President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially declared a State of Calamity in Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) for one year, effective June 5, 2025. The declaration, outlined in Proclamation No. 920, aims to accelerate the crucial repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, a vital infrastructure link between the islands of Samar and Leyte.
The President’s decision follows a recommendation from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), citing the “significant structural compromises” of the 2.16-kilometer bridge. The San Juanico Bridge serves as the only permanent land connection between Samar and Leyte and is an essential part of the Pan-Philippine Highway (Maharlika Highway/AH26), which facilitates connectivity across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
“There is hereby declared a State of Calamity in Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) on account of escalating risks caused by significant structural compromises in San Juanico Bridge, for one year beginning this date, unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant,” President Marcos stated in the proclamation.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with local government units (LGUs), has been directed to “expedite all measures necessary to repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge fully.” To ensure adequate resources, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is tasked with assisting the DPWH in “identifying appropriate and sufficient funding sources.”
Law enforcement agencies, supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are also ordered to ensure the safety of affected residents and maintain peace and order. Furthermore, all national government departments, agencies, and bureaus, along with LGUs and the private sector, are encouraged to fully support and mobilize resources for the bridge’s restoration.
The urgency of the declaration stems from the DPWH’s assessment, which determined the San Juanico Bridge to be in critical condition. This led to the imposition of a strict three-ton vehicle load limit on May 15, effectively halting the passage of heavy cargo vehicles. The restriction has severely disrupted the transport of essential commodities, including food, medicine, agricultural products, and construction materials, across Eastern Visayas.
“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,” the President emphasized. The state of calamity will enable the National Government and LGUs to utilize appropriate funds more swiftly for the bridge’s repair and safety upgrades.
The President’s decision follows a recommendation from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), citing the “significant structural compromises” of the 2.16-kilometer bridge. The San Juanico Bridge is the sole permanent land connection between Samar and Leyte and an essential segment of the Pan-Philippine Highway (Maharlika Highway/AH26), which facilitates connectivity across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
“There is hereby declared a State of Calamity in Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) on account of escalating risks caused by significant structural compromises in San Juanico Bridge, for one (1) year beginning this date, unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant,” President Marcos stated in the proclamation.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in coordination with local government units (LGUs), has been directed to “expedite all measures necessary to repair and rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge fully.” To ensure adequate resources, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is tasked with assisting the DPWH in “identifying appropriate and sufficient funding sources.”
Law enforcement agencies, supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are also ordered to ensure the safety of affected residents and maintain peace and order. Furthermore, all national government departments, agencies, and bureaus, along with LGUs and the private sector, are encouraged to fully support and mobilize resources for the bridge’s restoration.
The urgency of the declaration stems from the DPWH’s assessment, which determined the San Juanico Bridge to be in critical condition. This led to the imposition of a strict three-ton vehicle load limit on May 15, effectively halting the passage of heavy cargo vehicles. The restriction has severely disrupted the transport of essential commodities, including food, medicine, agricultural products, and construction materials, across Eastern Visayas.
“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,” the President emphasized. The state of calamity will enable the National Government and LGUs to utilize appropriate funds more swiftly for the bridge’s repair and safety upgrading.
