Manila, June 10 -- The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has allocated PHP400 million to modernize and expand this year the Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar, the closest wharf for roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels from and to the regional capital.

Amid the San Juanico Bridge crisis, the PPA is committed to upgrading the port using its corporate operating budget, PPA acting manager for Eastern Leyte and Samar Kahlil Lamigo said in an interview Tuesday.

Citing information from their central office, Lamigo said PHP200 million is intended for the port's physical expansion, PHP100 million for dredging works, and PHP100 million for installation of navigational buoys.

"The expansion is intended to handle more vessels and cargo volume. The insta...