Dumaguete: Authorities in Negros Oriental are continuously exploring ways to solve the ongoing logistic concerns resulting from the load limit at the San Juanico Bridge, which connects the islands of Leyte and Samar.
According to Philippines News Agency, stakeholders from the private sector are considering establishing one or more additional ports in other parts of Negros Oriental as a long-term solution to accommodate the increasing number of cargo trucks passing through the province. These trucks have been rerouted from the deteriorating 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge, which now has a weight restriction for vehicles exceeding three tons.
Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Team (PNP-HPT) provincial chief PEMS Aurelio Bodo stated at a press conference that temporary solutions are currently in place, such as allocating specific areas for cargo trucks to park. Bodo highlighted that the repair of the San Juanico Bridge is expected to take two to three years, necessitating better solutions for the diversion of large delivery trucks traveling to and from Mindanao and Luzon via Negros Oriental.
Bodo noted that 150 to 200 trucks are monitored along the national highway in Sibulan town and the diversion road, with movements dependent on the availability of sea vessels to transport them to Mindanao. He emphasized that truck drivers cannot be penalized for violations like parking on national highways, as they are also victims of the situation.
Truck drivers and their assistants face difficult conditions, with limited allowances for food and other necessities, according to Edward Du, president of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Some drivers have not been able to shower for days, raising concerns about their well-being and the safety of the transported goods.
To mitigate traffic hazards, some business owners have offered their private lots for use as temporary holding areas for these vehicles. Bodo recounted that about two weeks ago, trucks parked on both sides of the road posed significant risks to motorists, resulting in a fatal accident involving a motorcycle rider and a parked 10-wheeler truck in Tanjay City.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government has proposed forming a multi-agency task force, including private stakeholders, to develop a long-term strategy for managing the influx of large trucks in Negros Oriental. The Philippine Ports Authority is also expected to convene a meeting with stakeholders to address the logistics issue.