TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre joined Catholics worldwide in celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

“We join the billions of Catholics around the world in thanking God for the election of Pope Leo XIV,” Acidre said, following the Vatican’s announcement of the new pontiff.

“Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been chosen to carry the heavy but holy burden once borne by Peter,” he added. “Just as our Lord told Peter to ‘strengthen your brothers,’ we now look to Pope Leo XIV to guide, inspire, and confirm us in the faith.”

Acidre also expressed deep gratitude for the spiritual leadership of Pope Francis, honoring his legacy of compassion and humility. “We are grateful for the life and witness of Pope Francis—who taught us to love more, hope more, and serve more deeply,” he said.

As the Church enters a new chapter, Acidre called on the faithful to support the new pope through prayer. “We now pray for our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV,” he said. “May the Lord bless him with wisdom, courage, and compassion as he leads the Church in these challenging times.”

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – In an urgent move to preserve the structural integrity of the iconic San Juanico Bridge, authorities have imposed stricter weight limits, now allowing only light vehicles with a maximum axle load of three metric tons to pass.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) confirmed that the new restrictions take effect immediately as part of heightened safety protocols following concerns about the bridge’s ability to handle excessive loads. Vehicles crossing the bridge must travel along the centerline and do so one at a time, strictly adhering to the instructions of on-site traffic management personnel.

The 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the Philippines connecting the islands of Samar and Leyte, is a vital transport link in Eastern Visayas. However, its aging structure has prompted increased caution from national and regional authorities.

Heavy vehicles—including commercial cargo trucks, large buses, and trailers—are temporarily barred from using the bridge until further evaluation ensures that such loads will not compromise its stability.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the use of alternative transport routes via Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) vessels to minimize disruptions in the flow of goods and passengers. Suggested alternatives include the Catbalogan City–Tacloban City and Calbayog City–Tacloban City ferry routes, which are expected to accommodate diverted cargo and public transport.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the OCD are currently conducting further assessments and are exploring long-term solutions to upgrade or reinforce the bridge. Motorists are urged to cooperate with the new regulations and remain updated through official government advisories.

The San Juanico Bridge, inaugurated in 1973, remains a symbol of regional connectivity and development. Authorities emphasized that protecting it now is critical to maintaining the safety and economy of Eastern Visayas.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

CATARMAN, Northern Samar– Gebulwanganons dream turned into reality after the Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar 1st DEO finally completed the construction of a new concrete bridge-putting an end to years of transportation woes and dangerous crossings.

Replacing the old, weather-worn wooden bridge structure, the project involved the construction of a concrete road and a three-span Reinforced Concrete Deck Girder (RCDG) bridge with a total length of 45 meters with stone masonry slope protection, and concrete blocks with painting & Steel sheet piles driven as (foundations) that serves as protection from scouring at abutment A and abutment B.

The need for a new bridge stemmed from the frequent destruction of the previous wooden bridge structure during typhoons and periods of heavy rainfall. For years, residents relied on a precarious bridge that often became impassable when the river overflowed. This disrupted not only daily commutes but also the delivery of goods and essential services.
In an interview, Mrs. Ligaya O. Nollan recalled how residents struggled passing through the said wooden bridge specially during bad weather.

“kakuri sadto saam kamutangan,damo nga Barangay an naagi didi,san una gintulayan ine sin kahoy,mao liwat ta nahinabo,nawawakay pagnagdadako an tubig,sige paulit-ulit, paulit-ulit sin paghimo sin tulay,kakuri san pag-agi bisan an mga scooter ngan an mga tawo pag-masulog an tubig sa salog, an mga tawo makuri makatabok. Sa yana,dako an amon pagpasalamat sine nga nahimo na ine nga tulay kay an mga ng-eeskwela ngadto san Polangi diri na makukurian an pagkadto sa eskwelahan.An amon nga produkto deritso na ma-dedeliver sa Catarman sugad san mga lubi,ngan nanbuhay-buhay tikang ngadto sa iba nga lugar duruderitso na,waray na kakuri-kuri kay naimod man niyo an kaupayan nga nahimo sine nga tulay.an mga tawo nga iba ngan mga parag-Habal-habal deretso na an ira pag-biyahe.”

Brgy. Kagawad Rogelio M. Saludario Jr. also recounted the hardships they experienced in repairing the wooden bridge, just so residents from five barangays could safely pass through-especially during bad weather or heavy rains occurred leading the river to overflow.
“Sadto san una san kahoy pa am tulay,dako gud an amon permi perwisyo kun nabaha kay permi iton nawawakay ngan kami nga mga barangay officials sakripisyado liwat pagpa-upay,kay mintras deri pa namon natutulayan, waray nakaka-agi.Yana dako sine an impact didi sa amon barangay ngan san 5 pa nga Barangays sugad san Mabini, Trangue,Quezon,Cag-aguingay & Cagamesarag an mga naagi sine didi.Sanglit dako nga bulig ine sa amon kay deri na makukurian an mga estudyante pag-biyahe,ngan an mga produkto mas malaksi na am pag-deliver labi an am mga lukad, duma ngan iba pa nga mga produkto nga gindadarangadto sa Catarman.”
This completed concrete bridge will not only ensure the smooth flow of people and goods during regular days but also serve as a robust lifeline during times of calamities, facilitating easier access for emergency services. This will also enhance economic activities in the area, benefiting both residents and farmers alike.
The project was implemented under two separate contracts with a combined total cost of P58.4 million.(PR)