The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Eastern Visayas is seeking the immediate release of PHP500 million calamity funds for the repair of San Juanico Bridge, a vital link between the country’s three major island groups.

RDC vice chair Meylene Rosales, regional director of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, said the Council passed a resolution during a meeting Monday to expedite the release of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) funds.

“We can ask for the release of DRRM funds since the crisis arising from the limited access along San Juanico is treated as a disaster,” Rosales told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday.

The fund will be used for the repair of some bridge foundation within the year, but Rosales said the fund is not enough to restore the load capacity of the 53-year-old bridge.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it needs some PHP5.68 billion for the full rehabilitation of the bridge. The funding requirements are being pushed for inclusion in the 2026 and 2027 General Appropriations Act.

The Council’s resolution also enjoined Congress to grant President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emergency powers to utilize the national calamity fund for the bridge repair.

Meanwhile, the RDC also endorsed the request of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to release PHP195 million funds for the immediate response to the crisis.

“The fund will be mainly used to support the operations center and other immediate response of the government for those affected by this crisis,” Rosales added.

The DPWH strictly enforced the three-ton load limit starting May 15, as highly recommended by consultants during a meeting with DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan after a thorough assessment of the superstructure.

With a length of 2.16 kilometers, it is the longest bridge along the Pan-Philippine Highway that connects Luzon and Mindanao. The bridge was built from 1969 to 1973. (PNA)