TACLOBAN CITY – To address the problem of transporting goods to and from Biliran Island due to the “swinging incident” of Biliran Bridge, the Provincial Government of Biliran in partnership with the Biliran Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (BCCII) has contracted LCT ASC Susan for barging services.
Governor Gerard Roger Espina said the provincial government will shoulder monthly barge rental expenses from their calamity fund while fuel charges will be charged to the daily operations through transport fees for long-term sustainability.
BCCII, on the one hand, manages the cargo ship operations to ensure that the endeavor is a non-profit activity for the benefit of every Biliranon. “As part of Task Force Biliran Bridge, BCCII is working closely with the Province of Biliran to ensure that the operation is efficient and economical. BCCII is committed to submitting financial reports in relation to this activity to the Province of Biliran for full transparency and accountability,” per a statement of BCCII.
Further, reassessment of imposed fees will be made, after a week of operation, once the average daily volume of vehicles utilizing the LCT is determined as well as the operational costs.
Biliran has been placed under a State of Calamity last December 27, 2024 due to the swinging bridge’s potential impact on the local economy. The Sangguniang Panlalawigang said declaring a state of calamity will enable the Provincial Government to implement measures to stabilize prices of goods and essential commodities, ensure the uninterrupted delivery of goods and services, and mobilize resources to mitigate the adverse effects of the incident.
Based on the technical assessment conducted on the Biliran Bridge by engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Biliran District Engineering Office and DPWH Regional Office 8, the Biliran bridge has damaged components under the deck slab, particularly on the bridge stringers, steel cross bracing, build-up sections of span 4 and span 3, and loose nuts and bolts at span. (By Marie Tonette Marticio / EV Mail JAN. 6-12, 2025 issue)