Infrastructure measures in Eastern Visayas launched amid San Juanico Bridge rehab

As rehabilitation begins on the San Juanico Bridge, the government is working to maintain the steady flow of goods between Samar and Leyte by identifying alternative routes and developing support infrastructure.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the President instructed the Department to ensure that there is continuous movement of goods, such as food and fuel, between Samar and Leyte while the government is addressing the structural issues of the bridge.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) are coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local officials in Tacloban and Samar to construct Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) facilities that can support transport while rehabilitation is underway.

Sec. Dizon, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago, DPWH Undersecretary Robert Bernardo, and other government officials visited Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar earlier today to inspect the site and discuss possible route alternatives. They also visited the Port of Tacloban as part of the assessment.

The visits come amid continuing efforts by the national government to keep transport systems functional while infrastructure works are in progress.

Last March, Secretary Dizon also visited Tacloban Airport to inspect ongoing development projects.

Secretary Vince Dizon, together with CAAP Deputy Director General for Administration Atty. Danjun Lucas and other officials from the DOTr and CAAP, conducted an inspection of the ongoing development projects at Tacloban Airport on 14 March.

The modernization of Tacloban Airport, which is targeting partial operations by 2026, is intended to improve regional connectivity and support economic activity in Leyte and nearby provinces. According to officials, the upgrades are expected to benefit local businesses and improve trade and mobility in the area.

Current construction includes a new and larger passenger terminal building, a rescue and firefighting facility, motorpool and maintenance buildings, and a vehicular parking area. Once completed, these are expected to improve airport operations and passenger experience.

The developments form part of a broader effort to support continuity in transport services while long-term infrastructure improvements are underway in Eastern Visayas.