Latest news with #NDRRMC
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Tacloban mayor Romualdez seeks transparency in San Juanico Bridge repair project
Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez has called for full transparency and expert evaluation on the planned rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, which links the islands of Samar and Leyte in Eastern Visayas. The Tacloban City Council declared a state of emergency on Thursday to expedite the mobilization of resources following the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) recommendation to limit use of the bridge due to safety concerns. 'So, to be quite frank, medyo nalilito rin ako (I am perplexed),' Romualdez said in a video statement. 'I feel the public should be given all the information pertaining to the condition of the bridge,' he added. He urged the national government to disclose the study that determined the bridge's current state and provide details on the extent of the damage and the timeline for repairs. 'This is not the first time,' he said, recalling a previous repair on the bridge 20 years ago that allowed for a six-month preparation period. Romualdez emphasized the need for independent experts to assess the bridge's condition and verify the cost of rehabilitation, which was initially estimated at P800 million but now stands at P7 billion. 'Even if you spend P7 billion, a feasibility study, a project study, and a careful analysis should have been made,' he said. He also warned against using the current crisis to justify the construction of another bridge without going through the right process. A recent assessment by the DPWH raised concerns about the bridge's structural integrity. As part of precautions, the DPWH has temporarily prohibited vehicles weighing more than three tons from crossing the 2.16-kilometer bridge. Since May 18, pedestrians have been prohibited from crossing the bridge on foot. Instead, they should use coasters and light vehicles for their safety. On Friday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the restrictions on San Juanico Bridge could result in up to P600 million in monthly economic losses, as 14,000 vehicles cross the infrastructure daily. 'The abrupt imposition of restrictions has stranded more than 200 vehicles and is projected to result in monthly economic losses ranging from P300 million to P600 million,' the NDRRMC said. Among the affected sectors are food and fuel supply, delivery of healthcare services, commercial distribution, and regional trade. Aside from Tacloban City, Samar Province is under a state of emergency due to the bridge repair project. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
San Juanico Bridge rehab costs P7B, monthly loss at P600M —NDRRMC
Around P7 billion is needed for the repair and rehabilitation of San Juanico Bridge amid concerns on its structural integrity, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said. 'The estimated cost of repair and rehabilitation by the DPWH amounts to P7 billion, and any delay in fund release would further escalate the crisis,' the NDRRMC said in a resolution dated May 25. According to the NDRRMC, the restrictions on San Juanico Bridge could result in up to P600 million monthly economic losses as 14,000 vehicles cross the infrastructure daily. '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,' the NDRRMC said. Among the affected sectors are food and fuel supply, delivery of healthcare services, commercial distribution, and regional trade. State of calamity, state of emergency Due to this, the NDRRMC has recommended to President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. to declare a state of calamity in the entire region of Eastern Visayas. Currently, Tacloban City and Samar Province are under a state of emergency. Completed in 1972, San Juanico Bridge is the only permanent land link between the islands of Samar and Leyte. It is a vital artery of the Maharlika Highway that connects Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. A three-ton load limit has been imposed on San Juanico Bridge since May 15 after an assessment showed that there are significant structural compromises to the bridge. Only the middle portion of the bridge is open for motorists. This restriction halted the passage of heavy cargo vehicles, severely disrupting the transport of food, medicine, agricultural products, construction materials, and other essential commodities across the region. Green lane To ease the impact, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) spokesperson Chris Noel Bendijo on Friday said old ports and additional permits for landing craft tanks are being considered to ferry affected trucks. As the upcoming rainy season may limit the number of roll-on/roll-off (RORO) operations, Bendito said the agency is still looking into possible solutions. The OCD is planning to designate a 'green lane' for basic commodities on San Juanico Bridge. There is also a proposal to construct another bridge to have more alternative routes in the affected areas, according to the OCD spokesperson. 'Sa madaling salita po, lahat ng ating posibleng maging solusyon ay tinututukan po ng OCD (In short, all of possible solutions are being studied by the OCD),' Bendito said.—AOL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
20-05-2025
- Climate
- GMA Network
Over 192,000 affected by Maguindanao del Sur floods —NDRRMC
At least 192,00 people or 38,689 families were affected by floods in Maguindanao del Sur amid heavy rains caused by the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Monday. In a report, the NDRRMC said that of the total affected population, 890 individuals or 178 families are staying at an evacuation center while 191,115 persons or 38,511 families were taking shelter in other locations. Floods were reported in some barangays of the following towns: Datu Abdullah Sangki Shariff Aguak Datu Saudi Ampatuan Ampatuan Shariff Saydona Mustapha Datu Hoffer Ampatuan Mamasapano Datu Piang Sultan sa Barongis Datu Salibo Guindulungan The floods reportedly heavily damaged three houses while two road sections and a bridge were also affected. The NDRRMC said that as of May 14, Mindanao has been experiencing cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the ITCZ. This resulted in flash floods in several municipalities in Maguindanao del Sur, the NDRRMC added. —RF, GMA Integrated News
