TACLOBAN CITY – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has recommended to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the declaration of a state of calamity in Eastern Visayas due to the severe impact of the structural compromise of the San Juanico Bridge, which has triggered widespread economic and logistical disruptions across the region.

In its Resolution No. 01, Series of 2025, the NDRRMC cited findings from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office VIII, which revealed significant structural damage to the iconic bridge, prompting authorities to enforce a strict 3-ton vehicle load limit starting May 15, 2025.

The council convened with key agencies on May 23, 2025, and determined that the situation met the criteria for a state of calamity under NDRRMC Memorandum Order No. 60, Series of 2019—particularly the disruption of lifeline infrastructure and the severe effect on livelihoods.

“[We resolve] to recommend to His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. the declaration of a State of Calamity in Eastern Visayas to expedite the release of necessary funds and facilitate immediate repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge,” the resolution signed by Defense Secretary and NDRRMC Chairperson Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated.

Local government officials, including Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone, have earlier expressed concern over the economic and social repercussions of the bridge’s restricted access and have welcomed the national government’s swift action on the matter.

The bridge, completed in 1972, is the only permanent land connection between the islands of Samar and Leyte. It serves as a critical artery for the transport of goods, services, and people along the Pan-Philippine Highway (Maharlika Highway/AH26), linking Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The restriction on heavy vehicles, including cargo trucks, has caused a logistical bottleneck and severely hampered the delivery of food, medicine, construction materials, and other essential supplies.

The NDRRMC estimates economic losses of between P300 million to P600 million monthly, with over 200 cargo vehicles now stranded daily.

The resolution also noted that about 1,400 vehicles use the San Juanico Bridge every day, with cargo trucks accounting for 10 percent of this volume.

The bridge’s limited capacity has forced the use of insufficient alternative routes, such as roll-on/roll-off (RORO) services, which have failed to meet the region’s transport demands.
The NDRRMC also raised the alarm over disrupted healthcare deliveries and the adverse impact on local agriculture, fisheries, and commercial trade. The estimated cost for full repair and rehabilitation of the bridge is pegged at P7 billion, and delays in funding could worsen the crisis.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Northern Samar celebrated the vital role of farmers and fisherfolks in local development during the observance of Farmers and Fisherfolks Day, honoring individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the province’s agriculture and fishery sectors.

The event gathered stakeholders from various municipalities, including members of agri-fishery associations and Municipal Agriculture Officers.

Awards and recognition were given to individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the progress of Northern Samar’s agricultural landscape.

Among the awardees for Outstanding Farmers Organization were the Frederick Farmers Association of Allen; Lipata Farmers Association of Allen; and Bagacay Farmers Association of Lapinig.

For best project implementer organization, the honorees included the Libertad Farmers and Fisherfolks Association of Victoria; and Sabang II Rural Improvement Club of Allen.
Recognized as best partner organizations were 3M Magsasakang Masipag ng Mapanas Association of Mapanas; and Catubig Organic Farmers Association of Catubig.

The best independent award was given to San Isidro Upland Farmers Association of Las Navas; and Ipil-Ipil Organic Urban Container Gardener Association of Catarman.

In the outstanding fisherfolk organization category, the winners were 1st place: Brgy. Baybay Fishermen and Workers Association of Catarman; 2nd place: Brgy. Inamlan Fisherfolk Association of Laoang; and 3rd Place: Brgy. North Fisherfolks Association of San Jose.

Special recognition was also given to individuals for their dedication and service in agricultural work: outstanding municipal agriculturist: Judy Morado of Allen; top performing municipal agriculturists: Rhea Tarrayo (Rosario), Anita Estudillo (Catubig), Mary Ann Baena (Victoria), and Dr. Salvacion Dianito (Las Navas).

For agricultural extension work: outstanding agricultural extension worker: Nerilyn Gubatana of Gamay.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY– The individual identified as the number one most wanted person by local police was apprehended on Wednesday, May 27, at approximately 7 pm in Brgy. Bato, Biliran, Biliran.

Authorities identified the suspect as a 58-year-old married farmer known by the alias “Bebot,” a resident of Sitio Bantilan, Brgy. Bato.

The arrest was executed under a warrant of arrest dated May 21, 2025, issued by Judge Luz Petilla Navarette of RTC Branch 16, Naval, Biliran, for the crime of statutory rape. The court did not grant bail for the accused’s temporary release.

Upon arrest, the suspect was informed in a language he understands of the nature of the charges and his constitutional rights.

He was then taken to the Biliran Municipal Police Station for booking and subsequent processing before being transferred back to the issuing court and ultimately turned over to the Biliran Sub-provincial Jail.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte has passed a resolution on Tuesday, May 27, urging the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to expedite the rehabilitation of the Port of Carigara to make it operational while the San Juanico Bridge undergoes repairs.

The resolution was initiated by Board Member Wilson Uy of Leyte’s first district, who also serves as a member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Tacloban-Leyte). Uy made the motion following his recent inspection of the port.

“The Carigara Port holds strong potential for immediate use as an alternate logistics hub, especially for cargo vessels and inter-island shipments,” Uy said. “This will not only help decongest the San Juanico Bridge but also streamline the flow of goods in and out of the province.”

A representative from a shipping company that visited Carigara Port on May 20 affirmed that the site is viable for operations, citing its proximity to Catbalogan Port as an advantage over Tacloban Port.

However, in a previous interview, PPA Eastern Leyte Assistant Port Manager Atty. Kahlil Lamigo said the agency is not yet recommending the use of Carigara Port due to existing structural damage. The PPA has allocated P20 million for repairs, with a projected completion time of six months.

Uy, however, expressed concern over the timeline, saying it is unacceptable given the urgency of the situation.

“For me, five to six months is too long. If we are to face these logistics challenges, the response should be immediate,” Uy stressed. “I cannot fathom why it would take so long to complete a P20 million rehabilitation project.”

Currently, heavy vehicles unable to cross the San Juanico Bridge are rerouted through the Maguino-o Port to GGC Port route, linking Calbayog City and Ormoc City. However, board members warned that this route may not be able to sustain the increasing cargo volume if no additional sea access points are established soon.

They urged concerned government agencies to act quickly to prevent further strain on the region’s supply chain and economic activity.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)