The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has allocated approximately PHP410 million to expand and modernize the Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar. This initiative aims to address the transport crisis between Samar and Leyte caused by the San Juanico Bridge’s closure to heavy vehicles.
The Amandayehan Port, currently a municipal fishing port, will be upgraded to accommodate Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) and Landing Craft Tank (LCT) vessels, serving as an alternative route due to its strategic location near Tacloban Port. To enhance maritime safety, the PPA will install 14 navigation buoys worth PHP110 million. “These aids will ensure safer vessel passage, especially at night or during inclement weather, and will form part of the agency’s broader maritime infrastructure improvements in Eastern Visayas,” the PPA stated.
Additionally, PHP100 million has been allocated for dredging works and PHP200 million for the port’s physical expansion, enabling it to handle increased vessel and cargo volumes. “The PPA is now also finalizing the turnover of the Amandayehan Port from the local government unit before the year ends to further equip the port for this transition and future larger operations,” it said.
The port upgrade is intended as both a short-term solution to the San Juanico Bridge restrictions and a long-term measure to establish “long-term, reliable, and resilient transport systems in the region through continuous port modernization, seamless and sustainable connectivity across the country.”
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago, and representatives from other government agencies visited the port on Sunday to ensure smooth operations, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide timely solutions to the transport disruption.
“These initiatives, with a total value of PHP410 million from the PPA’s corporate operating budget, underscore our commitment to strengthening inter-island connectivity and supporting the economic growth of the Province of Leyte and the broader Eastern Visayas region,” Santiago said.Bookmark messageCopy messageExport