Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela Collapses Despite Additional Funding

On February 27, a section of the newly retrofitted Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge in Ilagan City, Isabela, collapsed, sending four vehicles into the Cagayan River. Six people, including a child, were injured, while the driver of a dump truck remains missing. The incident has raised concerns about infrastructure safety and project oversight in government-led developments.

The 720-meter bridge, part of the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program, was initially funded with P640 million. An additional P200 million was later allocated for retrofitting due to structural concerns. Despite this investment, the bridge remained structurally unsound. Authorities confirmed that the collapse occurred as a truck passed over it, but the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the contractor have yet to issue statements regarding the incident.

Despite not having received a formal declaration of safety for public use, vehicles were already using the bridge. This raises questions about construction quality, inspection protocols, and compliance with safety standards. Similar incidents have been reported in other parts of the country, leading to growing calls for stricter oversight and transparency in public infrastructure projects.

Motorists have been advised to take alternate routes while DPWH personnel assess the damage and determine the next steps. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and preventing similar occurrences in future infrastructure developments.