TACLOBAN CITY-Samar Island faces another critical challenge – ensuring a steady petroleum supply amid stringent restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge. The 3-ton weight limit has effectively barred heavy vehicles, including fuel tankers, from crossing.
Running into the third week of the restrictions, Samar is already feeling the impact of dwindling fuel supply according to Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan.

Current estimates show that most gasoline stations in Samar maintain a maximun storage capacity of up to two weeks, necessitating regular replenishment every 7 to 14 days.
Tan said that the province continues to navigate these challenges through collaboration with government agencies and communities as these are crucial in ensuring the continuous delivery of essential services, fuel products included.

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) call to prioritize oil tankers in the roll-on/ roll-off (RoRo) vessel loading queues was recently approved by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

One of the available routes at the moment is the Ormoc Port in Ormoc City to Maguinoo Port in Calbayog City, Samar. The routes are longer taking at least 12 hours sea travel. However, the port has been experiencing long queues of trucks, buses and heavy vehicles since diverting crossing options to alternative ports.

DOE is in close coordination with the Petroleum Institute of the Philippines (PIP), has targeted fuel tankers to be transported to Samar through the Ormoc Port starting May 29, 2025.

“The DOE remains committed to safeguarding the energy security of Samar and its people. By working hand-in-hand with government agencies and oil industry partners, we are confident in our shared ability to rise above these challenges with unity, urgency and purpose,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said in a press statement.

As all petroleum deliveries to Samar have traditionally relied on land transport, the new weight restriction effectively bars standard fuel takers, which typically weigh between 19 to 20 metric tons for a 10,000-liter load, from crossing the bridge.

Meanwhile, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon in a recent visit has assured the DOE that the Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar, the closest link between the two islands with only 30 minutes travel, will be made ready to accommodate fuel shipments, further supporting a critical logistical shift.

Continuous fuel supply is essential to sustain transportation, economic activities, and most critically, emergency and disaster response operations.

(ACR/PIA Leyte)

TACLOBAN CITY – The country’s network of local investment promotion officers has expressed strong support for a new policy that aims to make it easier for businesses to invest in the Philippines by cutting red tape and speeding up approval processes.

The policy, outlined in a joint memorandum circular (JMC), was signed on Monday, June 2, at the Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City. It brings together 36 national government agencies under the Investment Facilitation Network (INFA-Net), as well as lawmakers and private sector leaders.

The JMC puts into action parts of Executive Order No. 18, issued in 2023, which aims to make business-related transactions—like getting permits and licenses—faster and more efficient.

“This important collaboration among government agencies sets a new standard for investment facilitation in the Philippines,” said Jhon Allen Berbon, national president of the Philippine Association of Local Investment Offices (Palio) and head of the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (Pedipo) in Northern Samar, said on Monday, June 2.

“By making processes simpler and more coordinated, we are helping create more jobs and improving the lives of Filipinos,” he added.

Palio is a nationwide organization of local investment officers from different cities, provinces, and municipalities. These officers help local governments attract investors through their Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Offices (LEDIPOs). Palio’s support shows that local governments are ready to work with national agencies on improving investment services.

The JMC also directs local government units (LGUs) to follow the new standards to ensure uniformity across the country.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will oversee and monitor how LGUs implement the new rules.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and Representative Joey Salceda, who head the Senate and House ways and means committees, attended the signing ceremony. They both said the new policy could help reduce delays in investments and strengthen the Philippines’ reputation as a business-friendly country in Asia.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Visayas will host the 2025 Central Philippines Tourism Expo (CPTEx) for the first time, with more than 200 participants expected to gather for the three-day event from June 20 to 22 at Robinsons Place Marasbaras in this city.

Organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the annual expo brings together key stakeholders from Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Negros Island Region, and Eastern Visayas to showcase their top destinations, tourism products, travel packages, facilities, and services.

“This will highlight the various tourism products from these regions and introduce them to the broader tourism market across the country,” said Tourism Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes in an interview on Wednesday, June 4.

Eastern Visayas follows Iloilo (2023) and Puerto Princesa (2024) as the third region to host the CPTEx, a flagship event that promotes regional tourism collaboration and business networking.

“This is our opportunity in Eastern Visayas to not only promote our destinations but also engage directly with tour operators from different parts of the country,” Tiopes said.
The event will feature a business-to-business (B2B) marketplace, where tour operators, travel agents, and tourism service providers can forge partnerships and explore offerings from across the Central Philippines.

To further boost regional exposure, a familiarization tour will be conducted for operators unfamiliar with Eastern Visayas’ tourist destinations.

All six provinces of Eastern Visayas will set up dedicated booths during the expo, each manned by tour operators ready to market and sell their respective tourism products to visiting participants.

“Tour operators will serve as frontliners at the booths to directly promote their offerings and increase visibility in the broader market,” said Tiopes.

Beyond business, CPTEx also aims to celebrate the cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse attractions of the Central Philippines while championing sustainable tourism practices that protect the environment and preserve cultural assets.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)