TARLAC CITY, Tarlac — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. inspected the structural damage at the Agana Bridge, which suffered a collapsed span after severe flooding from heavy rains.
The President attributed the destruction to the escalating impacts of climate change, noting that the 70-year-old bridge—standing since the post-war era—had never encountered such an overwhelming volume and speed of water before.
“This bridge has been standing since just after the war. So 70 years old na ito. Wala naman naging problema hanggang ngayon.
“Ito talaga ay maliwanag na maliwanag na ito ang epekto ng climate change, dahil sa buong kasaysayan ng Pilipinas ngayon lang tayo nakatikim ng ganitong klaseng ulan, ganitong klaseng pagbaha…,” Marcos said.
The national government will download P300 million to the local government unit, ensuring local officials spearhead the rehabilitation work while national agencies provide technical assistance.
“We will be downloading 300 million pesos to the local government because it is a local bridge, kaya sila kailangan ang magtatrabaho dito,” the President explained.
The President was accompanied by the Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, Tarlac Congressional Representative Cristy Angeles, Tarlac Governor Christian Yap, and Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap.
Officials project that pedestrian traffic will resume within one week, while light vehicles weighing up to ten tons will be permitted to cross within two weeks.
Meanwhile, commuters and motorists navigating alternative routes face significant detours via San Jose and Capas to the west, and Santa Ignacia and Gerona to the north as authorities work to mitigate disruptions and restore critical connectivity across the province.
The Ninoy Aquino Bridge collapsed on August 28 while the Agana Bridge buckled less than a day later. As of this posting, there were two confirmed fatalities from the collapse of the Agana Bridge when a vehicle carrying five people plunged into the river as they were travelling over the structure.
