been conditioned to equate busyness with value, piling our plates so high with obligations that they topple over, leaving us frazzled and resentful. This year, I commit to protecting my time like a toddler who is jealous of any toy. It’s not selfish to put yourself first—it’s survival. And honestly, some favors and invites deserve a hard pass.
And speaking of saying no, it’s high time we drop toxic relationships—be it the friend who only calls when they need something or the coworker who thrives on gossip. Life is too short to be constantly giving backstage passes to people who don’t even applaud when you win. This isn’t about burning bridges; it’s about deciding to invest in relationships that feel like a ray of sunshine on a rainy day and not like a root canal.
A particularly underrated resolution is to fix our relationship with time. I, for one, have wasted countless hours scrolling through social media like a raccoon pawing through trash, only to wonder later where my day went. This year, I’m determined to put my hours where they matter: reading books that challenge me, having unhurried conversations, and maybe even watching a sunset without whipping out my phone. Time is money—you don’t get a refund for how you spend it, so you better use it wisely.
Let us also resolve to embrace failure, which is a necessary part of success, even if it doesn’t have good PR. We all want to hit the ground running come January, but what happens when you trip? This year, I’m giving myself permission to stumble and learn. Growth is messy—often requiring a face-plant or two before it starts looking like progress. The key is to keep going, no matter how awkward.
And here’s a wild thought: What if we resolved to be kinder to strangers and, gasp, even ourselves? A little extra patience with the barista, a smile for the security guard, or a “thank you” that doesn’t feel like it’s stuck in our throats could ripple farther than we think. Kindness isn’t some grand gesture; it’s a habit that makes life softer for everyone. Just think of how much lighter the world would be if we all tried a little bit harder.
The best resolutions are not about revolutionizing your life overnight but about planting seeds that grow steadily over time. Not about becoming someone else, but becoming more of what you are, minus the extra baggage. So, let’s skip the guilt-laden lists and aim for small, intentional steps instead. Maybe this year, we can finally keep our promises—not just to the calendar but to ourselves.
WITH the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, celebrated this year on December 28, we are once again reminded of the crucial role the family plays in our life. The Holy Family is the standard and model of every human family. A family that strays from that standard has no other way but to fail in its sacred mission of forming man as a social being into a family member of God’s family.
We can never exaggerate the importance of the family in our life. And we should be most thankful to God that, at least, in our country, we can still observe a strong sense of the family that, sad to say, seems to be disappearing in other parts of the world.
We should not be complacent, however, with what we are enjoying at the moment with regard to family life in general. There are many challenges to face nowadays in this department, and we should just tackle them and continue to learn lessons and improve the quality of our family life.
Let us entrust this concern to the Holy Family of Nazareth who will surely guide us and keep us properly grounded and rooted as we flow with the dizzying developments of our times that have serious implications insofar as family life is concerned.
First of all, we have to understand that the family environment can only be a reflection of the love between the parents. That love between husband and wife, father and mother, should always grow and develop, getting more and more purified as time goes on and as more challenges appear.
With that strong love, the proper attention and affection to their own children, especially the young ones, would be effectively nurtured. The parents should realize that the quality of their love for themselves and for their children increases in proportion to their self-surrender, their self-denial, their willingness to make sacrifices.
Given the today’s condition, we should be wary of the challenges the family faces. We cannot deny that right now the family in general is beset with all sorts of problems and difficulties. Even looking at the local scene, we can already see many dysfunctional and broken families.
The problem is aggravated by many of today’s developments that, while giving us a lot of advantages and conveniences, are also undermining the very foundations and pillars of the family. The pace and complexity of life today has taken a toll on family life and stability.
In many instances, husbands and wives do not live together because one or the other has to look for work abroad. Young couples tie the knot without a clear idea of what a lifetime commitment means and requires. They often base their love on very perishable and expirable foundations, and not on God’s love. In fact, many do not know that human love has to be rooted on divine love.
Again, with the new developments around especially in the field of technology, more division within the family, rather than greater unity, is observed. The gaps are not anymore generational, cultural or social. They are becoming more personal and individualistic.
With family life given a boost during this Christmas holidays, let’s take the time to see what we can do to reinforce family life. Let’s not waste the opportunity by spending it solely on having fun. It’s a time for discerning, anticipating, planning things for the family.
