TARLAC CITY, Tarlac — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon inspected the damaged Aquino Bridge and other affected infrastructure here Saturday following heavy southwest monsoon rains.
“Kailangan nating gawing passable itong bridge na ito kasi critical ito para sa mga kababayan natin,” Dizon said.
The DPWH Secretary assured local governments that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. promised full financial backing for the repairs. He added that Manila-based engineers are arriving to evaluate the structure’s integrity and develop immediate short-term solutions.
Buses and light vehicles going north are being rerouted towards the two-lane, six-decades-old Agana Bridge, which now serves as the primary alternate route. At the same time, trucks and heavy equipment will detour towards Gerona town.
Tarlac Governor Christian Yap, Tarlac Second District Representative Cristy Angeles, and DPWH Region 3 Officer-in-Charge Director Arnold Ocampo accompanied Dizon during the site visit. In addition to assessing the damaged bridge, authorities also inspected a 12-meter-long, 5-meter-deep sinkhole along the Cut-cut I portion of the dike running along Ninoy Aquino Boulevard.
Authorities preemptively blocked access to the Aquino Bridge at 11:30 p.m. Friday after noticing structural instability. Just 25 minutes later, at 11:55 p.m., a 25-meter span of the bridge collapsed.
Local officials closely monitor the Agana Bridge to prevent traffic congestion.
“Kasabay nito, mino-monitor din natin ang Agana Bridge. Magpapatupad ng traffic management scheme at mga alternatibong ruta para sa mga sasakyan, lalo na para sa mga truck, bus, at heavy equipment, upang mapanatiling passable at ligtas ang tulay at maiwasan ang sobrang bigat ng daloy ng trapiko rito. Nakikipag-ugnayan din ang City Government sa PNP, Provincial Government, at mga karatig-bayan upang maayos na mapag-aralan at maipatupad ang rerouting plan,” a social media post from the Tarlac City government stated.
The Aquino Bridge’s current iteration was built in 2001, improving on the smaller bridge built in 1988.
The bridge’s collapse also disrupted local utilities by damaging main supply pipes attached to the bridge.
Tarlac City Water District – PrimeWater reported low pressure and service interruptions in Barangays San Isidro, Tibag, Baras-Baras, Dolores, Care, and Sapang Maragul. The city government deployed water trucks to affected neighborhoods to augment the local supply.
Meanwhile, as monsoon rains triggered localized flooding, emergency workers carried out preemptive evacuations for around 60 families in Barangay San Isidro and Tibag, seven families in Burot, and two families in San Luis. City crews maintain sandbagging operations and operate local pumping stations around the clock.
Relief efforts remain underway as the city government distributed assistance to roughly 7,000 families. City Health Centers stay open to provide emergency medical assistance.
