In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has launched a whole-of-government response to address the ongoing crisis in Samar caused by the partial closure of the San Juanico Bridge. Today, the OCD convened the Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (IACC) Meeting, led by Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno, to coordinate immediate actions and long-term solutions.
The IACC, as directed by the Secretary of National Defense (SND) and Chair of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., was convened today to discuss the impact—both economic and social—of the bridge’s limited load capacity and structural issues. The meeting was held at the NDRRMC Operations Center and attended by officials from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority, and Samar provincial government.
Current Situation and Immediate Responses
The San Juanico Bridge’s deteriorating condition has prompted the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to impose a 3-ton weight limit starting May 14, 2025. As a key part of the Maharlika Highway, the bridge is vital for inter-island mobility, economic activity, and national connectivity, used daily by over 14,000 vehicles, including 1,396 heavy vehicles.
Engineering assessments have revealed widespread corrosion, deformed steel members, and deteriorated connections. Immediate responses include restricting vehicle loads, managing one-way traffic for light vehicles, and deploying barge transport for heavy cargo.
DPWH and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) have proposed interim maritime routes and port upgrades, including options via Carigara, Catbalogan, Maguino-o, Tolosa, and Osmeña, to accommodate heavier vehicles and sustain logistical flow across the affected regions. Long-term plans involve retrofitting girders, replacing slabs, and reinforcing the structure over the next one to two years.
Regional and Local Coordination
OCD Region VIII reported that traffic on the San Juanico Bridge has been cleared, but congestion has shifted to ports. Ports are not yet fully prepared to handle increased cargo, although vessels are available. The Regional Development Council (RDC) has endorsed the necessary budget for ramp repairs, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is working to approve trips and permits, including pending requests with MARINA.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is managing fuel supplies in Samar and will meet with OCD Region VIII to prioritize tanker trucks for food and other essential goods via RORO services. The DOE is also coordinating with the Philippine Institute of Petroleum (PIP) for vessel charter updates.
The Babatngon Port remains unready for full operations but is being prepared to support future logistics needs.
Leadership Directions for Response Efforts
Undersecretary Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of swift and coordinated action. He said,
“We are fully mobilizing all necessary government resources and forging a unified response through the creation of a Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell. Led by OCD Region VIII, this body will bring together all concerned agencies to ensure that no delay jeopardizes the needs of the people of Samar.”
He further stressed the importance of proactive planning, stating,
“We will oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of alternative routes to bypass the constraints posed by the San Juanico Bridge. Short-term strategies include opening additional ports and identifying the most serviceable and reliable routes by land, sea, and air, as well as creating a priority humanitarian lane for vital goods.”
Governor Sharee Ann Tan highlighted the need to assess the bridge’s structural integrity, saying,
“The footing of the San Juanico Bridge must still be checked to see if it is still in good condition. But, according to DPWH and technical staff in the region, the ground is likely unsuitable. While ports like Amandayehan are available, they are currently undersized for our needs. We are seeking to leverage the State of Emergency Declaration to speed up funding for its development, since we expect to use it for the next two years or more.”
The Office of Civil Defense has directed the OCD Regional Office to expedite processing all pending requests with MARINA, PPA, and PCG for trip approvals and permits. The Regional Office is also tasked with preparing a comprehensive concept paper to guide planning and coordination efforts, considering the upcoming rainy season. This document is expected to be submitted no later than May 26, 2025, with an initial plan due today, May 23, 2025.
Despite ongoing challenges, the OCD remains confident that, through strong coordination and leadership—particularly via the newly convened IACC—the Philippines can effectively support Samar and ensure the uninterrupted flow of vital supplies during this critical period.
