President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has placed Eastern Visayas under a state of calamity to accelerate the repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, a vital link between Samar and Leyte now deemed in critical condition.
The declaration, made official through Proclamation No. 920 signed on June 5, will remain in effect for a year—unless lifted earlier or extended, depending on the situation on the ground.
"There is an urgent need to repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge to ensure timely delivery of essential goods and services and restore regional mobility," said the President's proclamation.
Completed in 1973 during the administration of the President's father, the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the 2.16-kilometer bridge is not only the only permanent land connection between the two provinces, but also a crucial part of the Pan-Philippine Highway that links Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Recent structural assessments by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) revealed major safety concerns, prompting the imposition of a strict three-ton load limit last May 15.
The restriction has halted the passage of heavy vehicles, severely affecting the movement of food, medicine, construction materials, and other essential goods across the region.
"The declaration of a State of Calamity will, among others, hasten the repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, and afford the National Government, as well as local government units (LGUs), ample latitude to utilize appropriate funds," the proclamation stated.
Under the President’s directive, the DPWH, in coordination with local government units, is instructed to "expedite all measures necessary" to fully rehabilitate the bridge.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has been tasked to identify and allocate funding to support the repair efforts.
Law enforcement agencies and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have also been ordered to ensure public safety and maintain peace and order in the affected areas while repairs are underway.
"All departments, agencies, bureaus, and offices of the National Government are hereby directed, and all LGUs and the private sector are hereby encouraged, to render full support and assistance to and cooperation with each other, and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent and appropriate measures in a timely manner to fully repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge," Marcos added.
The Palace earlier acknowledged the inconveniences caused by the rehabilitation project but appealed for public understanding.
"Mas nanaisin po talaga na maiwasan kung anumang maaaring idulot ng disgrasya kung ito man ay hindi maayos nang maaga," said Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro on May 19.
Castro assured residents and businesses that the government is working to ease the impact of the ongoing restrictions while prioritizing long-term safety.
