Basey: The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has allocated around PHP410 million to expand and modernize the Amandayehan Port to help address the transport crisis between Samar and Leyte caused by the closure of the San Juanico Bridge to heavy vehicles.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PPA stated that the Amandayehan Port, a municipal fishing port located in Basey, Samar, would be upgraded to accommodate Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) and Landing Craft Tank (LCT) vessels. This upgrade aims to serve as an alternative route due to its strategic location and proximity to Tacloban Port.
To enhance maritime safety and navigational reliability, the PPA will install 14 navigation buoys valued at PHP110 million. These aids are intended to ensure safer vessel passage, particularly at night or during inclement weather, as part of the agency's broader maritime infrastructure improvements in Eastern Visayas.
Additionally, the PPA has designated PHP100 million for dredging works and PHP200 million for the port's physical expansion. This expansion is designed to enable the port to handle more vessels and cargo volume.
The PPA is also finalizing the turnover of the Amandayehan Port from the local government unit before the year ends. This step aims to further equip the port for the transition and future larger operations.
Aside from serving as a short-term solution to the San Juanico Bridge restrictions, the port upgrade is expected to establish long-term, reliable, and resilient transport systems in the region through continuous port modernization and seamless connectivity across the country.
The upgrade of the Amandayehan Port was discussed during a series of inter-agency consultations and discussions among the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and local government units (LGUs).
On Sunday, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago, and representatives from other government agencies and maritime stakeholders visited the port. This visit was to ensure smooth operations and act swiftly in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to provide timely and concrete solutions to the transport disruption.
The initiatives, with a total value of PHP410 million from the PPA's corporate operating budget, highlight the commitment to strengthening inter-island connectivity and supporting the economic growth of the Province of Leyte and the broader Eastern Visayas region, according to Santiago.
