REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Tacloban Declares State Of Emergency As San Juanico Bridge Access Gets Restricted
Photo credit: Civil Defense Eastern Visayas
TACLOBAN CITY — Things just got real for Tacloban.
On May 29, 2025, the Tacloban City Council officially declared a State of Emergency following major disruptions caused by limited access to the San Juanico Bridge—the vital connection between Leyte and Samar. If you're from the region or rely on this route, you know just how big of a deal this is.
So, what’s going on?
The San Juanico Bridge isn’t just any bridge. It’s the main gateway for everything from food and medical supplies to people commuting between the islands. With its access now limited, Tacloban is facing serious issues: delayed goods, slowed emergency responses, and traffic nightmares.
This declaration lets the city government move faster, access emergency funds, and call in backup from national agencies. Basically, it’s an SOS to make sure Tacloban can keep things running while officials work on longer-term solutions.
What are the next steps?
Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez met with OCD Region 8 Director Lord Byron P. Torrecarion to coordinate response plans. One possible solution? Developing the Anibong area as an alternative port site to help ease the flow of vehicles and goods.
Heads of engineering and disaster response were also present during the discussions, signaling that the city is pulling in experts from all sides to handle the crisis.
Why should you care?
If you're a resident, a business owner, or someone who depends on the smooth flow of goods and services in and out of Tacloban, this affects you. Expect some delays and adjustments in the coming days as the local government scrambles to keep things afloat.
On May 29, 2025, the Tacloban City Council officially declared a State of Emergency following major disruptions caused by limited access to the San Juanico Bridge—the vital connection between Leyte and Samar. If you're from the region or rely on this route, you know just how big of a deal this is.
So, what’s going on?
The San Juanico Bridge isn’t just any bridge. It’s the main gateway for everything from food and medical supplies to people commuting between the islands. With its access now limited, Tacloban is facing serious issues: delayed goods, slowed emergency responses, and traffic nightmares.
This declaration lets the city government move faster, access emergency funds, and call in backup from national agencies. Basically, it’s an SOS to make sure Tacloban can keep things running while officials work on longer-term solutions.
What are the next steps?
Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez met with OCD Region 8 Director Lord Byron P. Torrecarion to coordinate response plans. One possible solution? Developing the Anibong area as an alternative port site to help ease the flow of vehicles and goods.
Heads of engineering and disaster response were also present during the discussions, signaling that the city is pulling in experts from all sides to handle the crisis.
Why should you care?
If you're a resident, a business owner, or someone who depends on the smooth flow of goods and services in and out of Tacloban, this affects you. Expect some delays and adjustments in the coming days as the local government scrambles to keep things afloat.
May 30, 2025
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