TACLOBAN CITY – The Province of Biliran has been placed under a State of Calamity on Friday (December 27) due to the recent incident of the swinging of the Biliran Bridge and its impact on the local economy.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan 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, some damages on the bridge 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. Said damages were attributed to corrosion, exposure to saltwater, and the continuous daily moving loads. Meanwhile, the bearing plates and bridge deck slab were assessed to be in fair condition.
The DPWH recommended transportation via barge to facilitate the heavy influx of cargo trucks carrying goods, perishable products, and fuel tankers.
Governor Gerard Roger Espina said negotiations between the Provincial Government, the business sector, and the barge company were positive but still need to be finalized. Major repair or replacement of damaged components has also been recommended.
On the other hand, light vehicles are still allowed to pass the bridge one at a time.
Constructed in 1975, the Biliran Bridge serves as the primary connection between the provinces of Biliran and Leyte. (By Marie Tonette Marticio / EV Mail December 23-29, 2024 issue)
