President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday personally oversaw the progress on the Piggatan Bridge rehabilitation, underscoring the government’s commitment to restoring the vital transportation link along the Maharlika Highway in Barangay Piggatan, Alcala, Cagayan.

President Marcos conducted the inspection together with Cagayan Governor Edgar Aglipay, Alcala Mayor Christina Ignacio-Antonio, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, and DPWH Region II Assistant Regional Director Ronalyn Ubiña.

The President was briefed on the status of the Piggatan Bridge project, including the successful completion and opening of the temporary detour steel bridge last month.

The Chief Executive was also presented with the plans for the permanent bridge, which will replace the old Piggatan Bridge and provide a long-term, climate-resilient solution to address increasing traffic demand along the national highway.

President Marcos directed the DPWH to ensure that the replacement bridge is properly designed and constructed.

The President also said the new bridge should be safe and durable and should comply with proper engineering standards.

Built in 1980 and designed to carry up to 18 tons, the 74.4-meter Piggatan Bridge collapsed on October 6, 2025 due to severe overloading when four heavy trucks with an estimated total load of over 130 tons crossed the bridge. Six individuals were injured in the collapse.

Upon the President’s orders to fast-track the construction, the temporary detour bridge was officially opened to traffic on December 19, 2025, ensuring uninterrupted mobility of people, goods, and services while preparations for the permanent bridge are underway.

“Kaya’t minadali natin na maglagay nitong tinatawag naming temporary (bridge). Pero, pagka nagawa natin, hindi na natin aalisin ‘yan para may extra lane,” President Marcos said in his remarks during the inspection.

The President said the temporary bridge was constructed within 60 days on land donated by Piggatan residents.

President Marcos highlighted the efficient use of previously stored construction materials, noting that resources which had been kept in storage by the DPWH for years due to project cancellations, were finally put to productive use.

“’Yung mga ginamit na mga materyales dito, naka-storage sa DPWH ng mga almost 15 years dahil nagkaroon ng projects na hindi natuloy, naiwan na lang doon at hindi na nagagamit for that amount of time. Pero mabuti na nagamit na natin,” added the President.

President Marcos’ visit emphasized the importance of fast-tracking the implementation of the permanent bridge to ensure public safety, strengthen regional connectivity, and support economic activity in Northern Luzon. | PND