Melanie Bingco, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The closure of the San Juanico Bridge that connects Leyte and Samar is causing logistical challenges for the industry, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Thursday.

The bridge has been closed to trucks and buses since May 15 over safety concerns. Vehicles heavier than three tons are not allowed to use it.

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“Maraming naipit na mga truck na hindi makatawid (Many trucks are stranded and cannot cross),” Tiu Laurel said.

He said the agency is 960pxalready working to mitigate the problem and ease the burden on the agriculture industry.

“Ang DA nagpapunta na kami ng tao doon sa lugar, kung ano other options," Tiu Laurel said, adding DA is coordinating with the transportation department and local governments.

(DA has sent people to the area to see what other options are available)

Government agencies and private entities are looking at increasing shipping between Tacloban in Leyte to Basey in Samar to transport goods.

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The route is seen as the most viable, with a travel time of 30 minutes, against the current Calbayog, Samar to Ormoc, Leyte route, which can take 12 to 15 hours and costs more.