TACLOBAN CITY— To help improve educational access in vulnerable and conflict-affected areas of Samar, the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) donated 244 educational books to the Samar Provincial Library in Catbalogan City on February 21, 2022.

The donation, led by Col. Erwin Rommel Lamzon, assistant division commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs (ADCRRA), supports the Samar Provincial Government’s Barangay Reading Center and School Library Program.

Col. Lamzon emphasized the importance of books for children in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), where internet access remains limited.

“Even with technology, many of these areas still rely on printed materials. Most of the books we donated are K–12 certified and cover elementary to college levels,” he said.
The initiative began with a family-led book donation drive, which Col. Lamzon expanded to benefit various communities within 8ID’s area of operations in Eastern Visayas.

Melita Mallari, officer-in-charge of the Samar Provincial Library, welcomed the partnership, saying the donated books would significantly aid communities without reliable access to online learning resources.

The provincial library plans to carry out five book donation activities this year, with beneficiaries to be identified through the Department of Education–Catbalogan City Division.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is awaiting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature to formally declare a state of calamity in the Eastern Visayas region, following a recommendation from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The declaration is being pushed in response to the partial closure and load restrictions imposed on the iconic San Juanico Bridge — the primary link between Leyte and Samar Islands — which have significantly disrupted transportation and economic activity across the region.

On May 30, the NDRRMC endorsed the Regional Development Council’s earlier call to place Eastern Visayas under a state of calamity, emphasizing the urgent need to accelerate the repair of the bridge and unlock emergency funding.

“This declaration will allow us in government to quickly respond to the needs of bridge users and find immediate solutions to maintain traffic flow while ensuring the necessary repairs are carried out,” said OCD-8 Regional Director Lord Byron Torrecarion.

He added that the state of calamity would authorize the release of national calamity funds through the NDRRMC, which could be used not only for the rehabilitation of San Juanico Bridge but also for the repair and upgrading of nearby ports that could serve as alternate routes for heavy vehicles.

According to the OCD, approximately 1,400 vehicles cross the San Juanico Bridge daily, 20 percent of which are trucks transporting goods not only within Eastern Visayas but also to and from Luzon and Mindanao. The imposed weight limit on the bridge has caused logistical bottlenecks, particularly affecting the delivery of food, fuel, medicines, and essential supplies.

Estimates show that the region stands to lose between P300 million to P600 million per month due to the restrictions, with regional trade and access to healthcare services among the sectors hardest hit.

Built in 1973 during the Marcos administration, the 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge is one of the longest bridges in the Philippines spanning a body of seawater. It plays a crucial role in linking the economies and communities of Samar and Leyte and is considered vital for disaster response, tourism, and inter-island commerce.

The current restrictions stem from structural concerns raised in a recent inspection, prompting the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to implement load limits as a precaution while planning rehabilitation efforts.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – In a bid to resolve the persistent water supply issues affecting communities in Northern Samar, the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO) is eyeing a strategic partnership with Hanabana Water, a leading potable water solutions provider based in Mindanao.

From May 28 to 29, 2025, a delegation from PEDIPO, led by its chief John Allen Berbon, conducted a benchmarking visit to Hanabana Water’s facilities in Dansolihon, Cagayan de Oro City, and Libona, Bukidnon. The team observed the company’s state-of-the-art water treatment systems, which convert surface water into potable water using cost-effective, scalable technology.

The initiative is part of the provincial government’s push to provide affordable and sustainable water solutions to underserved municipalities, many of which have long struggled with intermittent or inadequate supply due to aging infrastructure and limited sources.

During the visit, PEDIPO and Hanabana explored various partnership models, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Local Economic Enterprises (LEE).

These frameworks aim to enable local governments to roll out inclusive, community-based water systems that align with Northern Samar’s infrastructure and investment priorities.
Hanabana executives are expected to visit Northern Samar in the coming weeks to conduct a feasibility study and identify potential water sources. This follow-up inspection is a key step toward formalizing the partnership.

“This potential collaboration is in line with PEDIPO’s mission to attract sustainable investments and implement practical, long-term solutions to improve the quality of life for our people,” Berbon said.

Hanabana Water brings extensive experience in water infrastructure projects across Northern Mindanao and has active projects in Bacolod, Camarines Sur, and Eastern Samar. Its growing presence in Eastern Visayas reflects its capacity to tackle region-specific water challenges.

If realized, the partnership could mark a turning point in Northern Samar’s water security, with the potential to serve as a model for other provinces in the region.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is working to raise the San Juanico Bridge’s load limit to 10–12 tons by the end of 2025.

This was disclosed by DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan who led a meeting with top officials and consultants on May 30 in Palo, Leyte, to discuss immediate repair plans that can be completed within five months. Consultants were directed to submit detailed plans within a week.

An inspection of the bridge and Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar, followed the meeting, reflecting DPWH’s push for swift, practical solutions.

The current load restriction, in place since May 15, has disrupted transport between Samar and Leyte. The planned upgrade aims to ease these impacts and restore smoother movement of goods and people.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)