President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. visited Tacloban, Leyte this week to inspect the ongoing rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, joining officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local government units to assess the progress of works on the iconic cross-strait link between Leyte and Samar. President Marcos Inspects Ongoing Rehabilitation of San Juanico Bridge.
Completed in 1973 through Japanese Official Development Assistance, the 2.16-kilometer structure was once the longest bridge over seawater in Southeast Asia. Decades later, it remains a vital component of the Pan-Philippine Highway, enabling the efficient transport of people, agricultural products, and commercial goods throughout Eastern Visayas. Its distinct truss architecture has also made it a recognizable landmark, drawing travelers and contributing to the region’s tourism appeal. Beyond its symbolic value, the bridge served as a crucial lifeline during major emergencies, including Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, when it became an indispensable route for relief operations.
President Marcos Inspects Ongoing Rehabilitation of San Juanico Bridge
Earlier this year, routine structural assessments detected signs of age-related wear, including corrosion on steel components and minor cracking on concrete deck slabs. As a precaution, authorities imposed a 3-ton load limit, slowing the movement of trucks and other commercial vehicles. In response, the national government earmarked ₱512 million for a full rehabilitation program, with major works commencing in July 2025. The project aims to reinforce the bridge’s structural integrity and restore its original carrying capacity.
During the on-site briefing, project engineers reported that 45 percent of rehabilitation activities have already been completed. Repairs to the main truss, deck slabs, and joint systems are progressing ahead of schedule. Officials expect the load limit to increase to 15 tons by March 2026, with full completion targeted for September of the same year. President Marcos emphasized that meeting this timetable would help ease ongoing supply chain disruptions affecting local industries and farmers. He also noted plans to install upgraded lighting systems and modern safety barriers to enhance nighttime visibility and reduce accident risks.
Local leaders from Tacloban and neighboring towns in Samar welcomed the President’s visit, expressing optimism that the bridge’s full restoration will revitalize tourism and improve economic activity across Eastern Visayas.
