Following the destructive path of Typhoon Tino, Cebu City's mountain barangays face severe isolation as damaged bridges have cut off crucial access routes, prompting immediate government action.
Urgent Appeal for Infrastructure Support
Cebu City Councilor Phillip Zafra has formally requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to construct temporary bridges in several upland communities. The appeal comes as residents in barangays including Tagbao, Taptap, and Babag struggle with limited mobility after the typhoon's wrath destroyed existing bridge structures.
"Our constituents in the mountain barangays are currently experiencing significant hardship," Councilor Zafra emphasized during a recent session. "The destruction of these bridges has effectively cut off their access to the city proper, affecting their ability to reach workplaces, schools, and essential services."
Affected Communities and Immediate Needs
The infrastructure damage has particularly impacted residents who rely on daily travel to the city for employment and commerce. Students face challenges attending schools, while farmers encounter difficulties transporting their agricultural products to market centers.
- Barangay Tagbao residents now face extended travel times and dangerous alternative routes
- Agricultural producers in Taptap report difficulties delivering goods to city markets
- Emergency services access remains compromised in several isolated areas
- Students' education disrupted by transportation challenges
Government Response and Timeline
The Cebu City Government has endorsed Councilor Zafra's resolution to the DPWH, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The proposed temporary bridges would serve as interim solutions while permanent structures undergo assessment and reconstruction.
"We recognize that permanent bridge reconstruction requires comprehensive planning and substantial resources," Zafra noted. "However, our mountain residents cannot wait months for solutions. Temporary bridges will restore basic mobility and economic activity while long-term repairs are underway."
Broader Implications for Disaster Preparedness
This situation highlights the vulnerability of Cebu's mountain communities to extreme weather events. The frequent damage to critical infrastructure underscores the need for more resilient construction standards and proactive disaster mitigation strategies in geographically challenging areas.
The ongoing efforts to address the bridge damage reflect broader concerns about climate resilience and infrastructure planning in Cebu Province's upland regions, where communities remain disproportionately affected by seasonal typhoons and heavy rainfall.
