By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure that the new permanent bridge to replace the collapsed Piggatan Bridge in Cagayan is of high quality, safe, and durable.
Marcos Jr. gave the directive after inspecting the Piggatan Detour Bridge in Alcala town, Cagayan, which was opened to motorists on December 19, 2025, just 60 days after construction to ensure uninterrupted traffic.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer and UndersecretaryClaire Castro said Marcos Jr. assessed the condition of the temporary bridge, built after the Piggatan Bridge was damaged due to overloading.
Castro said, “Mabilis na nakapaglatag ng mga alternatibong ruta para magtuloy-tuloy ang biyahe sa lugar. At nagtayo rin ng detour bridge upang gawing pansamantalang daanan habang ginagawa ang tulay na ipapalit sa Piggatan Bridge.
Nagbigay naman ng direktiba si Pangulong Marcos Jr. sa DPWH. Tiyakin na tama ang disenyo at maayos ang paggawa ng bagong tulay at siguruhing ligtas, matibay at naaayon sa engineering standards ang ipapalit na tulay.”
The Piggatan Bridge collapsed on Oct. 6, 2025 after trucks exceeding the bridge’s 10-ton load limit crossed the structure.
The incident disrupted transport in the region, prompting the DPWH to launch the emergency construction of a detour bridge to ease traffic and facilitate agricultural transport while the main bridge is slated for rebuilding.
According to reports, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon earlier announced that the construction of a new Piggatan Bridge would start in January or February this year. (PNA)
