The Department of Public Works and Highways-Davao Region (DPWH-Davao) has announced the construction of a Bailey bridge in Callawa, Davao City, to restore accessibility following the collapse of the original Callawa Bridge. The temporary structure aims to provide a vital route for vehicles to reach the affected community.
Public Safety Advisory
DPWH urged the public to remain cautious and strictly adhere to traffic advisories and safety measures implemented by authorities to ensure the safety of all motorists and residents in the area. The department emphasized the importance of cooperation during the construction period.
Presidential Directive
The immediate construction of the Bailey bridge aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., ensuring that residents can benefit from restored connectivity as soon as possible. The project is intended to normalize transportation flow in the area.
Cause of the Collapse
The original Callawa Bridge collapsed on May 19, 2026, due to severe flooding triggered by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and Easterlies. The 15-meter bridge had been vulnerable to erosion caused by the gradual widening of the creek, which was exacerbated by strong water currents from heavy rainfall, according to DPWH-Davao Spokesperson Dean Ortiza.
Project Background
The bridge was part of DPWH’s “Concreting/Widening/Improvement of Bypass Road at Buhangin–Tigatto–Mandug–Callawa–Fatima Road, including Reconstruction of Callawa Bridge and RROW” under Contract ID 17LO-0133. The project was awarded in 2017 to Premium Megastructures Inc. with a contract cost of P184.5 million, implemented during the term of then-Davao City 2nd District Representative Vincent Garcia.
Evacuations and Flooding
Approximately 1,469 individuals from 358 families were forced to evacuate due to rising floodwaters in the city. Barangays heavily affected by the flooding include Matina Pangi, Matina Crossing, Buhangin, Talomo, and Callawa. Major thoroughfares experienced street flooding, which subsided shortly after the heavy rains ceased.
