San Juanico Bridge Load Limit Hits Samar Economy
Tacloban City — The recent imposition of a load limit on the San Juanico Bridge, which connects Samar and Leyte provinces, is causing significant disruptions to Samar’s local economy. This new restriction has impacted the flow of goods and services, with reports indicating that some gasoline stations in Samar have already closed due to supply shortages. Additionally, prices of basic commodities have risen, putting extra strain on residents.
“We’re hoping that this is just temporary,” local officials quoted the provincial governor as saying. Sources familiar with the matter express optimism that the issue will be addressed soon through coordinated efforts by the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Philippine Ports Authority, and the Department of Transportation.
Provincial Response and Infrastructure Support
Following the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s recent declaration of a state of emergency, the provincial government is actively seeking assistance from the national government to speed up the transport of goods. One key step involves transferring ownership of the Amandayehan Port in Basey town, currently managed by the local government unit (LGU), to the Philippine Ports Authority.
Port Upgrades to Improve Transport
Transportation officials, including the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, recently inspected both Tacloban and Amandayehan Ports. The DPWH contractor has committed to completing improvements at the Amandayehan Port within two weeks. Once finished, these upgrades will allow boats to carry trucks and cargo more efficiently from Samar to Tacloban City, easing the transport bottleneck caused by the San Juanico Bridge load limit.
Local experts emphasize that these infrastructure improvements are vital to restoring the smooth flow of goods and stabilizing prices in Samar. With coordination between national agencies and local government units, the hope is that economic activity will soon return to normal.
For more news and updates on the San Juanico Bridge load limit, visit Filipinokami.com.