TACLOBAN CITY-The Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) has undertaken a road rating rectification activity along Daang Maharlika Road on July 8-9, 2024.
This action follows a thorough inspection led by Engr. Bonifacio D. Salces Jr., head of the Bureau of Maintenance, alongside Regional Maintenance Point Person Engr. Leonilo L. Lumagdao, District Maintenance Chief, Engr. Charlie B. Tampil, and District Maintenance Point Personnel Engr. Mary Grace L. Gaddi, Engr. Rey R. Jecino, Engr. Elizar Jerome T. Baclea-an, and Engr. Nordy M. Villanueva.
During the inspection, various road defects were identified, necessitating immediate road rating rectification.
The activities carried out included repainting inner lane markings, applying thin overlays, and sealing road cracks. These efforts aim to enhance road safety and improve the overall driving experience for all road users.
OIC District Engineer, Rebecca G. Yuse emphasized the importance of these repairs, saying they are essential for keeping everyone safe and ensuring smooth traffic flow.
“Our goal is to ensure the safety of all road users and provide an efficient road network. These repairs are significant steps toward achieving that goal.”
In addition to the immediate safety benefits, the road rating rectification activity is expected to extend the lifespan of the road, reducing the need for more extensive and costly repairs in the future.
The application of thin overlays and sealing of cracks will help protect the road surface from further deterioration, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
(PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT)

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER. Senator Francis Tolentino served as the commencement speaker during the 45th graduation rites of EVSU-Carigara Campus held at Jaro gym, Jaro, Leyte on Thursday, July 18.The senator arrived late as his flight from Manila to Tacloban was delayed due to bad weather.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

JARO, Leyte–Senator Francis Tolentino attended the 45th Commencement Exercises of Eastern Visayas State University Carigara Campus, this town where he encouraged the 350 graduates to be more than just graduates, but ambassadors of their school, showcasing their capabilities, vision, and strong foundation.

“Use your education to make change, give inspiration, and create a future full of hope and promise,” the senator said.

Tolentino congratulated the graduates on reaching this extraordinary milestone, acknowledging their dedication and perseverance. “Your hard work has led you to this proud moment,” he added.

He further urged the graduates, as they venture beyond the confines of their university, to remember they carry the hopes and dreams of their families, community, and country.

“I urge all the graduates, whatever achievement or success you gain, love the Philippines, love your country. You are the embodiment of the future we all aspire to build—a future characterized by innovation, compassion, and a steadfast dedication to the greater good,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino praised the graduates for enduring the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and acknowledged the pivotal role of the school in nurturing the graduates.

“To the esteemed faculty and staff of Eastern Visayas State University Carigara Campus, I extend my deepest gratitude for your dedication to nurturing the minds and spirits of these young individuals. Your commitment to academic excellence and holistic development has played an instrumental role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.

As a token of his appreciation, the senator awarded P10,000 cash incentives to the two summa cum laude graduates of the batch for their hard work and dedication.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

As proposed by JICA

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), speaking through its regional director, Edgar Tabacon, confirmed the relocation of the proposed second San Juanico Bridge from Babatngon town to Tacloban City.

Tabacon stated that the DPWH Unified Monitoring Office cited several reasons for the change in location of the proposed second bridge.

“One is access to two-way traffic. If the new bridge is close to the existing one, one bridge can be designated for Leyte-bound vehicles, while the other can be for Samar-bound vehicles,” he said.

Another consideration is the bridge’s sustainability. If the new bridge is near the existing one, he said, maintenance activities are more manageable since there are already operating maintenance stations on both the Leyte and Samar sides of the existing San Juanico Bridge.

In contrast, if the new bridge were in Babatngon, a new maintenance station would need to be built, Tabacon added.

Additionally, the proximity of the new bridge to Tacloban City, the regional capital of Eastern Visayas, was a factor in the decision.

Under the previous plan, the second San Juanico Bridge would cross the Janbatas Channel, part of the San Juanico Strait separating Samar and Leyte, connecting Babatngon, Leyte, and Sta. Rita, Samar.

In the new proposal, the bridge will be located just a few meters from the existing one, connecting Tacloban and Sta. Rita.

Tabacon noted that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) presented the Tacloban site as the most feasible option after several consultations.

The new location is the shortest at 1.2 kilometers, resulting in a lower budget.

The JICA study team for the 2nd San Juanico Bridge project began its first of four on-site visits to the bridge route options on November 17, 2023.

The team conducted their second on-site study in the first quarter of this year, with the third assessment scheduled for July and the final visit in September 2024.

JICA is expected to complete their final feasibility study report and detailed engineering design by December 2024.

Tabacon is hopeful that construction of the second San Juanico Bridge will start during President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ term.

He explained that the project requires time, including a feasibility study, loan agreement processing and procurement after which civil works can begin.

Citizens, motorists, and officials of Eastern Visayas have been advocating for the construction of an alternate bridge due to the deteriorating condition of the existing bridge and increasing traffic.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)