Check San Juanico Bridge, Leyte exec urges

TACLOBAN CITY — A Leyte provincial official has urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to conduct a fresh assessment of the San Juanico Bridge’s structural integrity following the recent earthquakes in Cebu and Davao Oriental.

Leyte Board Member Wilson Uy said the tremors were strongly felt in Tacloban City, raising concerns about possible impacts on the already aging bridge.

“The earthquakes were quite strong here in Tacloban. It’s possible that the San Juanico Bridge, which has existing damage, may have been affected further,” Uy said.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the Cebu quake registered Intensity V in Tacloban City, while the twin tremors in Davao Oriental were recorded at Intensity III. Phivolcs also issued a tsunami alert that included parts of Leyte province.

Uy warned that any additional damage to the iconic bridge could disrupt transportation and the regional economy, stressing the need for immediate inspection.

“We have to determine its structural integrity after the earthquakes to ensure it remains safe for the public who use it daily,” he said.

The San Juanico Bridge, which connects Samar and Leyte, is currently undergoing retrofitting works to increase its vehicle load capacity from three tons to 15 tons by December 2025.

DPWH has already installed temporary shoring structures to stabilize and strengthen the bridge during the upgrade.

DPWH Assistant Regional Director Margarita Junia clarified that the ongoing works are remedial measures intended to improve the bridge’s durability and carrying capacity.

“We are targeting to increase the bridge’s capacity so it can accommodate vehicles weighing 10 to 15 tons before the year ends,” Junia said.