The center of the 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge, which links Tacloban City and Samar, in this photo taken on May 27, 2025. The Department of Public Works and Highways is preparing for the implementation of the PHP1.17 billion strengthening of the San Juanico Bridge meant to raise its load limit within the year. (Photo courtesy of Tacloban-CIO)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is currently in discussions with prospective contractors to finalize project design strategies and detailed construction methodologies for the planned strengthening of the San Juanico Bridge.
The P1.17 billion project aims to raise San Juanico Bridge’s load limit within the year, from the three-ton limit imposed since May 15.
“These discussions are focused on the proposed strengthening works, which aim to increase the bridge’s load capacity to 12 tons. The civil works component of the project is expected to be completed within a five-month timeframe, once initiated,” DPWH Eastern Visayas Regional Director Edgar Tabacon said in a statement Friday.
The DPWH regional office is still waiting for the funds three weeks after the Regional Development Council endorsed the proposed budget to the Office of the President on June 10.
“Should funds become available, the DPWH in Region 8 will convene a coordination to provide updates to the public. It is important to note that the scope of works of the project depends on the budget that will be released,” the official added.
Tabacon personally handed a copy of the resolution to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the Chief Executive’s visit to the San Juanico Bridge on June 11.
The document also calls on the Department of Budget and Management to identify and recommend to the President financing sources to facilitate immediate funding for the project.
At least P500 million of the requested amount may be sourced from the 2025 National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Funds, which the RDC-Executive Committee previously requested from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council through a resolution.
The P1.17 billion request is for strengthening since the total rehabilitation is roughly estimated at P7 billion, according to Tabacon. The project will be funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Tabacon said there is no full rehabilitation of the bridge until after the completion of the second San Juanico Bridge to ensure that there will be total closure. (PNA)