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The Philippine Ports Authority has allocated P410 million for the expansion and modernization of Amandayehan port in Basey, Samar
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The port now serves as alternate gateway to San Juanico Bridge, closed to vehicles exceeding the 3-ton gross weight limit since mid-May
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Of the total allocation, P100 million will be used for dredging works, P200 million for physical expansion, and P100 million for the installation of 14 navigational buoys
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The port’s turnover from the local government unit to PPA is being finalized before the year ends “to further equip the port for this transition and future larger operations”
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has allocated P410 million for the expansion and modernization of Amandayehan port in Basey, Samar. The port now serves as alternate gateway to San Juanico Bridge, closed to vehicles exceeding the 3-ton gross weight limit since mid-May.
The initiative, funds for which will come from 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,” PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago said in a statement.
Of the total, P100 million will be used for dredging works, and P200 million for physical expansion, enabling it to handle more vessels and cargo volume. Another P100 million will be used to install 14 navigational buoys for 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.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) earlier recommended Amandayehan port, a fishing port managed by the local government unit and not under PPA jurisdiction, as an alternate port for those affected by the weight limit at San Juanico Bridge.
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 port started handling cargoes on June 8 following emergency upgrading works completed by DPWH Region VIII. According to PPA, five landing craft tanks are currently serving the Amandayehan-Tacloban route daily.
The turnover of Amandayehan port from the LGU to PPA is being finalized before year-end “to further equip the port for this transition and future larger operations.”
PPA said this “goes beyond providing a short-term solution to the effects of the San Juanico Bridge restrictions and that Visayas operations will continue unimpeded.”
Aside from Amandayehan port, other ports identified as alternate routes for vehicles avoiding the 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; Tandayag port and Tambobo Bay port in Negros Oriental.
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.
Aside from the relaxation of shipping schedules, MRO VIII earlier 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. – Roumina Pablo
