Malacañang on Monday appealed for public understanding regarding the impending rehabilitation of the iconic San Juanico Bridge.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. views the ongoing rehabilitation of the 52-year-old San Juanico Bridge as a proactive step to safeguard the public, although it may cause temporary inconvenience.
In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro pointed out the necessity of repairing the San Juanico Bridge to avoid potential hazards and ensure the well-being of the people.
“Ito lamang po ang una nating ipaparating, ito ay ayon sa ating Pangulo: ang pagre-rehabilitate po masasabi natin magkakaroon ng epekto sa taongbayan, sa concerned citizens na nandoon sa lugar. Pero tingnan po natin ito sa mas positibong aspeto dahil ito po ay rehabilitation,” Castro said.
“Mas nanaisin po talaga na maiwasan kung anuman ang maaaring idulot na disgrasya kung ito man ay hindi maayos nang maagap,” she added.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that the 2.16-kilometer San Juanico bridge is scheduled to undergo a two-year rehabilitation worth around PhP900 million following recent structural vulnerability findings.
Castro said government agencies involved in the project have been instructed to coordinate closely with local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders to minimize disruptions.
The Press Officer also noted that several mitigating measures are being implemented to address public concerns during rehabilitation.
Among these is the declaration of a blue alert status in the Eastern Visayas region, placing all regional response teams and resources on standby. The move allows agencies to mobilize personnel swiftly and utilize quick response funds.
The blue alert status was prompted by the imposition of a ban on vehicles weighing over three tons from traversing the bridge to protect it from further deterioration.
Castro said alternative transport options are being deployed to ease mobility limitations during the rehabilitation.
She added that the DPWH will deploy 13 shuttle buses around the clock to assist commuters affected by the load limits.
Meanwhile, the DPWH also works with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and LGUs to facilitate ferry services for buses and passengers using barges.
Castro said a multi-agency task force has also been created to oversee public safety, operational coordination, and security throughout rehabilitation.
“Magkakaroon din po ng public assistance desk on both sides doon sa bridge at may 24-hour patrol unit na rin po for safety monitoring,” she added. | PND
