TACLOBAN CITY – The feasibility study being conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the construction of a San Juanico Bridge II will take a year before they release the result.

Thus said Engr. Edgar Tabacon, the regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The JICA study team for the second San Juanico Bridge Project started their first of four on-site visits to the bridge route options on November 17, 2023. The second, third, and final on-site studies are slated in February-March 2024, July 2024, and September 2024 respectively, with the final feasibility study report targeted to be completed and submitted by December next year.

Tabacon said that the construction of the second San Juanico Bridge is timely as the San Juanico Bridge had already reached 50 years old and now needs repairs and rehabilitation to ensure its stability and safety of travelers and motorists that are using it every day.

San Juanico Bridge is one of the vital installations in the region located along the Maharlika Highway that does not only connect Samar and Leyte Island but also Mindanao to Luzon.

Having an alternative bridge that motorists can use to cross Samar to Leyte area will allow the public works department to fast-track any repair or rehabilitation they will implement for the San Juanico Bridge, Tabacon said.

“It is a mortal sin to close San Juanico Bridge dahil mapuputol po ang biyahe ng mga sasakyan na dumadaan sa San Juanico,” he said, adding that any repair and rehabilitation that they are implementing now are on phase-to-phase basis.

“If we have a second bridge, it will hasten any rehabilitation work that we implement and repair works at the older bridge,” Tabacon added.

Tabacon said that for the new bridge, they have proposed to have it four lanes and have a railway component but JICA only approved a two-lane bridge.

“But still we are thankful na magkakaroon ng second bridge,” he added.

The public work official added that having additional access would also result in faster delivery and transport of goods and response during times of emergency.

Based on initial plan, the national government will need P9.17 billion to build the second San Juanico Bridge with the proposed budget primarily to be used for the construction of the bridge’s superstructure, substructure, embankment, concrete girders, and relocation of power transmission lines
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the region officially welcomed the Yuletide season with a Christmas lighting ceremony and gift-giving activity last Thursday (Nov. 30).

Dubbed as the ‘Paskong Pinoy Christmas lighting ceremony’, this year’s celebration started with the lighting of the 16-foot Christmas tree made of colorful panels built on top of each other, topped with a brightly-lit DPWH logo.

The designed panels depict the DPWH mission and vision represented by the images of equipment and silhouettes of people doing civil works—from planning all the way to the implementation stage.

It also symbolizes unity and progress geared towards national development, and the synergy between Filipino craftsmanship and the department’s commitment to provide quality infrastructures.

After the lighting of the giant Christmas tree, the gift-giving activity led by DPWH Regional Director Edgar Tabacon was held.

Among those present were Asec. Nerie Bueno and officials from other DPWH regional offices.

“The most enthusiastic thought about Christmas is the children. Kindness and love are what make the celebration more fulfilling”, Tabacon said during the event held at the grounds of their regional office at Government Center, Palo, Leyte.

The officials gifted 500 children of the department’s personnel. Apart from the gifts, food treats were also provided to the children.

In her speech, Asec. Bueno expressed delight as she lauded the office for conducting an activity that fosters good camaraderie amongst employees.

“I am really interested with this undertaking. This is one way of building relationships. After all when we retire, ang matitira nalang po sa atin and yong magandang pagsasamahan natin. And it is always good if we start it now—mag build ng relationships,” she said.

Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Undersecretary for Service Continuity Mark R. Gimenez, who was also among the guests, called out for unity, understanding, and peace throughout the year up to succeeding years, not only in the Eastern Visayas region but also to the entire country.

Assistant regional director Ma. Margarita Junia expressed her gratitude to all personnel of their office as the ceremony allowed the employees to give time for their families.

“I hope these beautiful lights will bring us all joy so we can spread love, friendship, and kindness,” she said.
(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)