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Over P400 M allotted to modernize key ports in Samar, Leyte amid San Juanico Bridge transpo limitation
Over P400 M allotted to modernize key ports in Samar, Leyte amid San Juanico Bridge transpo limitation
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has allocated more than P400 million for the expansion and modernization of key ports in Leyte and Samar that will serve as alternate transport routes amid the ongoing restrictions over the structural integrity of the San Juanico Bridge that connects the two provinces.
PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said the expansion and modernization of the nearby ports will strengthen the inter-island connectivity which has been affected for months now.
He said the P410 million funding will come from the agency’s Corporate Operating Budget.
“These initiatives, with a total value of ₱410 million from the PPA’s Corporate Operating Budget, underscore our commitment to strengthening inter-island connectivity and supporting the economic growth of the Province of Leyte and the broader Eastern Visayas region", said Santiago.
Earlier, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced the implementation of a three-ton weight limit on the San Juanico Bridge to ensure public safety.
Following the limitations set for the bridge, PPA officials immediately inspected and identified the municipal fishing port of Amandayehan in Basey, Samar as a strategic alternative route due to its strategic location and proximity to Tacloban Port.
To support maritime safety and navigational reliability of Amandayehan Port, Santiago said the PPA will install 14 navigation buoys worth ₱100 million.
“These aids will ensure safer vessel passage, especially at night or during inclement weather, and will form part of the agency’s broader maritime infrastructure improvements in Eastern Visayas,” said Santiago.
In addition, he said the agency has allocated ₱100 million for dredging works and ₱200 million for the port’s physical expansion to enable it to handle more vessels and cargo volume.
Currently, the PPA is also finalizing the turnover of the Amandayehan Port from the local government unit before the year ends to further equip the port for this transition and future larger operations.
“The PPA affirms that this program goes beyond providing a short-term solution to the effects of the San Juanico Bridge restrictions and that Visayas operations will continue unimpeded,” said Santiago.
“It aims to establish long-term, reliable, and resilient transport systems in the region through continuous port modernization, seamless and sustainable connectivity across the country,” he added.