Tacloban City Declares State of Emergency Following San Juanico Bridge Access Limitations
Tacloban City has officially declared a state of emergency after access to the San Juanico Bridge, the vital link between Samar and Leyte provinces, was restricted. This limited access has raised significant concerns about the flow of goods, medical supplies, and travel between the two provinces.
Local authorities explained that declaring a state of emergency allows the city to quickly mobilize resources and prioritize public safety. The San Juanico Bridge serves as a critical lifeline, and its restricted use threatens essential services and daily activities across the region.
According to local experts, “Under Section 16 of the Local Government Code and relevant national disaster protocols, a state of emergency can be declared when public safety is at risk or when immediate action is needed to respond to a crisis or disruption of essential services.”
Impacts of San Juanico Bridge Access Restrictions
The limited access to the San Juanico Bridge poses serious challenges to the local economy and emergency services. Community leaders said the disruption has affected the timely delivery of supplies and emergency response efforts, further justifying the emergency declaration.
“This declaration allows the local government to act faster, allocate emergency funds, and coordinate with national agencies for support,” sources familiar with the matter explained. The swift response is crucial to mitigate the negative effects on businesses and residents in both Samar and Leyte.
Appeal from Samar Officials
On the day before the declaration, provincial officials from Samar urged Tacloban City’s mayor to declare either a state of calamity or emergency. The Samar governor highlighted the urgency, stating, “Though this is not much of a concern in Tacloban, maybe few of the businesses have declined, but for Samar side, it is not just the businesses that are affected, even the essential needs are affected.”
She further appealed, “So I am asking Mayor Alfred to be humane enough, to declare a state of calamity, a state of emergency in Tacloban, to help the province of Samar and or somehow the entire island of Samar.”
Looking Ahead: Coordinated Response Necessary
With the current challenges, local authorities in Tacloban are now better positioned to respond effectively. The state of emergency declaration empowers them to unlock emergency funds and coordinate with national agencies to restore normal access and services.
Community leaders emphasize the importance of collaboration between the two provinces to address the ongoing disruptions caused by the restricted bridge access. Restoring full function of the San Juanico Bridge remains a priority to safeguard the economic and social stability of the region.
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