📋 Tender Overview
TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has observed concerns about the structural integrity of two major bridges in Eastern Visayas, attributing these issues to their age. DPWH Regional Director Edgar Tabacon highlighted the importance of the Calbiga Bridge in Samar and the Liloan Bridge in Southern Leyte as essential connections for the region between Luzon and Mindanao. Tabacon stated that these two bridges are among several bridges in the country that are over 50 years old and require significant repairs to ensure public safety and maintain essential transportation connections. These are two vital bridges in Eastern Visayas and have heavy impacts on our regional economy, especially with the restrictions now imposed over the San Juanico Bridge, Tabacon said. The DPWH calls for immediate funding for the bridges repair and maintenance, as well as the strict imposition of a weight limit for crossing them. It was learned that a weight limit is currently in place for the Liloan Bridge; none has yet been established for the Calbiga Bridge. The Liloan Bridge, constructed in 1977, connects Panaon Island to the Leyte mainland and is a vital link for vehicles traveling between Luzon and Mindanao. Due to severe corrosion of several steel components, the DPWH Southern Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office announced the closure of the right-side lane on February 19, 2025. A maximum weight limit of 5 tons has been imposed, affecting buses and trucks that often exceed this limit. The bridges condition worsened following a magnitude 5.8 earthquake on January 23, 2025, which caused some severely corroded cross-bracings to detach. Alternative docking points at the ports of Maasin, Padre Burgos, and San Juan have been proposed to mitigate the impact on heavier vehicles. Meanwhile, the Calbiga overpass bridge is a permanent concrete structure located in the municipality of Calbiga, Samar. According to the DPWH, the bridge is in fair condition and spans approximately 14 meters. This overpass is situated near Barangay Macaalan and serves as a vital crossing over the Calbiga River. It is crucial in facilitating local transportation and connectivity within the region. Several bridges in the country over 50 years old are undergoing or have recently undergone significant repairs due to structural concerns. These rehabilitation efforts are crucial as these bridges have long been pivotal in driving economic growth by enhancing transportation efficiency, fostering development, and supporting resilient infrastructure in the region. (ACR/PIA Leyte)
