THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is earmarking more than P400 million to upgrade a key port in Samar and to establish alternate transport routes between Samar and Leyte, the port regulator said on Monday.

“These initiatives, with a total value of P410 million from the PPA’s Corporate Operating Budget, underscore our commitment to strengthening inter-island connectivity and supporting the economic growth of the Province of Leyte and the broader Eastern Visayas region,” PPA General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago said in a media release on Monday.

This came after the implementation of a three-ton weight limit on the San Juanico Bridge by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), PPA said, noting that it has identified the port of Amandayehan in Basey, Samar as a strategic route due to its proximity to Tacloban port.

PPA said it is set to install about 14 navigational buoys valued at P100 million to support the navigational reliability of the Amandayehan Port, while another P100 million was allocated for the dredging works, and P200 million for the port’s physical expansion to handle more vessels and cargo volume.

PPA said this program aims to provide a solution to the impact of the load restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge.

“It aims to establish long-term, reliable, and resilient transport systems in the region through continuous port modernization, seamless and sustainable connectivity across the country,” PPA said.

Further, the port regulator said it is preparing for the takeover of the Amandayehan port from the local government unit. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

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