TARLAC CITY, Tarlac — In a swift response to a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has deployed emergency response equipment and personnel to assist residents affected by the partial collapse of the Aquino Bridge.
The bridge, which links Western Tarlac and Pangasinan, partially collapsed last month following heavy monsoon rains, forcing students and commuters to resort to dangerous makeshift crossings using airbeds pulled by locals.
On September 25, a send-off ceremony was held at the MMDA Motorcycle Riding Academy in Pasig City, led by Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos on behalf of the President.
“The President saw the reports of residents there taking their makeshift river crossing. He instructed an immediate response while the Aquino bridge is currently undergoing repairs,” Abalos said. “I extend my gratitude to the MMDA for its fast organization and mobilization of assets to help our kababayans in Tarlac City.”
MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes detailed the deployment, which aims to provide a safer alternative for the 100-meter river crossing. The assets include 50 pontoon units to serve as a temporary bridge secured with bamboo hand railings, 50 life vests, and eight engine-operated rubber boats.
Four trucks capable of being submerged in up to six feet of water and 45 personnel from the agency’s Public Safety Office were also deployed to set up the pontoons.
“We will leave the pontoons in the area as long as necessary to give affected Tarlac City residents a safer way to cross the river,” Artes said.
Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap, who personally inspected the equipment, expressed her gratitude for the national government’s support. She noted that the assistance would significantly help residents while tests are being conducted to determine if the bridge’s tiers can still hold and if steel structures can be installed.
“This assistance from the MMDA is a big help to our residents as the Aquino Bridge supplements the traffic on another bridge that links Western Tarlac and Pangasinan,” Yap said.
The equipment and resources arrived in Tarlac City on September 25, with the installation of the pontoons scheduled to begin the following day. The city government thanked Atty. Crisanto Saruca, Head of the MMDA Public Safety Office, for accompanying the delivery.
On September 26, the MMDA began operating and testing the rubber boats in the Tarlac River, offering free rides to residents. City Legal Officer Atty. Leo Escalona visited the site to check on passengers and coordinate with MMDA personnel, along with the City Environmental and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and the City Engineer’s Office.
Authorities have advised the public to wait for further announcements from the Tarlac City Government regarding the official start of the rubber boat and pontoon operations. The coordination between the city government and the MMDA continues to ensure the safety and welfare of Tarlaqueños.
The full list of deployed resources includes 50 pontoons (totaling 125 meters in length), three rubber boats with outboard motors, four Thai boats, 50 life vests, 10 throw ropes, one ambulance with crew, one Search and Rescue (SRR) team, one mobile patrol, one military truck, four new trucks, two Travis vehicles, and drivers and assistants.
The Tarlac City Government extended its profound gratitude to President Marcos, MMDA Chairman Artes, Cabinet Secretary Abalos, and the national government for their immediate response and support.
