The imposition of a three-ton weight limit on trucks passing the iconic San Juanico Bridge has led to a surge of stranded cargo trucks and logistical congestion in Dumaguete.
But local stakeholders are seizing the disruption as an opening to boost regional commerce and infrastructure capacity.
Over the past several days, hundreds of cargo trucks from Luzon en route to Mindanao have been forced to detour through Dumaguete City due to the weight restriction of the San Juanico Bridge, a key artery connecting Samar and Leyte, beginning May 14.
The Provincial Highway Patrol Team (PHPT) of Negros Oriental has confirmed that many of these trucks, most originating from Metro Manila, are now parked along diversion roads in Sibulan and Dumaguete as they await ferry transfers to Mindanao.
Shipping lines serving the Dumaguete-Dapitan route are now fully booked for the next two weeks, sparking concerns of delays in the delivery of essential goods. However, Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the surge in traffic has also highlighted Dumaguete’s potential as a strategic logistics hub.
On May 21, a multi-sectoral meeting between the PHPT, the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), provincial government officials, and private logistics operators was convened to manage the influx and explore sustainable responses.
Among the key priorities discussed were the expansion of temporary truck holding areas and the optimization of ferry schedules to handle increased volume.
“We understand the urgency for these cargoes to reach Mindanao on time, especially for food, fuel, and medical supplies,” said a PHPT representative. “But this also signals a chance to invest in our local logistics capacity, improve inter-island connectivity, and enhance Dumaguete’s role in the national supply chain.”
Private businesses are also adjusting. Maayo Shipping, a major regional operator, has ruled out expanding to the Dumaguete-Dapitan route, citing commitments to the existing Sibulan-Liloan service. However, General Manager Dante Matiao confirmed that three new vessels are under construction to meet rising demand—a sign of growing investor confidence in the sector.
For local entrepreneurs, the stranded trucks have created a spike in demand for support services, from roadside food stalls to temporary accommodation and maintenance work. NOCCI President Edward Du is calling on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to capitalize on this demand by offering logistics, warehousing, and supply chain support.
“This congestion is not ideal, but it’s also a proof of concept—Dumaguete can be more than a pass-through city,” Du said. “If we can develop infrastructure now, we’re better prepared for future disruptions or even permanent increases in traffic.”
As truckers continue to be rerouted through Negros, local officials are urging the national government to invest in port upgrades and additional Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) vessels for the Visayas-Mindanao routes.
For now, Dumaguete’s role in the national logistics puzzle is growing—and with smart planning, it may be poised to transform short-term disruption into long-term economic opportunity. (AP)
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Photo Caption: Cargo trucks from Manila en route to Mindanao camp out along the Dumaguete Diversion Road while waiting for their ferry ride to Dapitan, which could sometimes have a two-week waiting time. (Drone shot by Alex Pal)
