TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Biliran, in partnership with the Biliran Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (BCCII), has contracted a barge service company to transport goods to and from Biliran Island as the Department of Public Works and Highways works on to repair the Biliran Bridge.
THE special barge transporting goods in Biliran. (Biliran Island FB)
Gov. Gerard Roger Espina said the provincial government will pay the monthly barge rental expenses through their calamity fund while fuel charges will be charged to the daily operations through transport fees for long-term sustainability.
The BCCII manages the cargo ship operations to ensure that the endeavor is a non-profit activity for the benefit of the people of Biliran.
“As part of Task Force Biliran Bridge, BCCII is working closely with the province of Biliran to ensure that the operation is efficient and economical. BCCII is committed to submitting financial reports in relation to this activity to the province of Biliran for full transparency and accountability,” the BCCII said.
Reassessment of imposed fees will be made after a week of operation once the average daily volume of vehicles utilizing the LCT is determined as well as the operational costs.
Biliran has been under a state of calamity since Dec. 27, 2024 due to the bridge’s potential impact on the local economy.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigang said declaring a state of calamity will enable the provincial government to implement measures to stabilize prices of goods and essential commodities, ensure the uninterrupted delivery of goods and services, and mobilize resources to mitigate the adverse effects of the incident.
Based on the technical assessment conducted on the Biliran Bridge by engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Biliran District Engineering Office and DPWH-Regional Office 8, some bridge components were damaged, under the deck slab, particularly on the bridge stringers, steel cross bracing, build-up sections of Spans 4 and 3, and loose nuts and bolts at Span 1.