OCD: San Juanico Bridge emergency repair could reach P500M
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Sunday said the cost of the emergency repair of the San Juanico Bridge in Eastern Visayas could reach P500 million.
'Very rough estimate po ito, wala pang masyadong detalye. Between ?300 to ?500 million kung kinakailangan pang repair (this is a rough estimate and there are no details yet. The repair would need between P300 million to P500 million),' OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno told Super Radyo dzBB.
He added the government is studying whether the funds could be acquired from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management fund since the Department of Public Works and Highways has yet to allocate funds for the planned repair.
According to DPWH, the recent assessment raised concerns about San Juanico Bridge's structural integrity.
As part of precautions, DPWH temporarily prohibits vehicles weighing more than three tons from crossing the 2.16-kilometer bridge.
'Those traversing the bridge must use the centerline, proceeding ONE AT A TIME, and should follow all on-site traffic directions,' the department said in a social media post.
'This measure is strictly enforced to ensure motorist safety, mitigate risks associated with identified damage, and facilitate essential repair and maintenance work,' it added.
Vehicles exceeding the weight limit may use the roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessels in the following ports:
Tacloban Port
Calbayog Port
Catbalogan Port
Biliran Port
Ormoc Port
Manguinoo Port, Calbayog Samar
Hilongos Port
Maasin Port
Naval Port
Palompon Port
Calubian Port
Villaba Port
Blue Alert
The Office of Civil Defense - Eastern Visayas and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council are on blue alert following the enforcement of the vehicle weight limit.
A blue alert status means both agencies are at a heightened preparedness and alertness.
'This alert is issued in anticipation of slow-onset disasters or potential escalation of the situation. It underscores the need for heightened readiness, proactive measures, and strengthened inter-agency coordination to ensure the smooth flow of essential goods and services while mitigating emerging risks and disruptions,' the OCD said in a statement.
A San Juanico Task Group has been formed to oversee security, safety, and operational coordination in the area.
Meanwhile, the Samar Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Saturday recommended the declaration of a State of Emergency in Samar to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Starting Sunday, May 18, pedestrians are prohibited from crossing the bridge on foot. Instead, they will be using coasters and light vehicles as a safety measure.
Built in 1969 and completed in 1973, San Juanico Bridge is the the third longest bridge spanning a body of seawater in the Philippines, connecting the islands of Samar and Leyte. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
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