TACLOBAN CITY– The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – Leyte Provincial Statistical Office has officially launched the National ID Rehistro Bulilit Campaign in the last quarter of 2024, bringing the National Identification System closer to young Filipinos across seven (7) municipalities in the province.

This initiative, aimed at facilitating the enrollment of children aged 1 to 4 years old in the National Identification System, is a key step at enhancing the registration process for young children and forms part of PSA’s ongoing efforts to ensure that every Filipino has access to their National ID, further promoting inclusivity and national identity in the digital age.

The campaign has been rolled out in the municipalities of Tunga, Jaro, Burauen, Isabel, Matag-ob, and Dagami, and in Ormoc City all of which benefit from the timely and efficient registration process. The initiative focuses on simplifying the registration for children, ensuring that they are included in the national database as part of the country’s efforts to achieve full National ID coverage.

On 28 November 2024, Tunga, Leyte, hosted the inaugural launch of the National ID Rehistro Bulilit Campaign at the municipal gymnasium. This was followed by a series of launches in Jaro, Burauen, Ormoc City, Isabel, Matag-ob, and Dagami on November 30, December 1, December 2, December 5, December 6, and December 7, 2024, respectively.
Each event saw a vibrant turnout, with hundreds of children and parents actively participating.

Local officials expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the long-term benefits of the National ID system in providing easier access to government services, healthcare, education, and other essential services for Filipino families. The initiative aims to secure identities while ensuring that communities can enjoy more efficient and accessible government services.

PSA Leyte officials emphasized the importance of making the registration process as easy and efficient as possible. The Rehistro Bulilit campaign provides a dedicated, child-friendly process that ensures parents and guardians are well-informed and that children are registered safely and quickly.

The National ID Rehistro Bulilit Campaign will continue through 2025, with PSA Leyte targeting even more municipalities in the coming months. This effort is part of the national government’s goal to create a fully digitized identification system that will enhance public service delivery and promote socio-economic development across the country. With the expansion of the campaign in Leyte, PSA is hopeful that more municipalities will join in the initiative, ensuring that all children are included in the ongoing registration.

The campaign not only aims to register children but also hopes to raise awareness about the importance of the National ID and encourage other communities across the region to take part in the ongoing registration process. It is also part of the broader vision of enhancing the delivery of public services and improving the country’s digital infrastructure. This registration campaign is another step toward ensuring that no one is left behind. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — The top public works official in Biliran province is hopeful that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Office will soon release the much-needed funds for the repair of the Biliran Bridge.

Biliran District Engineering Office (DEO) District Engineer Irwin Antonio shared that approximately P30 million is required to repair the bridge, which is currently operating under limited carrying capacity after an assessment revealed structural issues. The evaluation was prompted by a viral video showing unusual bridge movement.

“We are hoping to receive the budget before the end of this month so that we can start the procurement process, which is a standard protocol, and begin the bridge repair immediately after,” Antonio said.

The assessment conducted on December 24 by technical engineers from the DPWH regional office and Biliran DEO identified damages to the bridge’s stringers, steel cross bracing, loose nuts and bolts, and built-up sections of spans 3 and 4.

The damages were attributed to corrosion from seawater exposure and the daily load of vehicles crossing the bridge.

Due to these issues, a weight restriction was imposed, allowing only light vehicles to use the bridge. Vehicles weighing more than 5 tons are now required to use a barge to cross from the Leyte side to the Biliran side.

Antonio said the engineering district is working closely with Biliran Lone District Representative Gerardo “Gerryboy” Espina Jr. and the DPWH Regional Office to lobby for the immediate release of the necessary funds.

In a statement released on Thursday, January 9, Congressman Espina emphasized that his office has intensified efforts to secure funding for the bridge repair.

“I have personally reached out to the DPWH Secretary to highlight the urgency of the situation,” Espina said. He assured the public that he has been actively following up with the DPWH Central Office and will continue to push for the required funding to address the issue for the benefit of the people of Biliran.

Espina added that the DPWH Secretary has acknowledged the issue and committed to further investigating the problem while exploring immediate solutions.

The Biliran Bridge is a vital link, providing the only land travel route connecting Biliran to mainland Leyte Province. Constructed in 1976, the bridge underwent rehabilitation in 1996. In 2019, the engineering district imposed a weight limit, reducing it from 20 tons to 15 tons.

Antonio clarified that a complete bridge closure will not be necessary once the budget is released, as the repairs will be focused on the deck and sections below the bridge.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Work and classes suspended on affected areas

TACLOBAN CITY — Continuous rains brought by a shear line have caused widespread flooding in several areas of Eastern Samar and Northern Samar provinces on Friday, January 10, prompting the suspension of work and classes.

In Northern Samar, flooding incidents led to the suspension of work and classes in the municipalities of Lope de Vega, Catubig, and Catarman.

Governor Edwin Ongchuan ordered the suspension of work at the provincial capitol in Catarman due to flooding.

Other towns in the province, including San Roque, Mondragon, and Laoang, also reported flooding.

According to Rei Josiah Echano, provincial disaster risk reduction management officer, the floods affected 232 families consisting of 609 individuals, in Catarman, Mondragon, and San Roque.

Power outages were reported in Catarman, Laoang, Lapinig, Lope de Vega, and Mapanas as of Friday morning, with communication lines in these areas also slowing down.
In Eastern Samar, classes were suspended in Sulat, Dolores, and Can-avid due to the adverse weather conditions.

Borongan City, the provincial capital, reported flooding in 19 barangays, affecting 533 families or 1,722 individuals.

Since Thursday, January 9, both Eastern Samar and Northern Samar have been experiencing nonstop rains caused by the shear line, leading to flooding in several towns.
The towns of San Julian, Can-avid, Dolores, Arteche, and Jipapad in Eastern Samar were also affected by the continuous downpour.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Eastern Visayas has advised local government units to remain vigilant and monitor the situation as heavy rainfall continues to pose risks to communities.
(JOEY A. GABIETA/ROEL T. AMAZONA)