Basey: The Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar is now fully operational around the clock, providing service to passengers and truckers following the completion of upgrades aimed at mitigating transportation disruptions between Samar and Leyte due to weight restrictions at the San Juanico Bridge.

According to Philippines News Agency, improvements to the port have increased its service capacity, with six landing craft tank vessels now operating 24/7 between Tacloban Port and Amandayehan Port since Monday. The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) announced that the installation of navigational aids, funded by the PPA, has been completed, facilitating smoother maritime traffic and enhanced safety protocols in the area.

In conjunction with the upgrade works, the PPA, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) held a consultative forum to address issues of alleged patronage systems and illegal fee collections flagged by port users in various locations including Guiuan, Borongan, Calbayog, Catbalogan, Manguinoo, Carigara, and Tolosa. The PCG pledged to manage queuing and investigate these concerns.

PPA General Manager Jay Santiago disclosed that the port upgrade project cost PHP410 million, sourced from the PPA's corporate operating budget. Santiago emphasized that the project is not only a temporary solution to a transportation crisis but also a long-term investment in the connectivity and resilience of the Eastern Visayas region.

The upgrades consist of PHP200 million allocated for port expansion, allowing the accommodation of larger vessels, PHP100 million for dredging works, and PHP100 million for the installation of 14 navigational buoys. The project was executed through the collaborative efforts of the PPA, PCG, MARINA, Department of Transportation (DOTr), the city government of Tacloban, the provincial government of Samar, and the support of various shipping lines.