TACLOBAN CITY – In a bid to make government services more accessible and efficient, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in the region has turned over eGov kiosks to several local government units across Eastern Visayas.

The recipient LGUs include Catarman in Northern Samar; the cities of Calbayog and Catbalogan in Samar; Borongan City in Eastern Samar; Baybay City in Leyte; and Maasin City in Southern Leyte.

The eGov kiosk serves as a one-stop shop for a wide range of services from both national and local government agencies, helping to streamline processes and reduce the need for residents to visit multiple offices.

Among the national agencies accessible through the kiosk are the Philippine Statistics Authority, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Securities and Exchange Commission, Philippine National Police, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Land Transportation Office, Maritime Industry Authority, National Commission of Senior Citizens, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Professional Regulation Commission, Department of Science and Technology, and many others.

The kiosk also integrates city and municipal services such as business permit applications; licensing and notice of violations; notification system; community tax payments; health certificates; local civil registry services; and business and real property taxes.

This integration aims to reduce long queues and minimize the need to travel between offices.

Residents may also access the same services by downloading the eGov PH Super App via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on their mobile devices.

The platform is the country’s first unified e-government portal, envisioned to simplify public transactions in line with the E-Governance Act (House Bill No. 7327)—one of the priority legislative measures under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The DICT’s continued rollout of the eGov Kiosks is part of its broader goal to promote digital governance and improve the delivery of public services, especially in the provinces.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY– The lifeless body of a 45-year-old ‘trisikad’ driver was found floating near the shore of Bernardes Village, Sitio Cabutalid, Barangay Agpangi, on June 2.

Identified as alias “Raul,” a resident of Barangay Larrazabal, Naval police received a report around 3:15 p.m. from a concerned citizen about the body. Upon arrival, authorities confirmed the discovery and coordinated with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and Municipal Health Office to conduct a post-mortem examination.

Initial investigations revealed Raul was last seen alive on the morning of June 1, near the barangay shore. The Provincial Forensic Unit was also called in to assist with crime scene processing.

The body was brought to a local funeral parlor for cleaning before being returned to the family.
(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY – Government troops recovered the body of another slain New People’s Army (NPA) member in Barangay Nagoocan, Catubig, Northern Samar, bringing the total number of rebel fatalities to five following a series of armed encounters in the area since June 4, 2025.

Soldiers from the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) also recovered several high-powered firearms at the site, including an Ultimax squad automatic weapon, an M16 rifle, and a Uzi submachine gun. Authorities are now verifying the origin of the weapons to determine whether any were previously issued to government security forces.

The 8ID immediately secured both the remains of the slain insurgent and the confiscated firearms.

According to Major Jefferson Mariano, chief of the 8ID Division Public Affairs Office, efforts are ongoing to confirm the identities of the five NPA fatalities.

He also confirmed that all the deceased rebels will be given a proper burial, underscoring the Army’s humanitarian approach in conflict situations.

8ID commander Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio extended his condolences to the families of the slain rebels and emphasized the significance of recovering military-grade weapons.

“This retrieval is regarded by the Philippine Army as a significant step in regaining control over critical government property and denying the rebels the use of military assets to pursue their interests,” he said.

“The 8ID will remain relentless in its mission to secure every inch of territory and every piece of equipment that strengthens our fight to establish peace and development in every community we serve,” Orio added.

Orio also reiterated his call for remaining NPA members to surrender, avail themselves of the government’s National Amnesty Program, and return to mainstream society. He urged them to coordinate with their families for safe passage and assistance in applying for amnesty.

Meanwhile, in San Jose de Buan, Samar, the 87th Infantry Battalion (IB), in coordination with the local government unit, ensured a dignified burial for an NPA member killed in a May 29 encounter in the municipality.

The body was left behind by fleeing comrades after the firefight.

According to a statement from the 87IB, the burial served as a gesture of humanitarian respect, even for those who had taken up arms against the state.

“This compassionate gesture reflects the commitment of both the 87IB and the local government to foster peace and uphold humanitarian values within their operations,” the statement read.

Local officials expressed hope that the act would inspire reflection among active insurgents and encourage them to consider reintegration and unity.

“The government continues its call for peace, urging all members of the community to support efforts that will bring lasting harmony and development to the municipality,” the statement added.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – In a bid to ease worsening congestion and restore regional connectivity, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the region is considering increasing the load limit of the San Juanico Bridge to 33 tons, a major jump from the initially proposed 12 tons.

Engr. Margarita Junia, DPWH assistant regional director, said they have requested their engineering consultant, Angel Lazaro and Associates International, to assess the feasibility of the higher capacity.

“The initial plan, as mentioned by Secretary [Manuel] Bonoan, was to raise the load capacity to 12 tons. But this week, we also asked our consultant to compute for a 33-ton capacity,” Junia said in an online interview.

The iconic 2.16-kilometer bridge has been operating under a 3-ton limit since May 15, following structural concerns flagged by the consultancy firm. The partial closure of the 52-year-old structure has caused significant logistical disruptions, particularly to cargo deliveries and public transport.

If approved, the 33-ton load limit would accommodate larger vehicles such as buses, trucks, SUVs, and other commercial transport, helping decongest alternate routes and restore the bridge’s full logistical function.

Junia said the agency is still waiting for the retrofitting design from the consultant based on the revised capacity. However, no timeline for construction can be set yet, as the national government has yet to release the needed funds.

DPWH earlier pegged the cost of immediate repairs at P1.2 billion, while full rehabilitation could reach P5.68 billion.

The San Juanico Bridge, also known as Imelda Bridge, is a vital link between Leyte and Samar, used by over 14,000 vehicles daily, including more than 1,400 cargo trucks—the group most affected by the restrictions.

The load limit has already disrupted the delivery of fuel and essential goods to Samar provinces.

In response, Tacloban City and the provinces of Samar and Eastern Samar have declared a state of emergency to address the growing economic and logistical challenges caused by the restricted bridge access.

(JOEY A. GABIETA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)