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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider OCD-8 steps up free rides as San Juanico Bridge load limit is enforced

OCD-8 steps up free rides as San Juanico Bridge load limit is enforced

Published Jul 16, 2025 06:04 pm
CARGO trucks are loaded into a roll-on, roll-off vessel as part of the ‘Libreng Sakay’ program to fast-track the movement of goods in Region 8. (Office of the Civil Defense-Eastern Visayas)
CARGO trucks are loaded into a roll-on, roll-off vessel as part of the ‘Libreng Sakay’ program to fast-track the movement of goods in Region 8. (Office of the Civil Defense-Eastern Visayas)
CEBU CITY – The Office of Civil Defense-Eastern Visayas (OCD-8) has intensified the “Libreng Sakay” initiative to ensure the smooth movement of goods in Region 8 following the enforcement of the load limit at San Juanico Bridge.
OCD-8 Director Lord Byron Torrecarion said the Libreng Sakay roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) program offers free maritime transport for essential and perishable goods with four to six trips daily between Tacloban City and Amandayehan Port in Samar.
Through the initiative, 81 and 100 cargo trucks cross the strait daily, bypassing the load-limited bridge, which connects Samar and Leyte.
“This is because, for example, for fuel, Samar only has around 7 to 14 days of fuel. It doesn’t have a major depot. So, all the supply is coming from Leyte. That’s why it’s essential to maintain that flow of supply,” Torrecarion told reporters during the Regional Rescue Jamboree in Baybay City, Leyte on Monday, July 14.
While the bridge is under rehabilitation, vehicles weighing over three tons are prohibited from crossing.
Since the Libreng Sakay initiative was launched on June 18, at least 1,000 trucks and P100 million worth of commodities have already been transported.
Through emergency procurement, the government has allocated about P47 million to fund approximately 360 trips using Landing Craft Tank (LCT) vessels operated by Roble Shipping Co.
Before the initiative started, several trucks carrying vital goods were stranded due to bridge restrictions.
“Now with the free rides, because it's their priority, we don't see that anymore. It's just delayed, not cancelled,” he said.
Aside from the Libreng Sakay program, the OCD-8 is preparing to open a new Ro-Ro route from Tacloban to Guiuan in Eastern Samar.
The plan is in response to a formal request from the provincial government and is expected to begin within the month.
The San Juanico Bridge has been under strict load limits since May 10 after structural issues were detected.

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San Juanico Bridge OCD Libreng Sakay Region 8
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