Isabela bridge passed ‘standards, specifications’ despite collapse, says DPWH

February 28, 2025 , 09:43 PM

By Rodolfo Dacleson II

(February 28, 2025) – The Department of Public Works and Highways Region II (DPWH II) on Friday asserted that the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela passed standards and specifications despite a portion of it collapsing due to alleged overloading.

DPWH II officer-in-charge Engr. Mathias Malenab refuted speculations that the bridge was built using substandard materials and government officials pocketed the budget.

“We are assured na maganda ang pagkagawa dahil may mga design naman tayo at ‘yung tinatawag nating mga testing ng materials ay pumasa naman sa mga standard at specification natin,” said Malenab on One PH’s One Balita Pilipinas.

According to the DPWH, the bridge was constructed at a total cost of over P1.2 billion. Its construction began in 2014 and was completed after over a decade early this month.

It was built by RD Interior Junior Construction.

Only light vehicles were allowed to pass through the bridge, which connects the towns of Cabagan and Sta. Maria.

A portion of it collapsed at around 8 p.m. on Thursday after a truck allegedly carrying over 100 tons of boulders passed through, according to the Cabagan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Four vehicles were affected, leaving six injured, including a minor who’s in critical condition.

“‘Yung mga tulay natin ay naka-assign lang sa maximum load na 45 tons based sa RA (Republic Act No.) 8794,” said Malenab. “Merong signages na open for light vehicle (‘yung Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge) kasi merong workers na nagre-repair ng pintura kaya ganun ang aming ginawa.”

Earlier today, the truck driver surrendered to the authorities. He was supposed to deliver the boulders to Isabela, claiming a security guard allowed him to cross the bridge.

“We will expedite everything. Sa ngayon, ‘di natin made-determine ang cause until naglalabas ng result ang ating inspector,” said Malenab.

(PM)

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