The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) announced that waiting times at the newly opened Port of Amandayehan in Basey, Samar are no longer evident, with operations now in full swing — just weeks after it was launched to address supply chain woes in Samar and Leyte following the closure of the San Juanico Bridge.

In a statement on Wednesday, the PPA credited the smooth and full-scale operations — with no more long queues — to the collective efforts of the Department of Transportation, its attached agencies (PPA, Philippine Coast Guard, and Maritime Industry Authority), the local government of Tacloban, the Provincial Government of Samar, and various shipping lines.

The PPA said that since the inspection visits of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and PPA General Manager Jay Santiago earlier this month, the Amandayehan Port has significantly improved its service capacity.

Currently, six LCT vessels are operating actively between Tacloban and Amandayehan, ensuring uninterrupted cargo and passenger movement.

PPA also confirmed that the installation of navigational aids has been completed, paving the way for smoother maritime traffic and enhanced safety protocols in the area.

As of 23 June, the Amandayehan Port has been operating full-time with 24/7 vessel service.

Earlier, a PPA-PCG-MARINA consultative forum was held in response to complaints of a "palakasan" system and illegal fee collections in Guiuan, Borongan, Calbayog, Catbalogan, Manguinoo, Carigara, and Tolosa. The Philippine Coast Guard committed to securing the queuing process and investigating the matter.

“This is not only a quick fix to a transportation crisis, but a long-term investment in the connectivity and resilience of the Eastern Visayas region,” said PPA General Manager Jay Santiago, citing the P410 million budget allocated from the agency’s Corporate Operating Budget.

The port upgrade includes P200 million for expansion to accommodate larger RoRo and Landing Craft Tank (LCT) vessels; P100 million for dredging works to improve port depth and vessel maneuverability; and P100 million for the installation of 14 navigational buoys to enhance maritime safety, particularly during night operations and bad weather.

“The opening and upgrade of the Port of Amandayehan is a testament to what decisive leadership and inter-agency coordination can accomplish,” Santiago added.

He further emphasized that with a fully operational port, modern navigational systems, and round-the-clock maritime services, “Amandayehan Port is now ready to support economic growth and daily inter-island connectivity in the Visayas region.”