Special Permits Boost Calbayog-Ormoc Sea Trips Amid San Juanico Bridge Crisis
Tacloban City is witnessing efforts to ease transport disruptions caused by restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge. To address this, the Maritime Industry Authority has granted a 30-day special permit allowing seven roll-on, roll-off vessels to operate between Calbayog City in Samar and Ormoc City in Leyte. This move aims to maintain vital connectivity and reduce logistical challenges in the region.
The vessels authorized for the 13-hour sea journey include LCT Poseidon 40, MV Poseidon 48, MV Poseidon 50, and MV Poseidon 41, all owned by ALD Sea Transport. According to official sources, most of these vessels operate daily except LCT Poseidon 40, which runs three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Additionally, MV Poseidon 41 makes stops at Ouano port in Mandaue City, Cebu.
Additional RoRo Vessels and Routes to Support Transport
Other roll-on, roll-off vessels granted special permits are LCT 668, LCT 888, and MV LCT 1098, owned by Seen Sam Shipping Inc. These vessels provide daily trips between Leyte and Samar, helping to ease the flow of goods and passengers.
Local authorities have explained that these new routes are crucial for overcoming the transportation challenges created by weight limits imposed on the San Juanico Bridge. A regional economic planning official highlighted the positive impact of these additional sea routes, noting, “Shipping companies are willing to launch additional routes, and we are happy to see Marina extending assistance. That’s a good opportunity for our businesses to flourish.”
Meanwhile, other potential roll-on, roll-off ports are being assessed in Tacloban City, Basey in Samar, and Carigara in Leyte. However, these locations require improvements before they can host larger vessels and effectively support increased traffic.
City Efforts to Manage Truck Traffic and Congestion
In Ormoc City, anticipating increased traffic due to the sea trips, local government units in coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority have designated three truck stop areas outside the main commercial district. These stops are reserved only for trucks with complete documentation and confirmed schedules. The initiative aims to reduce congestion along key roads, particularly near the port in Barangay Punta.
City officials have also appealed to private lot owners to allow the temporary use of their properties as truck parking spaces to further ease traffic buildup.
Funding and Repair Plans for San Juanico Bridge
In parallel, regional authorities are pushing for the immediate release of P500 million in calamity funds for urgent repair works on the San Juanico Bridge. The Regional Development Council has passed a resolution to fast-track the release of disaster risk reduction and management funds, treating the bridge access issue as a disaster.
Although this funding will cover repairs to some bridge foundations within the year, experts warn it is insufficient to fully restore the bridge’s load capacity. The Department of Public Works and Highways estimates that a complete rehabilitation will require approximately P5.68 billion, with proposed funding sought for inclusion in the 2026 and 2027 national budgets.
The resolution also calls on Congress to grant emergency powers to the President to use the national calamity fund for bridge repairs.
Furthermore, the Regional Development Council endorsed a request to release P195 million to support immediate government response efforts. These funds will mainly sustain operations centers and provide aid to those impacted by the ongoing transportation crisis.
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