With the San Juanico Bridge closed to vehicles over three tons, the Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar is being considered a viable alternative route for heavy trucks traveling to Tacloban City. However, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) emphasized that major upgrades are still needed before the port can support roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) operations.
On Thursday, key officials witnessed the berthing trial and test float of RoRo vessel LCT Aldain Dowey, owned by Sta. Clara Shipping Corp., at the port. The test helped agencies and stakeholders identify areas for improvement, including ramp reinforcement to ease loading and unloading during high tide.
“The route is workable, but we must make sure that everything is in safe condition. Our goal is to mitigate the situation and not to make it worse,” said PPA acting port manager for Eastern Leyte and Samar Kahlil Lamigo.
The Department of Public Works and Highways is funding the port’s needed improvements. Based on the trial, the sailing time from Tacloban City to Amandayehan Port took only 30 minutes — making it the shortest and most cost-effective route for trucks currently barred from crossing the 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge.
Sta. Clara Shipping Corp. said their vessel has been on standby for a week and is ready to operate pending certification from PPA and MARINA. “It is viable and feasible to use the port. We just need a certificate from PPA and MARINA. We hope it will be issued tomorrow since the weekend is coming,” said Joseph Go, the company’s representative.
The RoRo vessel can carry up to 16 trucks, with a PHP3,000 rate for a 10-wheeler unit.
Trucking companies have expressed strong support for the route. Erwin Sarte, operator of MCA Trucking Services with 100 trucks, said this option is significantly more economical. He noted that the alternative Calbayog-Ormoc route costs PHP17,000 per truck, excluding the PHP4,000 Sorsogon-Northern Samar fare. In contrast, fuel expenses via the Tacloban route only amount to around PHP5,000.
“We have 15 trucks now waiting to cross to Tacloban City from Samar. These trucks are loaded with grocery items and school supplies. This logistical problem should be addressed immediately since not only Leyte and Samar provinces are affected,” Sarte said.
The San Juanico Bridge, completed in 1973, has been closed to heavy vehicles since May 15 due to concerns over its deteriorating superstructure. The bridge is the only direct land link between Samar and Leyte and is a critical part of the Luzon-Mindanao nautical highway.