The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) recommended the declaration of a state of calamity in Eastern Visayas as at least P300 million worth of monthly economic losses were recorded due to the restrictions imposed in the use of San Juanico bridge early this month.

In a resolution signed by NDRRMC chairperson Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. the council recommended the declaration of state of calamity in Eastern Visayas "to expedite the release of necessary funds and facilitate immediate repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, thereby restoring vital logistics and public services."

"The estimated cost of repair and rehabilitation by the DPWH amounts to P 7 billion, and any delay in fund release would further escalate the crisis," he said.

It noted that the restriction has halted the passage of heavy cargo vehicles and severely disrupted the transport of food, medicine, agricultural products, construction materials, and other essential commodities across Eastern Visayas.

According to the Council, there are approximately 14,000 vehicles cross the San Juanico Bridge daily and around 10 percent of which are cargo trucks.

"The abrupt imposition of restrictions has stranded more than 200 vehicles and is projected to result in monthly economic losses ranging from P300 million and P600 million, directly impacting food and fuel supply, delivery of healthcare services, commercial distribution, and regional trade," it stated.

Due to concern on the structural integrity, a restriction of three-ton vehicle load limit was imposed in San Juanico Bridge that linked the Islands of Samar and Leyte since it was completed in 1972.

The bridge also serves as a vital artery of the Pan-Philippine Highway, which connects Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Following the need for a major rehabilitation and retrofitting of the over 50 year-old bridge, the government is eyeing to construct a new bridge that will be funded by the Japanese government. Robina Asido/DMS