Marcos declares state of calamity in Eastern Visayas over San Juanico bridge fix
The 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge, one of the longest in the Philippines, links Samar and Leyte provinces in the Visayas.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued Proclamation No. 920, placing Eastern Visayas under a state of calamity for a year, to give way for the repairs on San Juanico Bridge.
Marcos said the state of calamity took effect on June 5 and may be lifted earlier or extended depending on the circumstances.
The 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge, one of the longest in the Philippines, links Samar and Leyte provinces in the Visayas.
'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 for the repair and safety upgrading of the subject public infrastructure,' the proclamation read.
Marcos ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in coordination with concerned LGUs to 'expedite all measures necessary to repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge fully.'
The President also directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to assist the DPWH in identifying funding sources for the rehabilitation of the bridge.
Further, law enforcement were tasked to 'undertake urgent response to ensure the safety of the people affected by the critical condition of the San Juanico Bridge, as well as all necessary measures to ensure peace and order in the affected areas, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.'
'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 Marcos in a statement.
The bridge was a project of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
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