By Melvin C. Gascon
Residents of Sta. Maria town in Isabela are calling on government officials to provide urgent safety measures for commuters as they struggle with the effects of the lack of access caused by the collapse of the bridge connecting their communities with Cabagan town.
In a viral Facebook post, Peachy Alingod Delos Santos shared a video footage of residents jampacked on a wooden boat to cross the Cagayan River.
“Ano kaya ang mas delikado? Bangka na ganito o maglakad sa nasirang tulay?” she asked, after authorities ordered the closure of the bridge even to pedestrians.
Because the Santa Maria bridge is impassable, what was usually a 10-minute travel between the two towns becomes a circuitous 2-hour travel if they avoid crossing the Cagayan River.
“Pag umikot ka naman pa-Tuguegarao (o) Delfin Albano, (hindi) naman lahat afford,” she added, alluding to the alternative routes either by way of Delfin Albano town or Tuguegarao City.
Immediate safety support
In a separate post, Santa Maria resident Rhea Bautista pleaded with authorities to deliver a temporary solution as students and workers continue to risk their lives crossing the damaged bridge or boarding small boats, especially during heavy rains.
“Napakadelikado po ang paglalakad sa sirang tulay at pagsakay ng bangka dahil maalon at umuulan pa. At least provide life jackets or any safety equipment that can help students and workers cross safely,” she said.
Daily life disruption
The Sta. Maria-Cabagan Bridge, a vital link between the two Isabela towns, collapsed in February of this year, just three weeks after it was opened.
It took the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its private contractor, RD Interior Junior Construction, 14 years to construct the bridge. The eventual collapse triggered a Senate investigation.
The years of delay have disrupted transport and daily livelihood for thousands of residents in Isabela.
Without the collapsed bridge as a passage, residents have been forced to an overflow steel bridge, but which becomes impassable, too, whenever the river swells after a heavy downpour.
Delayed action
Locals said they should not have to beg before authorities take action.
“Hindi na po dapat umaabot sa punto na may magmamakaawa pa sa inyo bago kayo kumilos,” Bautista said, adding that lives remain at risk.
The appeal also lamented alleged corruption and misuse of infrastructure funds that should have been allocated to improve the bridge.
“Dahil sa paglustay at pagnakaw ng mga walang puso… ngayon ay sila (mga mamamayan) pa ang naghihirap,” the post added.
Government response
Residents are urging government agencies to cooperate, provide immediate relief such as life jackets or alternative crossings.
They are also pressing the DPWH to fast-track the full rehabilitation of the Sta. Maria-Cabagan Bridge, as the rainy season heightens the risks of flooding. #
