Tacloban: Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon is advocating for round-the-clock barge operations between the ports of Basey, Samar, and Tacloban to address the ongoing issue of long queues of cargo trucks.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dizon voiced his concern about the backlog of trucks on both sides, just a day after Amandayehan Port in Basey launched barge services. Currently, Santa Clara Shipping Corp. and ALD Sea Transport serve the route on a limited schedule from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To facilitate continuous operations and increase trips, the DOTr chief instructed the Philippine Coast Guard to set up navigational buoys in the San Juanico Strait. These buoys will enable safe nighttime RoRo operations, with the aim of achieving 24/7 service by the end of the week.

Two additional companies, Roble Shipping, Inc. and GT Express Shipping Corp., have shown interest in operating on the route. The DOTr chief acknowledged the slow response, over three weeks after the San Juanico Bridge crisis left thousands of heavy vehicles stranded en route to Luzon and Mindanao.

"I find the response slow; now we must make it as fast as we can. The opening of a new route will somehow ease congestion," Dizon stated. His return to Amandayehan Port confirmed compliance with his directive to enhance the wharf for RoRo operations within 10 to 15 days, with improvements completed on June 6.

The newly established Amandayehan-Tacloban route complements existing shipping lanes, significantly cutting travel time to 15 to 20 minutes, including loading and unloading. This adjustment allows for up to 10 trips in a 12-hour window, compared to the 13-hour Calbayog-Ormoc route. Shipping companies are prioritizing trucks carrying dangerous, essential, and perishable goods on a first-come, first-served basis.