TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Biliran has announced that it will cover the cost of the monthly rental for a barge to transport heavy vehicles between Leyte and Biliran, as confirmed by Governor Gerard Roger Espina.
“The provincial government will shoulder the monthly barge rental expenses through the calamity fund, while fuel charges will be covered by the daily operations through transport fees for long-term sustainability,” he stated.
The province of Biliran was placed under a state of calamity on December 28,2024 by the provincial board during a special session. This decision followed the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) after their December 24 meeting.
The move was in response to possible economic impacts after the Biliran Bridge was discovered to suffering from defects that need repair.
The Department of Public Works and Highways has limited the load and weight of vehicles passing the bridge constructed in 1975.
“Although we still have to wait for a clear pathway at both Leyte and Biliran ports, the barge will remain on standby at Naval and will be deployed once the docking areas are cleared,” Gov. Espina added.
The barge designated for the transport of heavy vehicles has already arrived and is currently docked at Naval port.
Meanwhile, the Biliran District Engineering Office is continuing its work to prepare docking sites in Leyte and Biliran towns.
Progress on the docking site preparations has been delayed due to persistent rain in the region since December. Once completed, the barge will transport heavy vehicles, particularly those carrying essential goods and products, between Leyte and Biliran.
The use of the barge became necessary following an inspection on December 24, which revealed structural issues with the Biliran Bridge after a viral video showed it “swaying.” As a precaution, only light vehicles and those weighing less than 5 tons are currently permitted to cross the bridge.
Among the most affected by the weight restrictions are fuel tankers supplying gasoline stations in the province. In response, the Department of Energy has coordinated with the Philippine Navy to transport fuel tankers from Cebu to Biliran to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply.
On December 31, Petron Corporation sent nine fuel tankers carrying a total of 180,000 liters of petroleum from Cebu to Biliran to replenish the fuel stocks of its gas stations operating in the province.
Gov. Espina emphasized that these measures are part of the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring the continuous delivery of essential goods and services despite the challenges posed by the bridge’s weight restrictions.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
