BASEY, Samar — After weeks of waiting due to the San Juanico Bridge load restrictions, the Amandayehan Port in this town officially opened for roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) operations on Saturday, June 7, offering relief to stranded cargo trucks bound for Tacloban City and other parts of Leyte.
The port launched its maiden RoRo trip at around 4 pm, with 18 cargo trucks boarding a vessel operated by Sta. Clara Shipping Corp., one of four shipping companies granted permits by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon visited the site on Sunday, June 8, and said the Department of Transportation is working to expand operations to 24/7 by installing night buoys and allowing nighttime trips. Currently, only 10 trips are allowed daily from 5 am to 5 pm.
“We will double the trips with the help of the Coast Guard. By Wednesday, we’ll install the night markers. The goal is continuous operation,” Dizon said in an interview, admitting the government’s initial response was slow but now moving forward.
The rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge is expected to take at least three years, prompting the government to explore alternative ports such as those in Carigara, Babatngon, and Tolosa in Leyte.
Dizon also announced plans to build an additional ramp at Amandayehan to accommodate more vessels.
Trucks are currently loaded on a first-come, first-served basis, but those transporting essential goods are prioritized. Fares range from P1,500 to P6,000 depending on vehicle type, and Dizon reminded shipping lines to follow the fare matrix issued by Marina.
During Saturday’s maiden voyage, Philippine Ports Authority–Eastern Visayas (PPA-8) Manager Khalil Lamigo said up to 80 trucks can be accommodated daily. However, for now, operations are limited to daytime trips due to the lack of navigational equipment.
Lamigo said their goal is to monitor operations closely and immediately resolve any issues. The port’s reopening follows the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) imposition of a 3-ton load limit on the San Juanico Bridge on May 15, after structural defects were reported.
This restriction stranded hundreds of heavier vehicles and disrupted the delivery of essential supplies in both Samar and Leyte.
Samar board member Fe Arcales, speaking on behalf of Governor Sharee Ann Tan, welcomed the port’s activation.
“This is a big help for our province. It’s one of the reasons we declared a state of emergency,” she said.
Tacloban City and the province of Eastern Samar have also declared a state of emergency due to the impact of the San Juanico Bridge restrictions.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
