6 days ago
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CEBU CITY — Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon called for urgent and consistent bridge maintenance across the country during his visit to the Cebu Provincial Capitol on Saturday, March 8, saying that neglecting infrastructure upkeep could lead to disasters.
Dizon made the statement days after the collapse of the Cabagan–Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela on Feb. 27, which he referred to as a stark reminder of the consequences of inadequate maintenance.
Dizon stressed that bridges are among the most vital pieces of infrastructure, particularly in Cebu, as they connect the islands and link the Tri-City area to northern and southern parts of the province.
"Bridges are critical infrastructure because connectivity will be lost, for example in Cebu [-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX)]," he said.
He pointed out that with modern technology, regular inspections and maintenance should not be difficult to implement.
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He also highlighted the role of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in ensuring the structural integrity of bridges.
However, he acknowledged that government agencies often face restrictions and capacity issues that hinder consistent maintenance efforts.
To address this, he reiterated the administration's push for more public-private partnerships (PPP) to improve infrastructure management.
According to Dizon, Cebu demonstrated the benefits of PPP through the creation of CCLEX, which is not only one of the country's well-built bridges but also well-maintained due to private sector's involvement.
He noted that similar partnerships could help sustain other critical infrastructures, such as airports, railways, and ports.
He cited the Mactan-Cebu International Airport as an example of a successful privatization effort, describing it as a major gateway that remains well-maintained and appealing to both domestic and international travelers.
He emphasized that such models should be replicated across the country, especially in key infrastructure projects like Clark International Airport and Iloilo International Airport, which are in advanced stages of privatization.
Dizon also expressed concern over the deteriorating state of many public facilities, stating that Filipinos have suffered from aging and poorly maintained infrastructure for too long.
He underscored the need for urgent action, stressing that improvements should be implemented more quickly to meet the needs of the public.
Isabela bridge collapse
The collapse of the Cabagan–Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela on Feb. 27, 2025, has raised concerns over the state of aging infrastructure across the country.
The bridge, which connected the municipalities of Cabagan and Santa Maria over the Cagayan River, had long been a crucial transport route for residents and businesses in the region.
Initial reports suggested that structural weaknesses, compounded by heavy vehicle loads and natural wear, contributed to the bridge's failure.
The incident led to disruptions in transportation and prompted calls for urgent assessments of similar aging bridges nationwide.
