TACLOBAN CITY – The city government of Ormoc and the Port Management Office of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) met on Saturday, May 17, to discuss traffic management strategies in response to the expected influx of heavy vehicles due to the load restrictions at the San Juanico Bridge.
During the meeting, at least three areas outside Ormoc’s city proper were identified as designated truck stops. These sites aim to minimize congestion, especially along the road leading to GGC Port, a private anchorage located in Barangay Punta.
With the anticipated increase in cargo truck arrivals, the local government, through the Ormoc Chamber, is appealing to lot owners to allow their properties to be used as temporary parking areas.
Only trucks with complete documentation and confirmed schedules will be allowed to enter the city proper.
Currently, Ormoc is served by local cargo vessel operator ALD Sea Transport, which runs three vessels between Maguino-o Port in Calbayog City, Samar, and GGC Port in Ormoc. Additionally, SEEN SAM Shipping Inc. has begun operating a temporary sea route between Maguino-o and Ormoc.
To ease the impact of the three-ton load limit on the San Juanico Bridge, the PPA has identified several alternate ports for affected vehicles.
On the Leyte side, these include the ports in Tacloban, Palompon, Calubian, Hilongos, Biliran, and Maasin. On the Samar side, alternate ports include Calbayog, Catbalogan, and Maguino-o.
The San Juanico Bridge, which connects the islands of Samar and Leyte, remains a crucial transport link in Eastern Visayas, and authorities are working to ensure the continued flow of goods despite restrictions.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
