by Joshua Fullido
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that the Makapiko Bridge remains safe to be used by motorists even if there has been some soil erosion at the bottom part of the said structure.
This was the statement of Engr. Magiting Cruz of the 3rd Engineering District of the DPWH in an interview with the media at the sidelines of the inauguration of Loay’s Clarin Bridge on June 21, 2022.
Cruz said that civil works on the damaged portion of the bridge will begin shortly once the budget will be downloaded.
It can be recalled that Catigbian mayor Elizabeth Mandin raised concerns about a damaged portion at the bottom of the bridge affecting the riprap.
The damage was exposed following heavy rains during the early part of this month.
This prompted Cong. Edgar Chatto to raise the concern to the DPWH regional office. The bridge connects the towns of Ballihan, Catigbian and Batuan via the road which is under the jurisdiction of the national government.
Moreover, Chatto in an earlier interview said that the bridge is under the care of the 3rd Engineering District and has made representations to the regional office to look into the matter as it also affects the 1st District of Bohol where Catigbian and Balilihan belong.