Eastern Visayas: Eastern Visayas officials welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s decision to declare a state of calamity in the region, saying this will expedite government response to the transport crisis and the repair of the San Juanico Bridge. Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC), said Proclamation 920, signed by the President on June 5, 2025, and in effect for a year, implies that the Chief Executive is serious in addressing the crisis arising from the 3-ton load limit on the bridge that links Leyte and Samar provinces.
According to Philippines News Agency, the presidential visit means President Marcos wants to get things done. Gomez conveyed that the RDC has done its part, and the responsibility now lies with the national government. On Wednesday noon, Marcos visited the region to inspect the San Juanico Bridge and Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar.
During its meeting on Tuesday, the RDC approved a resolution requesting the President to provide PHP1.17 billion in immediate funding to restore the bridge's 33-ton load capacity within the year. Possible sources of funds include those from the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) calamity fund and the Department of Budget and Management's unprogrammed funds.
Earlier, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office revealed its plan to restore the 33-ton load capacity of the bridge before the end of 2025. This plan takes into account funding and resources, the pre-construction timeline, and the five-month civil works target as directed by DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) chair Lord Byron Torrecarion stated that the declaration will allow regional agencies and local government units to address concerns arising from the limited access of the vital bridge immediately. It will help the region respond to the needs of people using the bridge and find ways to maintain traffic volume and repair the bridge.
Under the proclamation, the President orders all departments, agencies, bureaus, and offices of the national government and encourages all local government units and the private sector to support, cooperate, and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake measures promptly to repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge fully.
