TACLOBAN CITY – Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan has called for the activation of more ports for heavy vehicles crossing between Samar and Leyte to address the growing queue of stranded trucks caused by load restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently imposed weight limitations on the iconic bridge connecting the two major islands in Eastern Visayas, prompting logistical challenges for cargo transport and deliveries.
“Residents of Samar are starting to feel the impact of the load restrictions. We need more docking areas to keep the movement of goods steady,” Gov.Tan said in an interview.
At present, the Maguino-o Port in Calbayog City remains the only operational sea link between Samar and Leyte via the GGC Port, a privately operated anchorage in Ormoc City used by two shipping companies for heavy vehicle transport.
While Catbalogan Port is listed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) as a potential alternative, no shipping company has yet expressed interest in establishing a route to Leyte from this harbor.
Meanwhile, rehabilitation work is ongoing at Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar—located over four nautical miles from Tacloban Port—to serve as an additional route for heavy vehicles.
During a visit on May 25, Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the DPWH contractor to expedite the rehabilitation, aiming for completion within 10 days to two weeks.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has also emphasized the need for another port that can serve as a docking point from Leyte to Samar for the delivery of essential goods.
The Carigara Port in Leyte was also identified by local businessmen as a potential alternate route due to its shorter distance to both Catbalogan and Calbayog Ports. However, the PPA said the port is currently not serviceable and requires rehabilitation.
“Viability, logistics, and transport costs must all be considered. We don’t want prices of goods to spike because of higher overhead costs,” Tan added.
In response to the ongoing issues caused by the San Juanico Bridge load restriction, Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla has ordered the provincial engineering office to inspect and evaluate ports across the province like in Babatngon that can serve as alternate docking sites for roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels.
This was confirmed by Leyte 5th District Board Member Carlo Loreto during a session of the provincial board.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
