TACLOBAN CITY – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte has passed a resolution on Tuesday, May 27, urging the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to expedite the rehabilitation of the Port of Carigara to make it operational while the San Juanico Bridge undergoes repairs.
The resolution was initiated by Board Member Wilson Uy of Leyte’s first district, who also serves as a member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Tacloban-Leyte). Uy made the motion following his recent inspection of the port.
“The Carigara Port holds strong potential for immediate use as an alternate logistics hub, especially for cargo vessels and inter-island shipments,” Uy said. “This will not only help decongest the San Juanico Bridge but also streamline the flow of goods in and out of the province.”
A representative from a shipping company that visited Carigara Port on May 20 affirmed that the site is viable for operations, citing its proximity to Catbalogan Port as an advantage over Tacloban Port.
However, in a previous interview, PPA Eastern Leyte Assistant Port Manager Atty. Kahlil Lamigo said the agency is not yet recommending the use of Carigara Port due to existing structural damage. The PPA has allocated P20 million for repairs, with a projected completion time of six months.
Uy, however, expressed concern over the timeline, saying it is unacceptable given the urgency of the situation.
“For me, five to six months is too long. If we are to face these logistics challenges, the response should be immediate,” Uy stressed. “I cannot fathom why it would take so long to complete a P20 million rehabilitation project.”
Currently, heavy vehicles unable to cross the San Juanico Bridge are rerouted through the Maguino-o Port to GGC Port route, linking Calbayog City and Ormoc City. However, board members warned that this route may not be able to sustain the increasing cargo volume if no additional sea access points are established soon.
They urged concerned government agencies to act quickly to prevent further strain on the region’s supply chain and economic activity.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
