TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-8 has issued a public advisory reminding motorists and transport operators to observe the load capacities of bridges along Eastern Visayas’ national highways.
Most bridges in the region are rated for 15 to 20 tons, and officials stressed that strict compliance is essential to ensure both the safety of road users and the durability of infrastructure.
To prevent overloading and minimize the risk of damage, transport operators are encouraged to use 6-wheeler trucks, which are more likely to stay within the permissible weight limits.
The public can access detailed bridge load information through a QR code provided in the advisory, offering up-to-date technical guidance for safe travel.
DPWH Region 8 emphasized that following these regulations is crucial for maintaining efficient and secure travel across major roads in Eastern Visayas.
TACLOBAN CITY — The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), led by PB/Gen. Jason Capoy, showcased the Revitalized-Pulis sa Barangay (R-PSB) program during the national validation conducted in Northern Samar and Samar from December 3–5, 2025.
The validation, part of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) initiative, was led by PB/Gen. Roderick Augustus Alba, director for police community relations, and represented by PCol. Jessie Tamayao, with the national validation team assessing community policing efforts.
R-PSB teams in barangays of Pambujan, Northern Samar, and Villahermosa, Calbayog City, Samar, presented their accomplishments in promoting peace, preventing insurgency resurgence, and supporting anti-criminality campaigns. Stakeholders from the Department of Education, the Department of Interior and Local Government, municipal social welfare and development office, and local residents attended the sessions.
The activity included an entrance briefing, tabletop exercises, community visits, and an exit briefing, highlighting PRO-8’s commitment to strengthening community partnerships and maintaining peace and order across Eastern Visayas.
NSSDEO, Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, Northern Samar – The Department of Public Works and Highways–Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH NSSDEO) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the annual observance of 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. The initiative was spearheaded by District Engineer Atty. Arthur Eric L. Sabong, Chief, Administrative Section, Ma. Amparo Mariam T. Dapug, GAD Coordinator Engineer Vina Elsa U. Garabel, and the district’s women employees.
DE Sabong emphasized the significance of government institutions being fully aware of and actively participating in ending violence against women through strong advocacy, continuous education, and active involvement from all sectors. He reiterated the district office’s commitment to supporting this campaign every year.
This year’s campaign, held from November 25 December 12, 2025, aligns with the government’s goal of safeguarding the rights of women by advocating to address any forms of gender-based violence as mandated by the 1987 Constitution. The Philippine Commission on Women continues to encourage Filipinos to express their stand on Violence Against Women
by sharing photos of themselves using the “Stop VAW” hand gesture, accompanied by a personal promise.
The Department’s aim of supporting this campaign is to signify their support for development and women empowerment highlighting the Department’s commitment to incorporating gender sensitivity and supporting women in the workforce, providing training and equal opportunities, and providing facilities for vulnerable women.
ORMOC CITY– A 16-year-old boy helping cut down a coconut tree was killed after the tree unexpectedly fell toward him on Wednesday morning, December 3, in Barangay Mabuligon, Matuguinao, Samar.
Police identified the victim only as “Jake,” a resident of the same barangay. The individuals involved in the cutting operation were identified as alias “Allan,” the tree owner, and alias “Sinio,” 51, who was cutting the tree at the time of the incident.
According to a report submitted to Police Regional Office-8, “Allan” and “Sinio” personally went to the Matuguinao Municipal Police Station at around 10:15 a.m. to report that a tree-cutting activity had resulted in the fatal injury of the victim.
Responding police officers proceeded to the site and were informed that residents had already brought the boy to the rural health unit for immediate treatment.
Initial investigation showed that “Sinio” was cutting the coconut tree with an axe under the instruction of “Allan,” while the victim assisted by pulling a rope tied to the trunk to guide its fall. However, due to the lack of safety precautions, the tree suddenly tilted toward the boy, striking him and causing fatal injuries.
Barangay officials and residents rushed the victim to the Matuguinao Rural Health Unit, but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Both “Allan” and “Sinio” voluntarily submitted themselves to the police for documentation and further investigation.
