Catarman N. Samar– The Department of Public Works and Highways- Northern Samar 1st has recently completed the replacement of Sabang Bridge in lavezares, Northern Samar.
The project involves the replacement of old Bridge with a new 33m length by 7.32m width Single-Span Pre-Stress Concrete Girder (PSCG) bridge, built on a pre-cast reinforced concrete Pile Foundation. Major components of the project included the construction of detour bridge, installation of a cut-off wall with riprap for abutment protection, slope protection (18m at downstream and 55.70m at upstream of abutment A), painting works along railings, installation of metal guardrail, provision of 6 pcs solar street lights and installation of yellow and white thermoplastic pavement markings.

District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio said that the project addresses long-standing safety concerns associated with old bridge, which had become structurally unsafe for regular use.
In an interview, Ulito Olevario, a 45-year-old habal-habal driver and a resident of Sabang Tabok shared how the replacement works helps them.

“Ine nga tulay, dako-dako nga bulig saam nga mga parag-habal-haba, una,apiki na am pag-agi na deri pareho sadto nga nag-aalang-alang kami kay nagbabay-og an tulay, pero ine yana okay na, maupay na, hataas na. Diri na gud sagkaon ura-ura. Kaurugan mga estudyante ak mga sakay, tapos pag may-ada sin karyada na mga kopras, karga din kami. Dito din kami dumadaan sa tulay na ito.” said Oliverio said.

Another resident, Eva Billiones, also expressed her gratitude.

“Nagpapaslamat kami nga ginbag-o ine niyan kay tungod ine nga tulay an dati pa ng-uuga-uga,makaharadok na siya again sa mga dagko nga sarakyan.kaya pasalamat kami nga gin-bag-o. Mas marig-on ine kaysa sa dati. Irog san mga nag-aaragi nga mga estudyante nga nagbabaraktas la,mao iton an kaupayan sine kaya mas safe na sira ngade mag-agi kesa san una” Eva Billiones further stated.

The replacement of Sabang Bridge costing P49.52-million came after it was identified by the DPWH Bridge Management System (BMS) Inventory as among the weak bridges requiring replacement due to 40 years of wear and tear.

With the completion of the new Sabang Bridge, commuters and transport vehicles will soon experience safer, more efficient, and seamless travel significantly improving connectivity along the Allen–Catarman route.

(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — No airport in Eastern Visayas sustained damage or experienced operational disruption following the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck Eastern Samar on Monday afternoon, May 4, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

CAAP said all airports in the region remained fully operational after immediate inspections were conducted to assess the condition of airport facilities and ensure passenger safety.
Among the airports inspected were those in Calbayog, Borongan, Catbalogan, Hilongos, Catarman, Guiuan, and Ormoc.

Only the airports in Calbayog, Borongan, and Catarman are operating commercially.
Emergency response teams, including Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) units, were immediately deployed to inspect runways, terminals, and other critical infrastructure after the tremor was felt across several parts of Eastern Visayas.

“Initial inspections showed no damage to airport facilities and operations remain normal,” CAAP said in its report.

Borongan Airport experienced a temporary power interruption following the quake, but airport operations were not significantly affected, authorities said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the earthquake occurred at around 2:09 p.m. with its epicenter located nine kilometers northwest of San Julian, Eastern Samar, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

The tremor was felt in various parts of Eastern Visayas, prompting precautionary inspections of public infrastructure, including airports and transport facilities.

Phivolcs said no tsunami threat was generated by the earthquake but warned residents to expect possible aftershocks.

CAAP said it continues to coordinate with local authorities and airport personnel to monitor conditions and ensure the continued safety of airport operations in the region.

Eastern Visayas is among the country’s earthquake-prone regions due to its proximity to major fault lines and trenches, making rapid inspection and preparedness measures essential for critical infrastructure such as airports.

(GISELLE-ANN A. PADILLA, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY — In the aftermath of the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that shook San Julian, Eastern Samar on May 4, 2026, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VIII swiftly delivered emergency relief to affected families, providing essential supplies to help them recover from the disaster.

According to DSWD Eastern Visayas, 36 families directly impacted by the earthquake received immediate assistance. Each household was provided with two family food packs containing six kilos of rice, canned goods, powdered cereal drinks, and coffee sachets. Additionally, families received clothing kits and kitchen kits to support their recovery and daily needs.

The earthquake caused structural damage to homes and local infrastructure, displacing residents and disrupting daily life in several communities. Local authorities and response teams continue to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate relief operations.
DSWD Field Office VIII emphasized that the agency remains committed to providing prompt humanitarian assistance to communities affected by disasters, ensuring that families receive essential support during emergencies.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)