San Juanico Bridge Repair Needs Five Billion Pesos
TACLOBAN CITY – The full rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge will require about P5.89 billion over the next two years, local officials revealed. This urgent funding need reflects the critical condition of the 2.16-kilometer bridge, an essential connection linking the three major island groups of the Philippines.
The estimated budget breaks down into several key repair components: P1.96 billion for dry shotcrete application, P1.62 billion for foundation retrofitting, and P1.09 billion for girder retrofitting. Additional expenses include P438 million for box and truss repairs, P346 million for bearing replacement, P226 million for painting, P164 million for catwalks, and nearly P53 million for joint expansion.
Regional Council Endorses Budget Request
The Regional Development Council (RDC) has formally endorsed this budget proposal after a request from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). According to sources familiar with the matter, the RDC passed a resolution urging the inclusion of the P5.89 billion repair funds in the 2026 and 2027 General Appropriations Act. This move aims to ensure the bridge’s full restoration can be completed within two years.
“Per the budget calendar, it is still realistic to add the proposed budget since the process for the 2026 budget approval is ongoing. We recommend to the DPWH to come up with a program of works for the multi-year contract authority,” a regional official said.
Immediate Calamity Funds and Repair Plans
Despite the absence of significant repair funds this year, the RDC is pushing for the immediate release of P500 million in calamity funds. These funds will cover initial repair works, considering the bridge’s current crisis can be treated as a disaster.
DPWH experts report that the bridge requires extensive rehabilitation across its entire span. The regional DPWH office is finalizing detailed plans, work programs, and cost estimates to prioritize repair methods that avoid full closure of the bridge.
Impact of Load Limit and Alternative Routes
Since May 15, the 53-year-old bridge has enforced a strict three-ton load limit. This restriction prohibits trucks and buses from crossing, causing logistical challenges for the provinces of Leyte and Samar.
To ease transport difficulties, several ports in Leyte and Samar have been identified as alternative roll-on, roll-off routes for cargo trucks. These alternatives aim to maintain the flow of goods amid the ongoing repair preparations.
The San Juanico Bridge remains a vital infrastructure lifeline, and securing the necessary budget and repair program is crucial to restoring full connectivity and supporting regional development.
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