San Juanico Strait Set for 24/7 Vessel Operations
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is advancing efforts to maintain smooth transport between Leyte and Samar by ordering the installation of navigational buoys along the San Juanico Strait. This development will enable 24/7 vessel operations between Tacloban City Port in Leyte and Amandayehan Port in Basey town, Samar.
The installation of navigational buoys along the San Juanico Strait addresses the pressing need to expand maritime operations, especially amid the partial closure of the San Juanico Bridge. Since May 15, the bridge has limited land transport of heavy cargo due to structural concerns, prompting authorities to seek alternative solutions, local leaders noted.
Dianne Steffi Guillamon, a regional PPA manager, explained, “We are just waiting for the vessel that will install these 14 navigational buoys on the San Juanico Strait. This will allow our vessels carrying cargo trucks and other vehicles to travel even during nighttime.”
Current Restrictions and Future Plans
Presently, five roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels serve the Tacloban-Amandayehan route. However, they operate only from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. due to the lack of nighttime navigation aids. With the buoys installed, maritime traffic can run continuously, increasing daily trips and easing the backlog of trucks stranded on both sides of the bridge.
“So hopefully, we can now have a 24/7 operation and accommodate more trips,” Guillamon added.
Currently, these five vessels can handle only 115 rolling cargoes daily. To support the expected surge in sea traffic, an additional ramp is being constructed at Amandayehan Port. Guillamon shared, “Hopefully, this additional ramp will be completed by next week.” This project is under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Multi-agency Response to Bridge Closure
The San Juanico Bridge spans 2.16 kilometers across the strait and serves as a vital land link between Samar and Leyte. Since the imposition of a three-ton load limit, maritime routes have become critical for transporting heavy vehicles. Until the bridge’s retrofitting is completed later this year, the sea route remains the main alternative.
On June 17, a free Ro-Ro service for cargo trucks launched to alleviate the effects of the bridge’s partial closure. This initiative is part of the government’s “Libreng Sakay” program, offering daily sea trips between Tacloban Port and Amandayehan Port exclusively for heavy vehicles affected by the load restrictions. The service will run for six months.
The maiden journey departed Tacloban Port at around 10:45 a.m., carrying 28 trucks loaded with food and perishable goods, completing the crossing in about 30 minutes.
Ensuring Essential Supplies Reach Communities
The Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell–Task Force San Juanico (RIACC-TFSJ), led by the Office of Civil Defense Eastern Visayas, spearheads the program. It receives funding of P54.3 million from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
OCD Regional Director Lord Byron Torrecarion emphasized, “This service is completely free and funded by the national government. Our goal is to ensure the steady supply of food, fuel, and other necessities to minimize inflationary impacts caused by the partial closure of the San Juanico Bridge.”
Only vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods at departure qualify for the free service. Eligible cargo includes food, drinking water, medicines, medical supplies, fuel, and animal feeds. Government and humanitarian vehicles on official missions, as well as private suppliers endorsed by local governments or coordinating agencies, may also avail themselves of the program.
For more news and updates on San Juanico Strait vessel operations, visit Filipinokami.com.