Bridge Left Stranded for Nearly Three Years
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cebu 2nd District Engineering Office has secured funding to build missing approach roads for the P106-million Argao Bridge in Barangay Langtad, Argao, Cebu. The 105-meter concrete bridge, completed in August 2023, has remained disconnected and unusable because no approach roads were included in the original contract.
Photographs showing the bridge ending abruptly in mid-air went viral on social media, highlighting the infrastructure gap. The bridge sits parallel to the Natalio B. Bacalso Sr. National Highway but cannot connect to the road network without the approaches.
Funding Gap and Budget Allocation
The original P106,149,994.48 contract, awarded to QM Builders under DPWH 7, covered only the bridge structure. No funds were allocated for approach roads. According to DPWH Cebu 2nd District Engineering Office Engineer Francis Flores, no budget request was submitted in 2024. The district and regional offices jointly filed a request in 2025, which was included in the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
"Unfortunately, the process took some time, but the funding for the approaches is now included in the 2026 GAA, to complete the project and make it passable," Flores said.
Local Government and Public Criticism
Argao Vice Mayor Orvi Ortega criticized the delay, saying, "It (project) becomes a wide elephant kung di na nila humanon (if they do not complete it). It’s a waste of people’s money." The local council passed a resolution urging completion. The town's 78,111 residents expected the bridge to ease congestion on the Cebu South Road.
New Funding and Expedited Implementation
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the district office to expedite work. A new P51 million allocation was approved for the approach roads, with an Approved Budget for the Contract of P49.229 million. Bidding is scheduled for June 30, 2026. Project management shifted from the regional to the district level for faster execution.
"Nana ang kwarta for the approaches. Diri sa among opisina kami na ang mu-implement dili na ang regional office kay diri man gi-release sa amo ang kwarta (The funds for the approaches are ready. Our office will handle the implementation instead of the regional office, as the budget was released to us)," Flores said. He plans to direct the winning contractor to fast-track development.
Right-of-Way Negotiations
Acquiring land for the approach roads is critical. The construction requires privately owned, titled lots. Resident Boy Lucero, who has lived near the bridge for 50 years, said, "Mabayran lang ang silbi sa among katungod okay ra, kay di mana ingnon mupugong ta kay kaayuhan man gud na sa tanan (As long as we are compensated for our rights, that is fine, because we are not trying to stop the project since it is for everyone’s benefit)."
DPWH is managing right-of-way negotiations. Flores confirmed discussions are ongoing and that at least one nearby house will remain unaffected. If bidding and land acquisition proceed smoothly, the approach roads are projected for completion by February 2027, finally allowing motorists to use the bridge.
