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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Price freeze in Biliran as defective bridge limits supply flow

Price freeze in Biliran as defective bridge limits supply flow

Published Dec 31, 2024 01:04 pm

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry has implemented a price freeze in Biliran province to prevent a surge in the cost of basic goods following restrictions in the Biliran Bridge's capacity.

BILIRAN BRIDGE.jpg

BILIRAN Bridge (FB)

DTI Biliran Director Faustino Gayas said Tuesday that a monitoring team will oversee price stability for essential goods.

The DTI-Eastern Visayas approved the price freeze on Sunday, acting on recommendations from the Biliran office which flagged rising prices tied to disruptions at the vital bridge.

“The DTI Biliran highly recommended the price freeze in Biliran province based on our latest price monitoring conducted before the declaration of the state of calamity due to a recent incident affecting the Biliran Bridge,” Gayas said in an online interview.

Necessities covered by the price freeze include canned fish, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, bread, and salt.

Biliran was placed under a state of calamity on Dec. 28 after structural issues forced restrictions on the bridge that connects Biliran Island to mainland Leyte.

The limitations have disrupted the transport of goods, essential supplies, and public travel, impacting the local economy.

Gov. Gerard Espina signed Resolution No. 321 declaring the state of calamity that authorizes measures to stabilize commodity prices, ensure the delivery of essential goods and services, and mobilize resources to address the situation.

Since Dec. 23, heavy vehicles, including trucks carrying food supplies and fuel, have been prohibited from using the bridge after online videos showed swaying.

Only light vehicles, including passenger vans and sports utility vehicles, are allowed to cross.

To address the disruptions, the Department of Public Works and Highways has advised using barge transport for cargo trucks and fuel tankers while major bridge repairs are under way.

Repairs on the Leyte side of the bridge began Dec. 27.

Espina announced late Monday that the provincial government, in partnership with the Biliran Chamber of Commerce, has contracted a barging service expected to arrive Wednesday.

The provincial calamity fund will cover the barge rental costs while fuel charges will be offset through transport fees for long-term sustainability.

Built in 1976, the Biliran Bridge is the island's only land link to mainland Leyte. (PNA)
 

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Biliran BILIRAN BRIDGE
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