TACLOBAN CITY – The proposed 20-kilometer Sorsogon-Samar Transport Crossing (SSTC) has moved closer to a feasibility assessment with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) committing P500 million to help finance the study for the planned fixed link between Luzon and the Visayas.
House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan welcomed the ADB commitment, saying the funding would augment the P130 million appropriated by Congress for the feasibility study.
The proposed crossing will connect Matnog, Sorsogon, and Allen, Northern Samar, providing a permanent road link that would complement the existing roll-on/roll-off ferry connection between the two provinces.
According to information relayed by Surigao del Sur Rep. Romeo Momo Sr. during House plenary deliberations on the Department of Public Works and Highways’ 2027 budget, the ADB is expected to bid out the feasibility study in November, with completion targeted within 12 months.
The study will examine the proposed crossing’s marine, geological and geotechnical conditions, seismic risks, navigation requirements, environmental and social impacts, and vulnerability to typhoons and other extreme weather events.
The proposed fixed link is expected to reduce travel time between Matnog and Allen to about 20 minutes, compared with the current roughly 2.5-hour journey by roll-on/roll-off ferries.
Proponents also expect the project to provide more reliable transportation between Luzon and the Visayas, particularly during periods when ferry operations are disrupted by bad weather.
Libanan said the project has an estimated economic rate of return of 42 percent, pointing to its potential economic benefits.
A project concept brief estimates that the SSTC could generate about PHP975 billion in annual economic benefits from vehicle operating cost savings, land development and tourism, travel-time savings, and improved logistics efficiency.
The feasibility study will determine the technical and economic viability of the proposed crossing and provide the basis for decisions on its possible development.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
