Vessel trips from Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar to Tacloban Port in Leyte continue to operate as an alternative route for trucks restricted from crossing the San Juanico Bridge.
25 JUNE 2025 — After weeks of disruption and congestion caused by the weight limitations at the San Juanico Bridge, operations at the Port of Amandayehan in Basey, Samar, is now in full swing with no more long queues and waiting time for port users through the collective efforts of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Local Government of Tacloban, the Provincial Government of Samar, and the support of various shipping lines.
Since the consecutive visits and inspection of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and PPA General Manager Jay Santiago earlier this month, the Amandayehan port has successfully improved its service capacity. Currently, six LCT vessels are operating actively between Tacloban port and Amandayehan port, ensuring uninterrupted cargo and passenger movement. The PPA-funded installation of navigational aids have been completed as well, paving the way for smoother maritime traffic and heightened safety protocols in the area.
As of June 23, 2025, the Amandayehan port has commenced full time operations with six LCT vessels now actively operating 24/7.
Prior to this, PPA-PCG-MARINA also conducted a consultative forum in response to the alleged “palakasan” system and illegal collection of fees raised by port users in Guiuan, Borongan, Calbayog, Catbalogan, Manguinoo, Carigara and Tolosa, in which PCG committed to secure the queuing and investigate the matter.
“This is not only a quick fix to a transportation crisis, but a long-term investment in the connectivity and resilience of the Eastern Visayas region,” said PPA General Manager Jay Santiago, citing the ₱410 million budget drawn from the agency’s Corporate Operating Budget.
The upgrade includes:
-Php 200 million for port expansion, enabling Amandayehan to accommodate larger RoRo and Landing Craft Tank (LCT) vessels
-Php 100 million for dredging works to improve port depth and vessel maneuverability
-Php 100 million for the installation of 14 navigational buoys to enhance maritime safety, especially during night operations or inclement weather.
It can be recalled that on June 8, 2025, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, PPA GM Jay Santiago, and other key maritime stakeholders conducted a joint site inspection to ensure the port’s readiness, fulfilling the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to deliver concrete solutions to transportation disruptions in the region.
“The opening and upgrade of the Port of Amandayehan is a testament to what decisive leadership and inter-agency coordination can accomplish,” Santiago added.
With a fully operational port, modern navigational systems, and 24/7 maritime services, Amandayehan port is now ready to support economic growth and daily inter-island connectivity in the Visayas region.
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