TACLOBAN CITY – The city government of Calbayog has launched a coordinated response to manage traffic congestion and assist affected individuals at Calbayog City Port and Maguinoo Port, now serving as alternative routes due to the load restrictions imposed on the San Juanico Bridge.
The San Juanico Bridge, which connects Samar and Leyte, has been subjected to weight limitations following structural concerns, prompting rerouting of heavy cargo traffic to maritime alternatives.
This shift has caused logistical bottlenecks in Calbayog, where ports are now key transit points for goods and vehicles.
To address the situation, Mayor Raymund Uy has mobilized several city agencies to ensure order and support for those impacted.
The Calbayog Public Order and Safety Office (CAPOSO) has been tasked with overseeing vehicular traffic, while the Community Program Coordinator manages the orderly queuing of trucks and vehicles awaiting embarkation.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has deployed its emergency management team to both ports to respond swiftly to any incidents. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and barangay health workers, is distributing food packs to stranded truck drivers. The Philippine National Police (PNP)-Calbayog is also on-site to ensure peace and security.
Mayor Uy clarified that while Calbayog has not been severely affected by the bridge restriction due to its main supply lines coming from Cebu, the city did experience minor disruptions in fuel supply from Leyte. He assured that these have since been addressed through rerouting from San Isidro in Northern Samar and the Bicol Region.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
