Eastern Visayas Council Requests ₱1.17 Billion for San Juanico Bridge Repairs

TACLOBAN CITY – The Regional Development Council (RDC) of Eastern Visayas has passed a resolution urging the Office of the President to expedite the release of ₱1.17 billion for the urgent rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge. This request comes in light of the bridge's deteriorating condition and the region's declaration under a state of calamity.

During a visit to the iconic San Juanico Bridge on June 11, 2025, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received the resolution from Edgar Tabacon, the RDC infrastructure committee chair and regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The resolution, which was approved on June 10, aims to secure immediate funding for the bridge's restoration and to restore its load capacity to 33 tons.

"The DPWH is committed to preparing all necessary project implementation documents to enable swift procurement once funds are released," Tabacon stated. He emphasized the urgency of the request, highlighting that the bridge has been restricted to a three-ton load limit since May 15, barring trucks and buses from crossing and leading to significant logistical challenges in the Leyte and Samar provinces.

The ₱1.17 billion allocated is only a fraction of the total estimated rehabilitation cost of approximately ₱7 billion. At least ₱500 million of the requested amount may potentially be sourced from the 2025 National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, as previously requested by the RDC-Executive Committee from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The project is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which has pledged funding for the full rehabilitation of the bridge. However, Tabacon noted that complete rehabilitation will not commence until after the construction of the second San Juanico Bridge, projected to begin in 2027. This phased approach aims to avoid the total closure of the bridge, which has already caused significant disruptions to transportation and trade in the region.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan indicated that the retrofitting of the existing bridge serves as a temporary solution until the new bridge is completed. As alternative routes for cargo trucks are being established across various ports in Leyte and Samar, the local government continues to address the transportation crisis exacerbated by the bridge's limitations.

The San Juanico Bridge, a vital infrastructure connecting Leyte and Samar, spans 2.16 kilometers and has been a crucial conduit for economic activity in the region. The ongoing issues surrounding its structural integrity underscore the need for timely interventions and investments in infrastructure to ensure the safety and efficiency of transportation networks.

As stakeholders await the government's response to the funding request, the implications of the bridge's condition remain significant, impacting local economies and the livelihoods of residents dependent on effective transportation systems. The RDC's proactive measures reflect a growing recognition of the need to prioritize infrastructure resilience and restoration in the face of natural disasters and aging infrastructure challenges.