OCD intensifies effort to address disruptions

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has intensified operations in Eastern Visayas to address logistical disruptions caused by temporary weight restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge.

- Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon

During the Regional Rescue Jamboree and National Command Conference in Baybay, Leyte, OCD-8 Regional Director Lord Byron Torrecareon confirmed the agency's enhanced efforts to ensure the steady flow of essential goods between Leyte and Samar.

He cited the implementation of the Libreng Sakay Roro initiative, as directed by the President, to support the transport of perishable items.

To date, over 1,000 trucks carrying food, fuel, and other vital supplies have utilized the free Roro service between Tacloban City and Amandayehan Port, equivalent to an estimated P100 million worth of goods, based on an average truckload value of P100,000. The government shoulders the full cost under emergency procurement protocols.

Roble Shipping Lines operates the service using Landing Craft Tank (LCT) vessels, completing four to six trips daily.