PALO, LEYTE – President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. (PBBM) ordered the fast and efficient completion of the PHP500-million strengthening project of the San Juanico Bridge.
The said project aims to restore its 33 metric-ton load capacity. “Ang target natin sa pagtatapos ng taong ito, dapat ay kaya nang tawirin ng hanggang 12 tons ang tulay. Hindi pa puwede ang mga pinakamabibigat na truck, pero lahat ng private vehicles ay makakadaan na,” he shared during his visit for the launching of Phase 2 and Phase 3 ng National Fiber Backbone Project, Monday (July 7).
He also shared a report from the Philippine Coast Guard stating that the waiting time to cross Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar to Tacloban City Port has reduced to one to three hours from two to three days. The President led the bridge inspection on June 11 with the Department of Public Works and Highways.
On June 5, Eastern Visayas was placed under a state of calamity following the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) through Resolution No. 1 (s. 2025). It has recommended a declaration due to the increasing risks from significant structural compromises in the bridge.
The DPWH determined the bridge to be in critical condition due to significant structural compromises, prompting the enforcement of a strict three-ton vehicle load limit on May 15, 2025.
Earlier, DPWH-8 regional director Edgar Tabacon said the civil works will take five months excluding the procurement process.
The Regional Development Council (RDC-8) approved a resolution requesting President Marcos to provide immediate funding for strengthening the bridge to a 33-ton load capacity. They are seeking funding from the NDRRMC calamity fund and the Department of Budget and Management’s unprogrammed funds for 2024.
The San Juanico Bridge is a 2.16-kilometer bridge that serves as the only permanent land link between the islands of Samar and Leyte.
It is a vital component of the Pan-Philippine Highway (Maharlika Highway/AH26), which connects Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. (By Marie Tonette Marticio / EV Mail JULY 7-13, 2025 issue)
