The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that approximately P7 billion is required for the repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge due to concerns about its structural integrity.
“The estimated cost of repair and rehabilitation by the DPWH amounts to P7 billion, and any delay in fund release would further escalate the crisis,” the NDRRMC said in a resolution dated May 25.
It estimates that restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge could lead to monthly economic losses of up to P600 million, as the bridge accommodates approximately 14,000 vehicles daily.
“The abrupt imposition of restrictions has stranded more than 200 vehicles and is projected to result in monthly economic losses ranging from P300 million and P600 million,” the NDRRMC said.
The council recommended that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declare a state of calamity in the entire region of Eastern Visayas. Currently, Tacloban City and Samar Province are under a state of emergency.
Since May 15, a three-ton load limit has been enforced on the San Juanico Bridge following an assessment that revealed significant structural compromises. Currently, only the middle section of the bridge remains accessible to motorists.
This restriction has halted the movement of heavy cargo vehicles, causing major disruptions in the transport of essential goods such as food, medicine, agricultural products, construction materials, and other critical commodities across the region.
To mitigate these challenges, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) spokesperson Chris Noel Bendijo on Friday announced that old ports and additional permits for landing craft tanks are being explored as alternatives to ferry affected trucks.
However, with the rainy season approaching, Bendijo noted that the agency is assessing further solutions, as roll-on/roll-off (RORO) operations may become more limited.
The OCD is likewise planning to designate a “green lane” for basic commodities on the San Juanico Bridge. There is also a proposal to construct another bridge to have more alternative routes in the affected areas, according to the OCD spokesperson.
