DPWH chief Dizon inspects collapsed Cagayan bridge

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon discusses urgent infrastructure plans with Cagayan Gov. Edgar Aglipay and local officials, announcing the installation of detour bridges for aging structures and pledging to fund a new bridge in the 2026 national budget. (Photo by Villamor Visaya Jr.)

ALCALA, Cagayan — Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon met with Cagayan Gov. Edgar Aglipay and local officials on Wednesday to discuss urgent solutions following the collapse of the decades-old Piggatan Bridge, which has left thousands of residents and farmers cut off from key trade routes.

READ: Overloaded trucks blamed for Piggatan bridge collapse in Cagayan

During his inspection, Dizon announced plans to install detour bridges in areas with aging or structurally compromised spans while a more permanent solution is being worked out. He also committed to include the construction of a new bridge in the DPWH’s proposed 2026 national budget.

The 50-year-old Piggatan Bridge, built in 1974, collapsed on Monday afternoon after several overloaded trucks attempted to cross the span, exceeding its 18-ton capacity.

The collapse has severely disrupted travel and commerce for at least 100,000 farmers in Alcala and neighboring towns.

Aglipay earlier called for stricter monitoring of aging bridges in the province, including the Buntun, Gava, Baybayog, and Magapit bridges./coa