On May 17, the Samar Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), led by Governor Sharee Ann Tan, recommended to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan that the province be placed under a State of Emergency following new regulations limiting the use of San Juanico Bridge.
This decision was made during a recent meeting to address ongoing concerns related to the San Juanico Bridge, which connects the islands of Leyte and Samar.
The primary reason for this recommendation is the current limited capacity of the bridge, which now only allows vehicles weighing up to three tons to pass. This restriction significantly impacts the transportation of essential goods, medical supplies, and fuel between Tacloban City and Catbalogan, hampering disaster response and daily operations in the province.
In addition to declaring a State of Emergency, the Provincial Board passed a resolution urging the Philippine Navy to deploy a vessel that can facilitate the transportation of critical supplies. This vessel would serve as an alternative route, ensuring that aid and essential commodities can reach Samar without delay, especially during emergencies.
The move aims to mitigate the logistical challenges posed by the restricted bridge capacity, which has become a critical bottleneck for local government units, residents, and responders. The province continues to seek sustainable solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens amid the ongoing restrictions.
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