OCD Eastern Visayas Supports Amandayehan Port Enhancements
TACLOBAN CITY – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Eastern Visayas recently handed over 25 units of 500-watt solar lights to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). This donation aims to support the upcoming full operations of the Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar. The solar lights will improve visibility, safety, and operational continuity, especially during nighttime activities at the port.
“The donation was made in response to the ongoing weight limitations imposed on the San Juanico Bridge, which resulted in a surge of rerouted cargo traffic through the Amandayehan Port,” said OCD-Eastern Visayas regional director Lord Byron Torrecarion. This initiative is part of OCD’s commitment to ensure the smooth flow of essential goods and services across Eastern Visayas.
Addressing Logistical Challenges Amid San Juanico Bridge Restrictions
Due to the weight restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge, cargo traffic has shifted significantly to the Amandayehan Port. To handle this increased load, the port’s contractor is accelerating improvements. Efforts focus on reinforcing and expanding the ramps to facilitate easier loading and unloading, particularly during high tide conditions.
On May 25, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon urged regional officials to make Amandayehan Port fully operational within two weeks. This directive, under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s guidance, intends to maintain uninterrupted supply movement between Leyte and Samar provinces.
Strategic Importance of Amandayehan Port
Travel time between Tacloban City and Amandayehan Port is less than 30 minutes, making it a vital alternative route. Currently, truckers and cargo vehicles are rerouting through Maguino-o and Calbayog ports to reach a private port in Ormoc City. However, this detour extends travel time to approximately 13 hours via roll-on, roll-off routes, with costs ranging from PHP 15,000 to over PHP 20,000 per truck.
With the addition of solar lights and ramp improvements, the Amandayehan Port aims to handle cargo traffic more efficiently, addressing the logistical hurdles caused by the San Juanico Bridge limitations.
For more news and updates on Amandayehan port operations, visit Filipinokami.com.