📋 Tender Overview
CABAGAN, Isabela (PIA) -- Travel in northern Isabela has improved following the reopening of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge to motorists on March 2. The bridge, which connects the towns of Cabagan and Sta. Maria underwent a 60-day rehabilitation after a portion collapsed earlier this year. The reopening was led by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and House Speaker Faustino Bojie Dy III, along with Isabela Gov. Rodolfo Albano and other public works officials. Dizon said the rehabilitation was carried out under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., adding that the government aims to ensure safe and reliable infrastructure for the public. The President wants us to do our work properly. When I visited here, I felt very sorry for our fellow citizens because they had to cross by boat. Some may have different opinions, but the important thing is that the bridge is now being used, Dizon said. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Engr. Mathias L. Malenab said repairs included installing a steel bridge connector on the previously collapsed third span and an asphalt overlay on the connection joint. Traffic cones have been placed along the center lane to guide vehicles across the one-way arch bridge. Two vertical clearance barriers limiting vehicle height to 2.4 meters have also been installed, he said. Malenab added that only vehicles with a maximum gross weight of three tons, equivalent to vans, are allowed to cross while monitoring continues. Local transport groups welcomed the reopening, saying it would ease travel and the movement of goods in the area. They urged motorists to observe traffic rules to ensure safety. Allan Angolluan, secretary of a tricycle association in Cabagan, said the reopening will greatly benefit drivers, passengers, transporters, and other travelers in the area. He also urged the public to help maintain the bridge for continued safe use. Meanwhile, Dy said Congress will continue to coordinate with the DPWH and the Regional Development Council to implement long-term infrastructure solutions for the region. Dizon added that the government is working to improve roads and bridges nationwide, aiming to move beyond temporary fixes toward permanent and sustainable solutions. (OTB/MFJ/PIA Region 2)
