MANILA, Philippines — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is set to provide ₱500 million for a feasibility study on the proposed 20-kilometer Sorsogon-Samar Transport Crossing (SSTC), a major infrastructure project envisioned to connect Luzon and the Visayas through the San Bernardino Strait.
The commitment was disclosed during the House of Representatives’ deliberations on the 2027 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon conveyed the development through Surigao del Sur Rep. Romeo Momo Sr. in response to an inquiry from House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan.
Libanan welcomed the ADB’s early involvement in the project.
“We are very pleased that the ADB has decided to come on board the Sorsogon-Samar Transport Crossing (SSTC) project at this early stage,” Libanan said.
He also cited the project’s projected economic returns as a factor supporting international interest in the proposed crossing.
The SSTC is being promoted as a permanent road connection between Matnog, Sorsogon, and Allen, Northern Samar, potentially providing an alternative to the existing RORO ferry route between the two areas.
Once completed, the proposed crossing could reduce travel time between Matnog and Allen to around 20 minutes, compared with approximately 2.5 hours by ferry, with trips also vulnerable to port congestion and unfavorable weather.
Momo said the ADB funding would supplement the ₱130 million already allocated by Congress for the feasibility study.
The study is expected to undergo ADB-led bidding in November, with completion targeted within 12 months. Among the matters to be examined are marine and oceanographic conditions, earthquake and seismic hazards, navigation requirements, environmental and social effects, and the potential impact of typhoons and other extreme weather events.
During an earlier House appropriations hearing, Dizon cited a projected 42% economic rate of return (ERR) for the SSTC. The figure was compared with an estimated 33% ERR for the proposed Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge.
The ERR is used to assess the economic gains that an infrastructure project could generate in relation to its cost. Potential benefits identified for the SSTC include shorter travel times, lower vehicle operating and logistics costs, improved road safety, stronger trade and tourism activity, job creation, and better access to markets and essential services.
A concept brief prepared by engineering firm T.Y. Lin International Group Ltd. estimates that the proposed crossing could generate as much as ₱975 billion in annual economic benefits.
The document characterizes the SSTC as “the missing link” in the country’s highway network, saying it could help address a major gap in road connectivity between Luzon and the Visayas. #
