TACLOBAN CITY — The top public works official in Biliran province is hopeful that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Office will soon release the much-needed funds for the repair of the Biliran Bridge.
Biliran District Engineering Office (DEO) District Engineer Irwin Antonio shared that approximately P30 million is required to repair the bridge, which is currently operating under limited carrying capacity after an assessment revealed structural issues. The evaluation was prompted by a viral video showing unusual bridge movement.
“We are hoping to receive the budget before the end of this month so that we can start the procurement process, which is a standard protocol, and begin the bridge repair immediately after,” Antonio said.
The assessment conducted on December 24 by technical engineers from the DPWH regional office and Biliran DEO identified damages to the bridge’s stringers, steel cross bracing, loose nuts and bolts, and built-up sections of spans 3 and 4.
The damages were attributed to corrosion from seawater exposure and the daily load of vehicles crossing the bridge.
Due to these issues, a weight restriction was imposed, allowing only light vehicles to use the bridge. Vehicles weighing more than 5 tons are now required to use a barge to cross from the Leyte side to the Biliran side.
Antonio said the engineering district is working closely with Biliran Lone District Representative Gerardo “Gerryboy” Espina Jr. and the DPWH Regional Office to lobby for the immediate release of the necessary funds.
In a statement released on Thursday, January 9, Congressman Espina emphasized that his office has intensified efforts to secure funding for the bridge repair.
“I have personally reached out to the DPWH Secretary to highlight the urgency of the situation,” Espina said. He assured the public that he has been actively following up with the DPWH Central Office and will continue to push for the required funding to address the issue for the benefit of the people of Biliran.
Espina added that the DPWH Secretary has acknowledged the issue and committed to further investigating the problem while exploring immediate solutions.
The Biliran Bridge is a vital link, providing the only land travel route connecting Biliran to mainland Leyte Province. Constructed in 1976, the bridge underwent rehabilitation in 1996. In 2019, the engineering district imposed a weight limit, reducing it from 20 tons to 15 tons.
Antonio clarified that a complete bridge closure will not be necessary once the budget is released, as the repairs will be focused on the deck and sections below the bridge.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
