TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)in Eastern Visayas has launched its “permitting on wheels” initiative in Northern Samar, allowing residents and stakeholders to process environmental permits directly in their communities without traveling to regional offices.

The mobile service recently conducted onsite processing of Special Use Agreements in Protected Areas (SAPA) applications in the municipalities of Lavezares and San Jose, as part of efforts to make government services more accessible and efficient.

The initiative aims to streamline permitting procedures by bringing technical personnel and application processing services closer to applicants, reducing delays and logistical challenges often faced by communities in remote areas.

Prior to the onsite processing, DENR conducted an orientation session for applicants and stakeholders led by Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Angelito Villanueva, who discussed SAPA requirements and procedures to ensure smooth processing.

A composite team from various DENR units—including the Regional Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Northern Samar, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Catarman, Environmental Management Bureau, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) of the Biri-Larosa Protected Landscape and Seascape—provided technical assistance and real-time evaluation of applications.

The program supports the agency’s directive to fast-track permit processing while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and improving public access to services.
DENR said the “permitting on wheels” program reflects its commitment to accessible governance and strengthened environmental stewardship by delivering frontline services directly to stakeholders in protected and ecologically sensitive areas.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Motorists traveling along the Maharlika Highway are advised of possible traffic delays following the temporary closure of the inner lanes of Limbuhan Bridge starting April 24, 2026.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 1st District Engineering Office said the move is a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and prevent potential accidents while necessary works are being carried out on the bridge.

During the closure, only the outer lanes will remain open to vehicles traveling between the municipalities of Tolosa and Tanauan. Traffic management measures have been put in place to maintain the flow of vehicles in the area.

Authorities urged motorists to observe caution, follow installed traffic signs, and expect slower travel time while passing through the affected section.

The DPWH also apologized for the inconvenience and appealed for public understanding as safety interventions are implemented.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Government forces have confirmed the identity of a decomposing body recovered in Hinabangan, Samar as that of a suspected communist rebel leader, following DNA analysis conducted by authorities.

In a statement released Wednesday, April 22,the Philippine Army said the remains were identified as Lupito Bucatcat, also known as alias “Hunyo,” who was reportedly a leader of an armed group operating in Eastern Visayas.

The identification was established through DNA testing by the Philippine National Police forensic unit after the remains were recovered by troops of the 63rd Infantry Battalion during clearing operations on March 14 in Barangays Cabalagnan and Tabay, Hinabangan.
Military reports indicated that the body was discovered weeks after an encounter between government forces and members of the New People’s Army in the area.

Authorities said Bucatcat was believed to have been wounded during an earlier clash on February 25 and was left behind when other fighters retreated.

Due to the advanced state of decomposition, officials said DNA testing was necessary to confirm the identity of the remains.

The military said the family of the deceased has already been informed of the results.
Brig. Gen. Pompeyo Jason Almagro, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, noted that the identification highlights the coordination between the military and police in ongoing security operations in Eastern Visayas.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — An elderly farmer was killed after being trapped in a grass fire that swept through a farmland area in Barangay Liberty, Ormoc City on Sunday afternoon, April 19.

Authorities identified the victim as “Lydia,” also known as alias Anita, 75 years old, a resident of Sitio Barukan in the said barangay.

Initial investigation by local authorities showed that the fire started around 2:30 p.m. while the victim was reportedly clearing or burning dried grass and farm debris in her farm. The flames quickly spread across the area due to dry conditions and wind.

Witnesses said the elderly farmer was unable to escape as the fire intensified, likely due to her age and limited mobility.

The fire was declared under control at around 5:40 p.m. after sweeping through portions of the rural area.

The Bureau of Fire Protection Ormoc City office said the incident was reported late, with firefighters only alerted at about 5:15 p.m. by a concerned resident. Responders arrived when the blaze had already subsided and later discovered the victim’s remains at the scene.

Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) were called in to process the area and assist in the investigation. The victim’s remains were brought to a local funeral facility.

Authorities are still determining the exact cause of the fire and are not ruling out all possibilities, including accidental ignition or other contributing factors.

Fire officials also reminded the public to immediately report grass or forest fires, especially in remote communities, to prevent similar fatalities.

(JUSTIN CARL SABILLO, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Visayas posted a strong performance in the April 2026 Midwives Licensure Examination, with seven examinees from the region landing in the list of topnotchers, the Professional Regulation Commission announced on April 20.

The results come amid continuing concerns over the nationwide shortage of midwives, with health worker groups earlier warning that the gap continues to affect maternal and newborn care, especially in far-flung and underserved communities.

Out of 2,124 examinees who took the exams on April 14–15, a total of 901 passed, yielding a national passing rate that highlights both the demand and competitiveness of the profession.

Leading the Eastern Visayas passers are Kryzza Jkah Balane Ramalla and Eden Bissok Sakiting of the University of the Philippines School of Health Sciences, who both ranked 4th place with a rating of 93.10 percent.

They were followed by Evz Darelle Capablanca Gandolfos (6th place), Jeliane Malbas Gargantilla (7th), Shirly Baliad Tenio (8th), and Marie Chris Olanio Valdez (9th).
Completing the regional achievers is Graceil Rado Dacuno of the Eastern Samar State University, who placed 10th overall.

The strong showing of Eastern Visayas examinees is seen as a positive development amid the continuing call to strengthen the country’s midwifery workforce, which plays a critical role in community-based healthcare services.

(RICARDO TODIO, LNU STUDENT INTERN)