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TACLOBAN CITY – The business sector in Eastern Visayas is throwing its support behind the proposed construction of a bridge linking Northern Samar and Sorsogon, saying the project could improve the movement of goods, attract investments and boost the region’s economy.
Eugene Tan, former president of the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce-Tacloban Leyte Inc., said the proposed bridge would address longstanding transport problems faced by businesses that rely on the roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry route between Matnog, Sorsogon and Allen, Northern Samar.
“If this plan will be realized, this will help hasten the movement of trade in the region and eventually help its economy,” Tan said in an interview.
Tan said the chamber has been advocating the construction of the bridge for the past four to five years, citing the economic losses incurred by businesses whenever bad weather disrupts ferry operations across the San Bernardino Strait.
“We are thankful to Rep. Libanan for pushing for the project as this will help our economy,” Tan said.
Rep. Marcelino Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group, who is from Eastern Samar, has been pushing for the proposed Northern Samar-Sorsogon Bridge for several years as a long-term solution to the region’s dependence on sea transport for its connection to Luzon.
The proposed crossing is envisioned to span about 20 kilometers across the San Bernardino Strait. Its final length, design, construction cost and other technical details, however, will depend on the results of the feasibility and engineering studies.
Libanan recently said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed at least P500 million to finance the project’s feasibility study.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), meanwhile, has disclosed that it has P130 million allocated for the feasibility study.
The study, including detailed engineering work, is expected to take at least three years, according to Libanan.
If the project proceeds as planned, construction could begin by 2029, with completion targeted for 2035 or 2036, subject to the results of the studies, funding availability and other project requirements.
At present, Eastern Visayas is linked to Luzon primarily through the Ro-Ro ferry route connecting Allen in Northern Samar and Matnog in Sorsogon.
The sea crossing is a vital link for the movement of passengers, commercial vehicles, agricultural products, consumer goods and other cargo between Eastern Visayas and Luzon.
However, ferry operations can be suspended during typhoons and other periods of hazardous weather, leaving trucks, buses and other vehicles stranded for days until sea conditions improve and authorities allow crossings to resume.
Tan said such disruptions translate into additional costs and losses for businesses because of delays in the delivery of goods and the movement of vehicles and passengers.
He said an all-weather bridge would provide businesses with a more reliable land connection to Luzon and could make Eastern Visayas more attractive to investors based in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
“With an all-weather bridge, investors from Manila, for example, will take a serious look at Eastern Visayas to do business,” Tan said.
He added that the region needs more investments, particularly amid current economic challenges affecting businesses in Eastern Visayas and other parts of the country.
Beyond reducing travel disruptions, the proposed bridge could also provide a more dependable corridor for trade between Eastern Visayas and Luzon, potentially shortening or making more predictable the movement of goods currently dependent on ferry schedules and weather conditions.
The project is also being eyed as a major infrastructure link that could strengthen economic integration between Eastern Visayas and the Bicol Region.
JOEY A. GABIETA
