The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) have assured residents of Samar and Leyte of the continued flow of essential goods and commodities despite restricted access on the San Juanico Bridge.

This follows the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for government agencies to maintain supply chain stability and restore regional connectivity between the two provinces.

PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said port terminals under the PPA have been instructed to prioritize perishable goods, particularly those under the care of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

“As far as the PPA is concerned, ang papel natin is to ensure the free flow of cargo — na hindi ma-disrupt ‘yung logistics chain natin,” Santiago said.

He added that perishable items under the DA, DSWD, and OCD are being prioritized across all PPA-managed terminals, not just those in Tacloban or Samar.

The PPA also announced that both the expanded Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar, and Tacloban Port will operate 24/7 to accommodate passengers and truckers amid transport disruptions caused by limited access to the bridge.

“Hopefully, habang nagnonormalize na ‘yung situation, medyo makakahinga-hinga na ‘yung mga kababayan natin diyan sa Leyte at Samar at magstabilize na ‘yung mga pangunahing pangangailangan gaya ng krudo, gasolina at pagkain,” Santiago added.