Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has declared that the Bucana Bridge in Davao City remains safe for use despite sustaining minor damage from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, 2026. During an inspection on June 9, Dizon confirmed that repairs would be completed within three to five days, as assured by engineers and contractors.
Minor Damage, No Structural Issues
Dizon explained that the damage was limited to the expansion joint and was not structural. "There was a minor issue with the expansion joint, but it is expected to be fixed within three to five days. It is a minor matter, and the bridge itself is not affected," he said. He emphasized that the bridge remains operational and there would be no closures of the infrastructure or major roads in Davao City.
John Christian Gaden, project engineer of the Bucana Bridge, confirmed that the bridge is intact and its bearings effectively absorbed the earthquake vibrations. "The expansion joints moved according to their intended design," he noted. Gaden stated that only minor structural parts sustained damage, and repairs on the sidewalks are expected to be completed within three days to a week, with no work needed on the actual road surface.
Infrastructure Inspection and Priorities
Dizon inspected the bridge after the earthquake and reported that the DPWH has checked other infrastructure, including bridges and roads in Davao City, all of which are safe. He added that priority areas in the Davao Region are schools in Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, and Davao del Sur.
The Bucana Bridge, also known as the Davao River Bridge, is part of the Davao City Coastal Road. It is implemented by the Unified Project Management Office-Bridges Management Cluster and funded through a P3.126-billion Official Development Assistance grant from China. Construction began in November 2023, and the bridge is a four-lane, six-span extradosed structure stretching 480.20 meters, with an additional 1,340 meters of approach roads.
Government Response and Assistance
Dizon noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed national agencies to ensure assistance for the Davao Region and other affected areas. The president assured sufficient funding for rehabilitation, though the total cost of damages is still being assessed. The DPWH is mobilizing equipment and personnel from public and private sectors to address damages promptly.
To address community needs, Dizon revealed that Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gachalian, Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, and Department of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa have been directed to inspect schools and hospitals in affected areas.