TACLOBAN CHRISTMAS VILLAGE. The historic Price Mansion in Tacloban City transforms into a festive Christmas village once again, with twinkling lights and a beautifully adorned Christmas tree bringing holiday cheer to the iconic building. (I LOVE TACLOBAN PAGE)
TACLOBAN CHRISTMAS VILLAGE. The historic Price Mansion in Tacloban City transforms into a festive Christmas village once again, with twinkling lights and a beautifully adorned Christmas tree bringing holiday cheer to the iconic building. (I LOVE TACLOBAN PAGE)
CHRISTMAS VILLAGE. Colorful lights and decors provides happiness to visitors at the historic Price Mansion in Tacloban City which has been converted into a Christmas village during this time of the year. (PHOTO COURTESY)
EV braces for Wilma
TACLOBAN CITY — Schools and offices across Eastern Visayas were suspended starting Thursday, December 4, as Tropical Depression Wilma approached the region, prompting local authorities to implement precautionary measures.
Governors of Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Biliran ordered province-wide suspension of classes and work, while several municipalities in Leyte and Samar also followed suit amid the storm threat.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Wilma slightly accelerated as of Friday morning, with its center located 270 kilometers east of Borongan City. The storm packs maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph, and is forecast to move west-southwestward until December 6 before turning generally westward.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also suspended sea travel in Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, western Leyte, and Biliran, advising all vessels to seek shelter at the nearest harbor or anchorage and urging fisherfolk to strictly follow safety precautions.
Local government units have activated emergency response teams in preparation for possible flooding and landslides, as heavy rainfall is expected in the coming days.
The regional Office of Civil Defense emphasized vigilance and readiness among communities.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VIII is on high alert, pre-positioning 77,866 family food boxes, 12,716 ready-to-eat food packs, and 18,574 non-food items across strategic locations. An additional P2.59 million has been set aside for emergency interventions.
The agency continues to urge the public to coordinate with local government units for immediate assistance if needed.
A towering 55-foot Christmas tree celebrating the flora and fauna of Ormoc City dazzles the public plaza on Monday night as designer Kenneth Cobonpue, Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, and Rep. Richard Gomez lead the ceremonial lighting. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
A towering 55-foot Christmas tree celebrating the flora and fauna of Ormoc City dazzles the public plaza on Monday night as designer Kenneth Cobonpue, Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, and Rep. Richard Gomez lead the ceremonial lighting. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
ORMOC CITY — He has designed furniture for Brad Pitt, Queen Sofia of Spain, and even royalty in the Middle East — but on Monday night, world-renowned Filipino designer Kenneth Cobonpue unveiled something delightfully unexpected: his first-ever Christmas tree.
And Ormoc City gets to brag that it’s the chosen home.
Rising 55 feet at the city’s public plaza, the whimsical installation lit up the night as Cobonpue joined Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez and Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez onstage for the countdown, greeted by cheers, camera flashes, and the collective wow of a city seeing something truly unique.
This is no ordinary tree. Think less pine and more playful fantasy — with an Ormoc twist.
Crafted from fabric, foam, styro, paint, and LED lights, the tree is stacked in six imaginative layers that bring the city’s natural world to life, inspired largely by the biodiversity of Lake Danao.
The journey begins underwater: turtles, coral, starfish, schools of fish, and even a mermaid swim through glowing lights. Climb a level and you’re on the farm, where a carabao, goat, deer, and dragonfly seem to graze in neon harmony.
The adventure continues through land and forest — complete with a snake, lizard, and banana (because why not?) — before taking flight into the sky, where birds and butterflies dance in color. At the very top sits an eagle spreading its wings next to Ormoc’s official flower, the calachuchi.
For Cobonpue, it was a creative leap.
“This is my first time to design a Christmas tree and it is in Ormoc City,” he said, recalling how Mayor Torres-Gomez approached him just a month ago with the idea.
For a designer famous for sculptural furniture made from rattan and bamboo, the switch from chairs to Christmas wonder was a refreshing challenge — and clearly, a fun one.
But the spectacle doesn’t end with the tree.
Inside the plaza, 12 glowing pineapple ferries illuminate the walkway. They’re Cobonpue’s playful tribute to Ormoc’s famed sweet pineapples, as well as a nod to the 12 months of the year.
Mayor Torres-Gomez said this year’s theme is a joyful reminder of nature’s beauty.
“For this year’s Christmas tree, we want to celebrate the environment because we are all stewards,” she said, noting how climate change makes the message more urgent.
Rep. Gomez, meanwhile, was all smiles as he admired the towering masterpiece.
“This is the most beautiful Christmas tree the city has ever had. Thank you, Kenneth, for designing it for Ormoc,” he said proudly.
Ormoc has built a reputation for creative Christmas trees — last year’s Nutcracker-themed one drew crowds — but Cobonpue’s imaginative, nature-inspired installation may just be the city’s most magical yet.
