As the reported repairs of the San Juanico bridge drag on, the effects of a greatly under-utilized bridge are now felt in the islands of Samar and Leyte that it connects.
Starting on May 20, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Samar officially declares the province under state of emergency due to the limitations implemented while traversing the famed bridge.
This will allow the provincial government to perform actions or impose policies that it would normally not be permitted to undertake.
“The declaration (of state of emergency) will help us control the prices of basic commodities such as food and fuel,” Vice Governor Arnold Tan said.
This is in response to the request of the Samar Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, he said.
In addition to this, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Eastern Visayas and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council are on blue alert.
This means that both agencies are at a heightened status of preparedness and alertness.
“This alert is issued in anticipation of slow-onset disasters or potential escalation of the situation. It underscores the need for heightened readiness, proactive measures, and strengthened inter-agency coordination to ensure the smooth flow of essential goods and services while mitigating emerging risks and disruptions,” the OCD said in a statement.
Fuel shortage
“Our gasoline stations are running out of supplies, but it’s good that some got stocks from Bicol Region,” Tan added. Samar’s main source of fuel is currently located in the oil depot in Babatngon, Leyte.
That being said, Tan noted that the declaration would allow them to use the local funds to subsidize the cost of transporting fuel from Leyte using the port in Amandayehan village in Basey, Samar.
The said port is still undergoing improvement.
If the government agencies are not able to solve this crisis, there is a large chance for a spike in fuel prices in the island.
If that happens, prices of commodities are likewise expected to increase not just in Samar, but also in Leyte.
2-year- price hike?
Unfortunately, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Assistant Regional Director Margarita Junia earlier stated that there is a possibility of the repairs to take up to two years.
The current limitations set by the DPWH to vehicles with gross weight of 3 tons are now obviously affecting the transportation of fuel, medical supplies, and other essential goods going across the two islands.
If this goes on, its effects on the logistics, supply chains, and regional trade will have serious implications on the local economy.
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