TACLOBAN CITY — A total of 1,091 vehicular accidents were recorded in Leyte in 2025, prompting the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) to intensify its road safety campaign across the province.

Although lower than the 1,537 cases logged in 2024 — a decrease of 446 incidents or about 29 percent — police officials said the figures remain concerning and require sustained intervention.

During a press conference dubbed “Pakighimangraw” at Kuta Kankabato in Tacloban City on February 16, LPPO Provincial Director Col. Dionisio DC Apas Jr. said reckless imprudence cases continue to stem from over speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, poor road conditions, human error and mechanical failure.

Data showed that Baybay City Police Station recorded the highest number of incidents with 165 cases in 2025, followed by Palo with 95 cases.

The LPPO has strengthened enforcement through Oplan Bantay Kalsada, checkpoints, anti-drunk driving operations and coordination with the Land Transportation Office for deputation authority.

Police have also conducted road safety lectures and the R.I.D.E.R.S. Summit, reaching nearly 12,000 participants, alongside community engagements and the installation of Waray-language safety reminders in accident-prone areas.

Apas urged motorists and local government units to strictly implement traffic ordinances, stressing that road safety remains a shared responsibility.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — National roads in Eastern Samar are deteriorating faster than expected due to a surge of heavy trucks rerouted from neighboring provinces, prompting local officials to push for funding for weighbridges to curb overloading.

The office of Rep. Sheen Gonzales is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways – Eastern Samar District Engineering Office to address the issue.

District Engineer Jehela Roxas said the damage became more evident after cargo trucks from Northern Samar began diverting to Eastern Samar routes due to load restrictions at Calbiga Bridge. The rerouting increased heavy vehicle traffic along portions of the Daang Maharlika, accelerating pavement wear and raising safety concerns.

DPWH officials said the lack of weighbridges makes it difficult to determine if trucks are overloaded, as the agency has no police powers to apprehend violators.

To strengthen enforcement, Gonzales’ office and the district engineering office are seeking funds to install weighbridges in strategic areas, in coordination with local government units, to help protect the province’s road infrastructure and ensure safer travel.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA/ROEL T.AMAZONA)

The Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office VIII (DPWH RO VIII) has officially released the results of the Road and Bridge Maintenance Assessment for CY 2025, conducted pursuant to Department Order (D.O) No. 47, series of 2024, entitled “Comprehensive Policy Guidelines on the Maintenance of National Roads and Bridges.”
The assessment evaluated the performance of the District Engineering Offices through field inspection and review of compliance with proper documentation and standard maintenance operation processes, aimed at ensuring the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of national roads and bridges.

DPWH RO VIII commends the collective efforts of all District Engineering Offices in the region for their unwavering dedication in maintaining vital infrastructure. Notably, the Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH NSSDEO) emerged as Rank 1, garnering an adjectival rating of 4.42 (Very Satisfactory). This achievement reflects the office’s strong commitment to keeping national roads and bridges safe, serviceable, and well-maintained for the traveling public at all times.

The outstanding performance is largely attributed to the dedicated efforts of the Maintenance Section, led by Acting Chief Nicanor L. Mejos, Jr, whose personnel consistently demonstrated diligence, discipline, and professionalism in faithfully carrying out directives of the Department’s highest leadership. Their prompt response, strict adherence to policies, and sustained implementation of maintenance programs significantly contributed to the office’s commendable performance and overall rating’.

The District Office, under the leadership of Atty. Arthur Eric L. Sabong, and OIC-Assistant District Engineer Francisco Y. Tañala, remains steadfast in its mandate to uphold high standards in road and bridge maintenance, ensuring reliable and safe infrastructure that supports mobility, economic activity, and public safety.

(Jinky A. Dela Cruz PIO Staff Writer)

Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla leads the opening of Pagsalin-urog: The 2026 National Arts Month Celebration in Visayas at Palo Pag-ibig Plaza, Palo, Leyte on February 18. The event, hosted by the historic town of Palo, highlighted Eastern Visayan heritage through performances, folk dances, and visual arts, with Mayor Remedios “Matin” Petilla and NCCA representatives joining the celebration. (NCCA Facebook)