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Amandayehan port in Basey, Samar is now operational as an alternate gateway to San Juanico Bridge, currently closed to vehicles exceeding the 3-ton weight limit
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The port began accommodating cargo operations, including roll-on/roll-off and landing craft tanks on June 8 following emergency upgrading works by the Department of Public Works and Highways Region VIII
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Five LCTs are serving the Amandayehan-Tacloban route daily
Amandayehan port in Basey, Samar is now operational as an alternate gateway to San Juanico Bridge, closed to vehicles exceeding the 3-ton gross weight limit since mid-May.
The port started accommodating cargo operations on June 8, including roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) and landing craft tanks (LCTs) following emergency works completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways Region VIII (DPWH VIII).
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the port is expected to play a vital role as an alternate transport hub, providing a shorter route for heavy vehicles between Samar and Leyte.
The weight restriction on San Juanico Bridge has affected connectivity between the provinces of Leyte and Samar, disrupting passenger and cargo traffic between the regions.
The initial improvements at Amandayehan port included clearing obstructions, land reclamation and stabilization, utility line adjustments, and the construction of a 17-meter port platform with a 28-meter ramp. The ongoing installation of mooring structures further enhances the port’s readiness, DPWH VIII said in a social media post.
DPWH earlier recommended Amandayehan port, a fishing port managed by the local government unit and not under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), as an alternate port for those affected by the San Juanico Bridge weight limit.
Dizon and PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago in an inspection visit at the port on May 25 instructed immediate processing of permits to allow the port handle cargoes and deploy vessels.
According to PPA, five LCTs are currently serving the Amandayehan-Tacloban route daily. (Schedule of operations between Tacloban and Amandayehan port.)
Aside from Amandayehan port, other ports identified as alternate routes for vehicles avoiding San Juanico Bridge include Calbayog Port, Maguino-o Port, Catbalogan Port, in Samar; Tacloban Port, Ormoc Port, Palompon Port, Calubian Port, Hilongos Port, in Leyte; Biliran Port in Naval, Biliran, and Maasin Port in Southern Leyte.
PPA-Port Management Office Negros Oriental/Siquijor acting port manager Rey Del Moro on May 28 added to the list ports in Negros Oriental, including Tandayag Port, some private ports, and Tambobo Bay port in Siaton.
The Maritime Industry Authority Region VIII (MRO VIII) recently temporarily relaxed shipping schedules within its jurisdiction from June 4 to July 4 to accommodate the increased volume of passengers and cargoes in the area due to the load limit and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge.
Under the advisory, strict adherence to the authorized schedule of trips of domestic shipping companies/operators is suspended in areas under MRO VIII jurisdiction, including Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, and Southern Leyte.
Ships can also increase their sailing frequency.
Aside from the relaxation of shipping schedules, MRO VIII earlier also issued special shipping permits to ALD Sea Transport, Seen Sam Shipping, Inc., and Sunline Shipping Corp. to operate eight more vessels in four routes connecting Calbayog City, Samar-Ormoc City, Leyte, and Cebu province.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry earlier suggested immediate actions to minimize economic damage brought by the temporary vehicle weight limit at San Juanico Bridge. They include the temporary waiver of port fees for essential food and medical shipments and subsidy or tax relief for affected micro, small and medium enterprises, especially those in the transport, agriculture, and retail sectors. – Roumina Pablo
