Manila, May 20 -- The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Eastern Visayas is seeking the immediate release of PHP500 million calamity funds for the repair of San Juanico Bridge, a vital link between the country's three major island groups.

RDC vice chair Meylene Rosales, regional director of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, said the Council passed a resolution during a meeting Monday to expedite the release of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) funds.

"We can ask for the release of DRRM funds since the crisis arising from the limited access along San Juanico is treated as a disaster," Rosales told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday.

The fund will be used for the repair of some bridge foundation with...