Capitol fast-tracking rehab of quake-damaged bridges

CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Rehabilitation and reconstruction of earthquake-damaged bridges in northern Cebu are now in full swing, as the Provincial Engineering Office is focusing on fast-tracking works under a six-month contract period, officials said.

Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora said the Capitol is prioritizing the repair of critical infrastructure following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern towns in September last year.

“Rehabilitation and reconstruction mao nay atong gi-focusan karon. There are 13 bridges, and ang contract ana nila kay for six months,” Jamora said, underscoring the urgency of restoring mobility in affected areas.

The ongoing works form part of the province’s broader “Kumbati Cebu” rehabilitation drive, anchored on assessments conducted after the disaster.

Jamora said the damaged structures were identified through the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) conducted by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

At least eight bridges worth P159.732 million are currently undergoing repair and reconstruction, based on data from the Capitol.

These projects are part of the 13 bridges to be fixed, worth P276 million, approved by Governor Pamela Baricuatro to restore connectivity in quake-hit municipalities.

Among the largest allocations is the town of Borbon, which received P60.037 million for the rehabilitation of three bridges: Cabica, Cadaruhan, and Tagnucan.

Other bridges already under repair include the Poblacion-Suba Bridge in Daanbantayan, worth P33.344 million.

In Bogo City, the Guadalupe Bridge is being rehabilitated at a cost of P20.006 million.

Additional projects include the Tabunok Bridge in Sogod (P18.011 million), the Piyo Bridge in Tabogon (P16.886 million), and the Lamintak Bridge in Medellin (P11.448 million).

The eight bridges form part of the 16 initial infrastructure projects lined up for early rehabilitation following the earthquake.

Jamora emphasized that restoring these lifeline structures is essential to normalizing economic and social activity in the affected towns.

The PDNA presented to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council estimated that rebuilding northern Cebu will require P19.28 billion, or close to P20 billion, in recovery and rehabilitation funds.

This figure does not yet include additional damages caused by Typhoon Tino, indicating that actual needs may be higher.

The same assessment reported that the earthquake caused P9.24 billion in damages and P47.74 billion in economic losses across multiple sectors.

Infrastructure, covering roads, bridges, ports, and other lifelines, sustained P1.98 billion in damages and P67.73 million in losses.

To fully restore this sector, at least P2.83 billion in funding is needed, based on PDNA estimates.

This highlights the significant gap between available funds and the total requirement for recovery.

The administration will follow a “Build Back Better and Smarter” framework to ensure long-term resilience.

This includes the use of science-based multi-hazard maps to determine which areas are safe, unsafe, or controlled for development.

Disaster-resilient standards will also be applied to key infrastructure such as government buildings, schools, resettlement housing, roads, bridges, and seaports.

The Cebu Provincial Government has so far committed P708.19 million for rehabilitation, with funds already allocated over a two-year period.

National support and additional funding sources will be crucial to complete the full recovery plan.

Baricuatro takes pride in ‘Our Cebu’

Meanwhile, Baricuatro also reaffirmed support on Friday for the “Our Cebu” program, saying initiatives that benefit local communities should continue regardless of which administration started them.

This comes as the province’s 7th District heads the latest staging of the trade and tourism showcase.

The governor made the statement during the second staging of Our Cebu 2026, a province-led program designed to promote Cebu’s districts through rotating exhibits of local products, food, culture, and tourism destinations.

The latest installment featured the 7th District under the theme “Septimo Merkado: Ipaambit ang Sugilanon Matag Lungsod.”

“You know when I first came into office, ila ko gipangutana, ‘Gov, ato ni ipadayon ang Our Cebu?’ because this belongs to the previous administration. Niana ko nga, ‘Why change something that works?’” Baricuatro said.

Held at Robinsons Galleria Cebu, the event gathered eight southern municipalities—Dumanjug, Ronda, Alcantara, Moalboal, Badian, Alegria, Ginatilan, and Malabuyoc—in a showcase of local products, delicacies, crafts, and tourism destinations.

The activity transformed the mall into a marketplace and cultural hub, giving local entrepreneurs and tourism stakeholders a platform to promote their communities and expand market reach.

Baricuatro described the 7th District as one of Cebu’s strongest tourism areas because of its mix of natural attractions and heritage sites.

“When I went around the 7th district, I considered it as our tourism capital of Cebu,” she said.

She urged the public to appreciate not only the products on display but also the stories and livelihoods behind them.

Mall Operations Manager Richard Sarmiento said partnerships between government and private stakeholders have helped sustain the initiative over the years.

7th District Board Member Paz Rozgoni said the event goes beyond selling products and serves as a way to tell the stories of local communities.

“Karong adlawa nagtapok kita diri—dili lang para sa showcasing sa nagkalaing-laing nga mga produkto sa septimo distrito. We are gathered to tell stories—stories of hard work, creativity, and identity,” Rozgoni said.

Baricuatro thanked participating towns for showcasing the best of their industries and communities, adding that programs like Our Cebu help create livelihoods and stronger connections across the province.

“Because in the end, it is not just about what we buy—it is about the lives we touch and the connections we build,” she said.

She ended her message with a call for resilience amid present challenges.

“Padayon lang ta bisag sa kalisod karong panahona. Padayon lang gihapon. Padayon Sugbo kay Atoang Sugbo,” Baricuatro said.