With these bridges vital to trade and the development of the northeastern Luzon province.
On Thursday, January 8, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the inauguration Thursday of the PHP2.3 billion Camalaniugan Bridge in Cagayan.
The 2.16-kilometer, two-lane Camalaniugan Bridge will serve as an alternative route to the Magapit Suspension Bridge. Previously the only bridge at the northernmost part of Cagayan that spans the Cagayan River.
With the bridge’s completion, travel time between Aparri and Ballesteros in Cagayan is expected to be cut from one hour to just 20 minutes.
He noted that the new infrastructure could spur development in the area and told, “I think this will serve as a model for many of the other bridge projects that we will be seeing around the country.”
“At nakakatuwa dahil napakalaking bagay ang paglagay ng ganitong klaseng tulay dahil as all of you here are well aware, it cuts the travel time, imbes na umiikot ng napakalayo para tumawid ay nandito na ‘yung ating Camalaniugan Bridge,” he President added.
During which, he also stated the government’s acceleration of the bridge’s construction for the benefit of the public and nearby communities, particularly by boosting economic activity in the area.
“I am sure na itong tulay na ito ay magbabago ang ekonomiya sa magkabila ng tulay na ito. Maraming mabubuksan, and this will give many opportunities in the surrounding areas, mabibigyan ng mga opportunities for new jobs, for new businesses, and I’m sure that you will feel the economic effects in a very, very short time,” Marcos said.
Aside from ensuring seamless traffic flow, the bridge was constructed in line with the current safety standards, with PBBM assuring the public that the money spent on building vital infrastructures will benefit Filipinos.
INSPECTION OF REHAB WORKS ON THE COLLAPSED PIGGATAN BRIDGE
Meanwhile, on the same day, President Marcos personally oversaw the progress on the Piggatan Bridge rehabilitation in Alcala, Cagayan.
He conducted the inspection alongside 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.
In his visit, he was briefed on the status of the Piggatan Bridge project, including the successful completion and opening of the temporary detour steel bridge last December, the plans for the permanent bridge that will replace the old Piggatan Bridge, and the long-term, climate-resilient solution to address increasing traffic demand along the national highway.
President Marcos then directed the DPWH to ensure that the replacement bridge is properly designed and constructed, as he emphazied that it must be safe and durable and comply with proper engineering standards.
Built in 1980, the original 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.
“Kaya’t minadali natin na maglagay nitong tinatawag naming temporary (bridge). Pero, pagka nagawa natin, hindi na natin aalisin ‘yan para may extra lane,” with Marcos adding the temporary bridge was constructed within 60 days on land donated by Piggatan residents.
President Marcos then highlighted the efficient use of previously stored construction materials of the DPWH, which werebleft unused following the cancelation of projects. “’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.”