MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared a one-year state of calamity for Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) to fast-track the repair and rehabilitation of the critical San Juanico Bridge, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced on Tuesday.

In a state media report, President Marcos signed Proclamation 920, effective June 5, which places the region under calamity status “unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant.” This measure aims to mitigate the significant disruption caused by the bridge’s compromised condition on the residents of Samar and Leyte.

The proclamation was issued upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), in light of the “compromised state of the San Juanico Bridge” and “escalating risks caused by significant structural compromises.”

“The declaration of a State of Calamity will, among others, hasten the repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, and afford the National Government, as well as local government units (LGUs), ample latitude to utilize appropriate funds for the repair and safety upgrading of the subject public infrastructure,” the proclamation detailed, as quoted by the PCO.

The 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge is more than just a crossing; it serves as the sole permanent land link between the islands of Samar and Leyte and is a crucial component of the Pan-Philippine Highway (also known as Maharlika Highway or AH26), which connects Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

According to an assessment by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the bridge was found to be in critical condition. This led to the imposition of a strict three-ton vehicle load limit effective May 15, which has severely impacted the region by halting the passage of heavy cargo vehicles. Consequently, the transport of essential goods such as food, medicine, agricultural products, and construction materials across Eastern Visayas has been severely disrupted.

“There is an urgent need to repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge to ensure timely delivery of essential goods and services and restore regional mobility,” President Marcos emphasized.

To address this urgency, the DPWH has been directed to coordinate with concerned local government units to “expedite all measures necessary to repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge fully.” The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is mandated to assist the DPWH in “identifying appropriate and sufficient funding sources” to support this vital infrastructure project.

Furthermore, law enforcement agencies, with the backing of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are instructed to undertake urgent response to ensure the safety of the people affected by the San Juanico Bridge’s “critical condition.”They are also tasked with implementing necessary measures to ensure peace and order in the affected areas.

Proclamation 920 mandates all departments, agencies, bureaus, and offices of the national government, and encourages all LGUs and the private sector, to “fully support, cooperate, and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent and appropriate measures promptly to repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge fully.”