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Ships may sail more frequently in Eastern Visayas to accommodate increased volume of passengers and cargoes due to the rehabilitation of San Juanico Bridge
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Maritime Industry Authority Region VIII suspended from June 4 to July 4 the policy on strict adherence to authorized schedule of trips of domestic shipping companies/operators
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Ships serving the area may now increase their sailing frequency and immediately depart once their maximum authorized passenger and/or cargo capacities are attained
Ships may sail more frequently in Eastern Visayas to accommodate increased volume of passengers and cargoes due to the rehabilitation of San Juanico Bridge.
The policy on strict adherence to authorized schedule of trips of domestic shipping companies operating in Region VIII was suspended from June 4 to July 4, according to Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Memorandum Advisory No. 2025-25-003 issued by the MARINA Region VIII (MRO VIII) Regional Director. The decision, dated June 4, is designed to ease congestion and avoid prolonged queuing or stranding.
MRO VIII has jurisdiction over Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, and Southern Leyte.
Since last month, all vehicles exceeding the 3-ton gross weight limit are barred from using San Juanico Bridge to make way for rehabilitation. This has affected connectivity between provinces of Leyte and Samar, disrupting passenger and cargo traffic between the regions.
The easing of shipping schedules is allowed under MA 2015-10, which contains guidelines during emergency, holiday season and special occasions.
Under MA 2015-10, ships can increase their sailing frequency as well as immediately depart once their maximum authorized passenger and/or cargo capacities are attained. The deployment of ships may also be authorized to ensure the immediate recovery of areas from the emergency, congestion or similar circumstances.
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.
In an update on June 5, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VIII said that as of May 30, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan requested from Angel Lazaro & Associates International a detailed plan and program of works for the San Juanico Bridge. The proposed repair plans, with civil works expected to be completed within a five-month timeframe, aim to increase the bridge’s load capacity to at least 10–12 tons.
DPWH Region VIII, in collaboration with the consultant, is moving forward with a more ambitious repair project designed to raise the bridge’s load limit to 33 tons.
“This more efficient plan considers funding and resources, pre-construction timeline, and the five-month civil works target as directed by Secretary Bonoan,” DPWH Region VIII said.
Increasing the load limit to 33 tons will allow access for large SUVs, passenger buses, commercial vehicles, and trucks that are currently restricted due to the existing 3-ton weight limit on the San Juanico Bridge.
DPWH also initiated preliminary upgrading of the Amandayehan port in Basey, Samar—the port nearest to the Tacloban Port in Tacloban City. The contractor has reported its substantial completion on June 4, that is still subject to the validation of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
This port, once formally turned over by the local government unit of Basey, will undergo development works to be done by the PPA.
Aside from Amandayehan port, identified viable ports to serve as alternate routes for vehicles weighing more than three tons 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 identified alternative ports in Negros Oriental, including Tandayag Port, some private ports, and Tambobo Bay port in Siaton.
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.
READ: PCCI recommends slew of measures to address San Juanico Bridge woes
