Overview: A bold plan to connect Luzon and Visayas
A group of lawmakers, led by House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, have filed House Bill (HB) No. 4589 proposing a fixed 28-kilometer link between the provinces of Sorsogon (Luzon) and Northern Samar (Visayas). The bill envisions either an undersea tunnel or a long-span bridge across the San Bernardino Strait, aiming to create a permanent land connection that would drastically reshape inter-island travel and commerce.
What the bill seeks to do
HB 4589 calls for a feasibility study and engineering design conducted by a qualified international consulting firm with demonstrated experience in similar undersea tunnel or long-span bridge projects. The study and design would be funded through allocations in the General Appropriations Act, signaling legislative backing for a high-capital, long-term project.
Why a fixed link matters for the Philippines
Proponents argue that a fixed link would shorten travel times, ensure year-round mobility, and reduce dependence on ferries that are prone to weather disruptions. Libanan contends that the project would unlock opportunities for trade, tourism, and employment by providing a dependable corridor between Metro Manila and Samar and Leyte.
Economic impact
Beyond easing travel, supporters say the fixed link would bolster inter-island commerce, attract investors, and broaden markets for local products. The anticipated economic ripples include job creation and a more resilient regional economy that can better withstand storms and global shocks.
Disaster response and resilience
Given the Philippines’ vulnerability to typhoons, Libanan emphasizes that a land connection would enable faster deployment of emergency services and relief supplies during calamities. The San Bernardino Strait project is pitched as a strategic asset for disaster management across Eastern Visayas and neighboring regions.
Regional context and challenges
Eastern Visayas experiences a high frequency of tropical cyclones each year, making reliable infrastructure a top priority for local governance. A fixed crossing could alter logistics, reduce ferry congestion at Matnog-Allen, and improve supply chain resilience for the region’s fishing, agriculture, and tourism sectors.
What’s next?
The authors, including representatives from Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern and Southern Leyte, Biliran, and related political groups, are calling for a rigorous feasibility assessment before any construction begins. If HB 4589 advances, policymakers will need to secure funding, address environmental concerns, and navigate engineering complexities inherent in an undersea tunnel or long-span bridge project.
As Libanan puts it, delaying the project means missed opportunities for generations. Advocates say the fixed link offers a transformative path toward integrated national growth, stronger disaster readiness, and enhanced regional connectivity for the long term.
