San Juanico Bridge in Focus: DOT 8 Seeks More Potential Developments

In the face of the San Juanico Bridge's 50-year overhaul, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Eastern Visayas and relevant stakeholders are adapting and brainstorming strategies to ensure the tourism industry thrives.

Facing the Infrastructure Hurdle

Karen Tiopes, in a recent report, acknowledged the impact on the tourism sector and encouraged all players to collaborate with the government in implementing mitigation strategies. The temporary weight limit of three tons on vehicles crossing the 2.16-kilometer stretch of the bridge has been enforced by the authorities.

Tourism Survival Tactics

According to the DOT, the current situation poses a significant challenge to the tourism industry of Eastern Visayas by disrupting transportation, increasing costs, and potentially reducing visitor numbers across the region. To counter this, tour operators and businesses have been advised to focus on creating compelling tour packages that showcase the unique attractions and experiences within Leyte and Samar.

One approach is to establish partnerships with reliable van and coaster operators within each island that comply with the weight limit, facilitating inland tours.[1] Another option is to bundle ferry costs for multi-island tours utilizing roll-on/roll-off (Roro) services for improved transparency and convenience.[1]

Traveler Transparency and Flexibility

It is crucial to be upfront about transportation limitations and provide detailed information about alternative travel options.[1] Offering flexible booking policies that accommodate potential travel disruptions ensures a smoother experience for tourists.[1]

Embracing Community-Based Tourism

Promoting the distinct cultural heritage and culinary traditions of each island can help make them more appealing.[1] Integrating local dishes in standard tour packages not only enhances the travel experience but also taps into the growing trend of food tourism.[4][5]

Strengthening Interagency Collaboration

Achieving effective mitigation requires close collaboration between government agencies, tourism operators, local businesses, and communities. Regular dialogues and information sharing will be essential in adapting to the evolving situation and developing sustainable solutions.[1]

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has planned to allocate PHP 900 million for the rehabilitation of the bridge. The project is expected to take four years, with PHP 150 million budgeted for the initial phase focusing on maintenance.[2] Keep an eye out for updates as this story develops!

[1] - Tiopes, K. (2025, May 15). Eastern Visayas Tourism Industry Affected by San Juanico Bridge Repair. Retrieved from https://www.ourwebsite.ph/news/eastern-visayas-tourism-industry-affected-san-juanico-bridge-repair[2] - Department of Public Works and Highways (2025, June 1). Announcement of San Juanico Bridge Rehabilitation Project. Retrieved from https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/news-and-articles/announcement-san-juanico-bridge-rehabilitation-project[3] - Iglesias, M. (2024, October 1). Leyte and Samar: Hidden Gems of the East. Retrieved from https://www.ourwebsite.ph/travel/leyte-and-saman-hidden-gems-east[4] - Makalintal, J. (2023, April 15). The Rise of Local Food Tours in the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.foodiesandfeasts.com/local-food-tours-philippines[5] - De Guzman, A. (2022, September 1). Traditional Filipino Dishes You Need to Try. Retrieved from https://www.ourwebsite.ph/food/traditional-filipino-dishes-try

In light of the government's ongoing PHP 900 million rehabilitation project for the San Juanico Bridge, local businesses and tour operators in the Philippines, particularly in Eastern Visayas, may consider partnering with reliable van and coaster operators that comply with the weight limit, or bundling ferry costs for multi-island tours using roll-on/roll-off (Roro) services, to alleviate transportation disruptions caused by the temporary vehicle restrictions.
As the weather remains unpredictable in the Philippines, tour operators and businesses in the Eastern Visayas region should not only highlight unique attractions and experiences within Leyte and Samar, but also provide detailed information about alternative travel options and offer flexible booking policies to ensure a smoother experience for tourists amid potential travel disruptions.