Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano has issued a direct order for the immediate repair of faulty streetlights on the city's major bridges. The directive, driven by pressing safety concerns, also aims to ensure the city presents a secure and well-lit passage for delegates attending upcoming ASEAN-related events.
Mayor Convenes Emergency Meeting with DPWH
On the morning of Monday, January 5, 2026, Mayor Ouano called a meeting with key officials to address the lighting issue. City Administrator Gonzalo "Sally" Malig-on confirmed the mayor met with representatives from the Department of General Services, the City Engineering Office, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 6th Engineering District.
The focus of the urgent discussion was the restoration of non-functioning lights on the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the First Bridge. Malig-on stated that the mayor had personally observed numerous busted or inoperative streetlights on the bridges and their approaches.
"The mayor really wants the bridges to be properly lighted. This has actually been raised as early as last year," Malig-on revealed. He explained that while the city had previously sent letters to the Bridge Board and engineering offices, no concrete action had been taken, prompting the mayor's direct intervention.
ASEAN Activities Heighten Urgency for Repairs
The timeline for repairs has gained significant urgency due to the impending arrival of participants for regional ASEAN activities. Malig-on emphasized Mandaue City's critical role as a transit point.
"Mandaue City is a major passageway. Even if there is no event here, ASEAN staff and participants will still pass through our roads. We cannot afford to have dark bridges," he stressed. The poor lighting, he added, could project an image of the city as unsafe and poorly maintained.
Given that the bridges fall under the jurisdiction of the DPWH and the Bridge Board, Mayor Ouano personally summoned DPWH officials to his office to secure a commitment for swift action.
Prioritized Routes and Project Phases
Beyond the bridges themselves, Mayor Ouano also ordered the prioritization of lighting improvements along key feeder roads. AC Cortes Avenue and UN Avenue, which serve as main routes leading to the bridges, are included in the first phase of the project.
Malig-on outlined that the next phase will cover Ouano Avenue up to Plaridel Street near the Cansaga Bridge. This subsequent work is slated for implementation within the first quarter of 2026.
"For now, what is most urgent is the lighting on the bridge itself and its approaches," Malig-on reiterated. The renewed push from the mayor's office has yielded a commitment. The DPWH has pledged to commence repair works as early as next week.
"The mayor noticed the difference this time and really pushed for immediate action because of the ASEAN activities," Malig-on concluded, underscoring the administration's determination to resolve the long-standing issue promptly.
