TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Samar was placed under a state of emergency in a resolution approved unanimously by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Monday due to load restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge.

The declaration aims to fast-track the provision of assistance and services to areas affected by the load restrictions which pose problems in the transportation and economy of the province.

Meanwhile, despite ongoing load restrictions, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Eastern Samar assured that prices and supply of basic necessities and prime commodities remain stable and within the suggested retail price.

DTI Eastern Samar head Ruthelma Samonte said their monitoring from May 13 to 27 showed no noticeable price adjustments.

The monitoring covered major retailers, grocery stores, wet markets, and sari-sari stores.

Commodities under DTI’s jurisdiction, as defined by Price Act 7581, include canned goods, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergents, candles, bread, portable water in bottles and containers, locally manufactured instant noodles, flour, cement, hollow blocks, and construction nails.

Samonte added that partial repairs on the San Juanico bridge have not significantly impacted prices or overall supply.

While some cargo from Cebu to Tacloban City faces delays, alternative routes through Cebu City to Calbayog City and Eastern Samar ensure sufficient supply.