By Ricky J. Bautista
CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines – Alarmed by the growing economic disruptions caused by restrictions on the iconic San Juanico Bridge (SJB), the city government of Catbalogan has taken a proactive stance to safeguard local livelihoods and regional trade.
On May 16, 2025, Catbalogan City led by Mayor Dexter Uy convened a high-level consultative meeting with key stakeholders to address the broader economic implications of the bridge’s current limitations.
The forum—organized in close collaboration with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Catbalogan Chapter and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)—gathered local officials, business leaders, and infrastructure experts to forge immediate and long-term solutions.
This initiative aimed to align strategies, propose responsive interventions, and affirm collective commitments in light of the restrictions’ potential to disrupt commerce in Samar, particularly in Catbalogan and its neighboring municipalities.
Residents have expressed growing concern over anticipated price hikes on fuel and essential goods due to delivery delays.
“Baka magmahal ang mga bilihin kasi di na makakatawid ang mga produkto na galing Mindanao. Apektado rin ang mga operasyon ng mga RORO dahil agawan sa pasahero at espasyo,” one resident told Samar Chronicle, echoing a widespread sentiment.
The disruptions stem from the 3-ton axle load limit currently enforced by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), a preventive measure to ensure safety during critical bridge maintenance. This restriction has slowed the movement of goods between Leyte and Samar, affecting supply chains and inflating logistics costs.
Stranded trucks, delivery vans, and passenger vehicles continue to queue on both sides of the bridge. Even commuters, some relying on government-sponsored libreng sakay, are forced to walk the more than two-kilometer span under harsh weather conditions.
DPWH representatives, including Engr. Pedro Lindsey Loyola, briefed attendees on ongoing reinforcement efforts, such as bolt tightening and repainting. While stakeholders welcomed the update, they also demanded clearer timelines and immediate relief measures.
The consultative meeting culminated in a concrete set of action plans:
Shipping operators, in coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), are to apply for homeport designation in Catbalogan. The inclusion of Catbalogan in the Ormoc shipping route (Catbalogan–Babatngon, Amandayehan–Ormoc) was proposed to improve connectivity.
A complete inventory of forklifts, warehouses, and other heavy equipment in Catbalogan will be undertaken to support cargo logistics.
PCCI will lobby for the improvement and expansion of PPA-managed port facilities in the city.
All concerns raised in the meeting will be brought to the Regional Development Council (RDC) on May 19, 2025, to ensure continuity and escalate local priorities.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and LTFRB are being urged to issue a special permit or franchise for small vehicles to ferry passengers across Samar and Leyte, providing a temporary alternative for mobility.
Key attendees included City Councilor Hon. Stephanie Uy-Tan; Ms. Meilou Cinco-Macabare, Provincial Director of DTI-Samar; Ms. Maria Theresa Aroza of CEDIPO; Engr. Arnie Aroza of the City Planning and Development Office; a representative from the City Engineering Office; Atty. Villarin from the City Legal Office; Manager Bonga of PPA; and members of the PCCI Catbalogan Chapter, led by Chairman Sidney M. Zosa, Vice Chairman Joseph G. Balisacan, Chamber President Ariel D. Donceras, Trustee Jojen M. Bayabay, Infrastructure Chair Engr. John Philip Zosa, Environment Chair Raul A. Reyes, and Asst. Secretary Hannia Ayllon-Tan.
City officials stressed that Catbalogan’s role as a commercial hub means any disruption in connectivity is a direct blow to people and businesses.
“We cannot afford to let infrastructure issues cripple the economic momentum we’ve worked hard to build,” one official said.
The situation has also reignited support for the proposed second San Juanico Bridge—now under JICA feasibility study—which would link Babatngon in Leyte and Sta. Rita in Samar and provide long-term relief from the bottleneck.
For now, Catbalogan City is doubling down on advocacy for infrastructure resilience—not only to ensure public safety but to protect the region’s fragile economy.
“San Juanico is not just a bridge—it’s an economic artery,” said a local business leader.
“This is about more than traffic—it’s about jobs, trade, and the future of Samar’s growth.”
| Ricky Bautista
