Inspection of the Piggatan Bridge 01/08/2026

Alcala, Cagayan January 8, 2026 “We are just looking at the bypass bridge. As you can see, ito yung nasira dahil nag-overload,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. after inspecting the Piggatan Bridge in Barangay Piggatan, Municipality of Alcala, Cagayan on 8 January 2026 to assess ongoing measures addressing disrupted transport along the Maharlika Highway. A temporary detour steel bridge was constructed following the collapse of the 51-year-old Piggatan Bridge, which connects the Municipalities of Gattaran and Alcala, on 6 October 2025. The collapse occurred after trucks exceeding the bridge’s load limit crossed it, cutting off a major transport route in the Cagayan Valley Region (Region II). “Kaya minadali natin maglagay itong tinatawag namin, temporary pero hindi na temporary. Pag nagawa natin, hindi na natin aalisin yan para may extra lane,” President Marcos Jr. stated. Construction of the detour bridge started on October 9, 2025 and was completed on December 14, 2025; it opened to traffic on December 19, 2025. The detour now serves as a vital link, easing traffic flow and facilitating the transport of goods. During the inspection, President Marcos Jr. was shown detailed plans for the new bridge, which will permanently replace the old Piggatan Bridge and offer a climate-resilient solution to accommodate increasing traffic demands. The proposed permanent replacement, designed to span 85 meters and support up to 40 tons, aims to fully restore connectivity and ensure long-term safety and resilience along the national highway. The Chief Executive instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure the bridge is properly designed and built, emphasizing that it must be safe, durable and constructed in accordance with engineering standards to ensure reliable passage for motorists and heavy vehicles. Connect with RTVM Website: http://rtvm.gov.ph Facebook: www.facebook.com/presidentialcom and www.facebook.com/rtvmalacanang YouTube: @RTVMalacanang Tiktok: @RTVMalacanang