TACLOBAN CITY – To support the full operationalization of the Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the region has turned over 25 units of 500-watt solar lights to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
The initiative aims to improve visibility, safety, and operational continuity, especially during night-time port activities.
This move comes in response to the ongoing weight restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge, which have caused a significant rerouting of cargo traffic through Amandayehan Port.
OCD Regional Director Lord Byron Torrecarion led the turnover ceremony, while acting port manager Atty. Khalil Lamigo accepted the equipment on behalf of the PPA on Wednesday, May 28.
As the lead agency of the Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell – Task Force San Juanico, OCD-8 is spearheading coordinated efforts to manage the logistical impact of the bridge’s structural limitations.
The Amandayehan Port is now under construction to accommodate vessels that will load heavy trucks carrying goods and other essentials to Tacloban Port.
The Basey port is expected to be operational within 10 days, beginning last Sunday, per the directive of Transportation Sec. Vince Dizon.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