May it be that in every level of our life, this concern for the family is taken up seriously. For the Church, for example, there should be abiding diocesan and parochial efforts to help the family in some concrete way, an effort translated into continuing prayers, sacrifices and timely reminders.
In the ever-evolving world of business, profitability is the ultimate measure of success. While many companies strive for growth and market share, a select few consistently deliver exceptional financial returns, year after year. These companies are the industry leaders, setting the benchmark for profitability and demonstrating the power of strategic planning, innovation, and strong execution.
1. Saudi Aramco: The Oil Giant with Unwavering Profitability
Saudi Aramco, the Saudi Arabian oil giant, reigns supreme as the world’s most profitable company. With vast oil reserves and a strategic location in the Middle East, Aramco has consistently generated massive profits, exceeding $247 billion in 2023.
– Key to Success: Aramco’s profitability stems from its control over a significant portion of the global oil supply, coupled with its commitment to operational efficiency and cost optimization. The company has also invested heavily in technology, leveraging big data and artificial intelligence to enhance decision-making and improve profitability.
– Future Outlook: Aramco’s future prospects remain strong, driven by the continued demand for oil and gas, despite the growing global focus on renewable energy. The company is actively exploring new opportunities in renewable energy and carbon capture technologies, demonstrating its commitment to adapting to the changing energy landscape.
2. Apple: The Tech Titan with a Loyal Following
Apple, the tech giant known for its innovative products and sleek designs, consistently ranks among the world’s most profitable companies. The company’s loyal customer base and premium pricing strategy have fueled its impressive financial performance.
– Key to Success: Apple’s success is attributed to its ability to create products that resonate with consumers, fostering brand loyalty and driving demand. The company’s focus on innovation, design, and user experience has allowed it to command premium pricing, generating substantial profits.
– Future Outlook: Apple’s future prospects are promising, driven by its continued innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and wearables. The company’s growing services business, including Apple Music, Apple TV+, and iCloud, also provides a steady stream of revenue.
3. Berkshire Hathaway: The Investment Powerhouse Led by Warren Buffett
Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate led by legendary investor Warren Buffett, is a testament to the power of long-term investing and value creation. The company’s diverse portfolio of businesses, including insurance, energy, and manufacturing, generates significant profits.
– Key to Success: Berkshire Hathaway’s success is rooted in Buffett’s investment philosophy, which emphasizes value investing, long-term growth, and a focus on quality businesses. The company’s investment portfolio includes significant stakes in companies like Apple and Coca-Cola, which have contributed significantly to its profitability.
– Future Outlook: Berkshire Hathaway’s future prospects are bright, driven by its continued focus on value investing and its ability to identify and acquire high-quality businesses. The company’s large cash reserves provide it with ample resources to invest in new opportunities and continue its growth trajectory.
4. Microsoft: The Software Giant Embracing AI
Microsoft, the software giant known for its Windows operating system and Office productivity suite, has been a consistent performer in the tech industry. The company’s recent focus on cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) has propelled its profitability to new heights.
– Key to Success: Microsoft’s success is attributed to its ability to adapt and evolve, embracing new technologies and expanding into new markets. The company’s Azure cloud platform has become a major revenue driver, while its investments in AI, including its partnership with OpenAI, are poised to drive future growth.
– Future Outlook: Microsoft’s future prospects are strong, fueled by its continued dominance in the software and cloud computing markets. The company’s AI strategy, coupled with its focus on innovation and customer-centricity, positions it well for continued success in the years to come.
5. Alphabet: The Digital Advertising Powerhouse
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is a dominant force in the digital advertising industry. The company’s search engine, YouTube, and other digital services generate massive revenue, driving its impressive profitability.
– Key to Success: Alphabet’s success is driven by its ability to leverage data and technology to deliver targeted advertising to a vast audience. The company’s search engine and other digital services provide valuable insights into consumer behavior, allowing it to deliver highly effective advertising campaigns.
– Future Outlook: Alphabet’s future prospects are promising, driven by the continued growth of digital advertising and the company’s expansion into new areas such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence. The company’s commitment to innovation and its strong market position ensures its continued success in the digital age.
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!
