The provincial government has made the reconstruction of the hanging bridge in Barangay Latbang, Kayapa a top priority, even though it is a municipal concern and not directly under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO). Governor Jose V. Gambito had instructed the PEO as early as February this year—just two months after Typhoon Pepito struck—to validate the bridge’s condition and prepare for its repair. This proactive measure underscores the governor’s commitment to addressing essential infrastructure needs promptly, even before the issue gained widespread attention through a viral video.
Provincial Engineer Jerry A. Tan reported that following the governor’s directive, the PEO assessed the damage and developed a program of works to secure necessary funding. According to Engineer Tan, Governor Gambito has specified that the new hanging bridge should be built higher than the previous structure, and the foundation will be reinforced to ensure greater stability. The project aims to construct a bridge capable of accommodating motorcycles and will extend the structure’s length from 95 meters to 140 meters, with an estimated budget of 9 million pesos.
Governor Gambito has allocated funds for the project from the Quick Response Fund of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). Additionally, he has instructed the PDRRMO and PEO to coordinate with the local government of Kayapa, which has committed an extra 3 million pesos for the initiative. The governor emphasized the importance of provincial and municipal cooperation to ensure the successful completion of the bridge.
The urgency of the reconstruction was further highlighted by a viral video shared by Glory Madawat-Smith, a senior high teacher at Pinayag National High School. The footage depicted students relying on frayed ropes and steel cables to cross the unstable bridge, underscoring the critical need for a safer and more reliable structure. /RMI
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