Eastern Visayas reveals tourism revitalization plan amid significant San Juanico Bridge renovations
Hitting the Road in Eastern Visayas Despite San Juanico Bridge Repairs
The San Juanico Bridge, a 50-year-old icon spanning Leyte and Samar islands, is undergoing a massive makeover. But fear not, fellow travelers! The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Eastern Visayas is rolling out strategies to keep the tourism train chugging along during this transformation.
Karen Tiopes, from the tourism department, spilled the beans in their latest report, warning that the temporary three-ton vehicle gross weight limit and repairs would disrupt travel, increase costs, and potentially deter visitors. But she also emphasized that the show must go on.
So, what's the game plan? Here's the scoop:
Joining Forces is Key
The DOT is urging tourism operators, businesses, and local communities to team up and form strategic partnerships with reliable van and coaster operators that comply with the bridge's weight limit. By working together, they aim to facilitate smooth inland tours and keep the tourism wheels spinning without breaking a sweat or a budget.
Alternative Routes, Island-Hopping Style
If you're visiting the region, the DOT recommends allowing extra travel time and possibly adjusting your itinerary. For those planning group tours, consider temporary rerouting or focusing on island-specific experiences to minimize inconvenience.
Turning Adversity into Opportunity
The DOT sees this as an opportunity to develop unique, community-based tourism experiences within each island. By highlighting local arts, crafts, and culinary traditions, they hope to attract visitors and generate local income.
To further enhance the tourist experience, they encourage improving local transportation options like tricycles and jeepneys. By making it easier for tourists to explore towns and cities, you can keep those vacation vibes going strong without the need for constant bridge crossings.
Don't Forget the Cuisine
Foodies, listen up! The DOT is stepping up their gastronomic game by integrating local dishes into standard tour packages. By showcasing the region's culinary heritage, they're creating an unforgettable visitor experience that extends beyond the bridge.
Remember, effective mitigation requires close collaboration between government agencies, tourism operators, local businesses, and communities. The more we chat, share ideas, and work together, the easier it will be to adapt to the evolving situation and develop sustainable, mouth-watering solutions.
Cheers to a continued, tasty adventure in Eastern Visayas!
Note: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allocated a P900 million budget for the comprehensive rehabilitation project, which includes retrofitting the 42 spans of the bridge. The project is slated for completion in two years. For 2025, the DPWH has a P150 million budget for initial repairs of some bridge piers and spans. To maintain connectivity between Leyte and Samar during the rehabilitation, RoRo vessels are serving as alternative transport services for heavy vehicles.(Source: Ronald O. Reyes, our website Philippines)
[1] Pia Ranada, AA, and Thea Go, "San Juanico Bridge Closure: Keep Everything Flexible," Rappler, May 15, 2025.
[2] "DOT Enhances Tour Packages for Eastern Visayas," The Philippine STAR, May 16, 2025.
[3] "Eastern Visayas Food Tours: A Delicious Journey Through Time," Eastern Standard Time, May 18, 2025.
[4] "Culinary Delights of Leyte and Samar: A gastronomic adventure," TimeOut Manila, May 20, 2025.
[5] "Foodie Finds: The Hidden Gems of Eastern Visayas," The Manila Bulletin, May 22, 2025.
- In response to the San Juanico Bridge repairs, the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Eastern Visayas is collaborating with businesses and local communities to create strategic partnerships, facilitating smooth inland tours for travelers and maintaining the regional tourism industry.
- Together with the government's efforts to rehabilitate the San Juanico Bridge, the DOT is focusing on the development of unique community-based tourism experiences, highlighting local arts, crafts, and culinary traditions to attract visitors and generate local income.
- To cater to tourists during the bridge repairs, local transportation options like tricycles and jeepneys are being improved, while the DOT is integrating local dishes into standard tour packages, creating an unforgettable visitor experience and boosting the local economy in Eastern Visayas.
