TACLOBAN CITY – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said that the declaration of a state of calamity in Eastern Visayas could help expedite funding and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, which has been under load restrictions since May 15.
OCD Director Chris Noel Bendijo said in a press statement the move would unlock emergency funds to restore logistics and public services, noting the region is losing an estimated P300–P600 million monthly due to the bridge’s limited capacity.
The OCD has coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in assessing repair costs and was endorsed to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) which endorsed the declaration of a state of calamity.
The President, however, has yet to approve the proposal by the NDRRMC.
The OCD is also working with the Department of Trade and Industry, which has implemented a price freeze amid supply disruptions.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
