Cebu is pushing a six-month timeline to restore key bridges damaged in northern areas following last year’s powerful earthquake, as rehabilitation work gains pace across affected communities.
The Provincial Engineering Office is leading the repair of multiple bridge projects aimed at reconnecting towns cut off after the magnitude 6.9 quake struck northern Cebu in September last year.
Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora said the repair and reconstruction works are being prioritized under an urgent recovery plan.
“Rehabilitation and reconstruction mao nay atong gi-focusan karon. There are 13 bridges, and ang contract ana nila kay for six months,” Jamora said.
The projects fall under the provincial government’s broader “Kumbati Cebu” recovery program, which focuses on restoring damaged infrastructure and public services in disaster-hit areas.
Authorities based project priorities on a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment conducted by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to identify the most critical damage sites.
Provincial data showed that eight bridges worth a combined P159.732 million are currently under repair and reconstruction.
These are part of a wider program covering 13 bridges with a total allocation of P276 million approved by Governor Pamela Baricuatro to restore connectivity in affected municipalities.
In Borbon town, three bridges—Cabica, Cadaruhan, and Tagnucan—are being rehabilitated with a combined budget of P60.037 million.
Other ongoing works include the Poblacion-Suba Bridge in Daanbantayan valued at P33.344 million and the Guadalupe Bridge in Bogo City, which has a P20.006 million allocation.
Rehabilitation also covers the Tabunok Bridge in Sogod, Piyo Bridge in Tabogon, and Lamintak Bridge in Medellin, widening the scope of recovery efforts across northern Cebu.
Officials said these bridges form part of an initial batch of 16 infrastructure projects scheduled for early implementation after the disaster.
Jamora said restoring the bridges is essential for transport, economic recovery, and access to basic services in affected communities.
Despite ongoing works, provincial officials noted that current projects cover only a portion of total recovery needs identified after the earthquake.
Assessment data placed total rebuilding requirements for northern Cebu at around P19.28 billion, with figures expected to rise due to additional damage from subsequent weather disturbances.
The earthquake alone caused an estimated P9.24 billion in damage and P47.74 billion in economic losses, reflecting widespread disruption across sectors.
Infrastructure damage accounted for nearly P2 billion, with full restoration needs reaching P2.83 billion.
To begin recovery efforts, the provincial government has allocated P708.19 million over two years while seeking additional funding from national agencies and other sources.
Officials said rehabilitation will follow a “Build Back Better and Smarter” approach, incorporating hazard mapping and stricter engineering standards to improve resilience in future disasters. (SBA)
Photo courtesy of Cebu People’s Action Center
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