TACLOBAN CITY – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has recommended to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the declaration of a state of calamity in Eastern Visayas due to the severe impact of the structural compromise of the San Juanico Bridge, which has triggered widespread economic and logistical disruptions across the region.
In its Resolution No. 01, Series of 2025, the NDRRMC cited findings from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office VIII, which revealed significant structural damage to the iconic bridge, prompting authorities to enforce a strict 3-ton vehicle load limit starting May 15, 2025.
The council convened with key agencies on May 23, 2025, and determined that the situation met the criteria for a state of calamity under NDRRMC Memorandum Order No. 60, Series of 2019—particularly the disruption of lifeline infrastructure and the severe effect on livelihoods.
“[We resolve] to recommend to His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. the declaration of a State of Calamity in Eastern Visayas to expedite the release of necessary funds and facilitate immediate repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge,” the resolution signed by Defense Secretary and NDRRMC Chairperson Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated.
Local government officials, including Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone, have earlier expressed concern over the economic and social repercussions of the bridge’s restricted access and have welcomed the national government’s swift action on the matter.
The bridge, completed in 1972, is the only permanent land connection between the islands of Samar and Leyte. It serves as a critical artery for the transport of goods, services, and people along the Pan-Philippine Highway (Maharlika Highway/AH26), linking Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The restriction on heavy vehicles, including cargo trucks, has caused a logistical bottleneck and severely hampered the delivery of food, medicine, construction materials, and other essential supplies.
The NDRRMC estimates economic losses of between P300 million to P600 million monthly, with over 200 cargo vehicles now stranded daily.
The resolution also noted that about 1,400 vehicles use the San Juanico Bridge every day, with cargo trucks accounting for 10 percent of this volume.
The bridge’s limited capacity has forced the use of insufficient alternative routes, such as roll-on/roll-off (RORO) services, which have failed to meet the region’s transport demands.
The NDRRMC also raised the alarm over disrupted healthcare deliveries and the adverse impact on local agriculture, fisheries, and commercial trade. The estimated cost for full repair and rehabilitation of the bridge is pegged at P7 billion, and delays in funding could worsen the crisis.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
