GMA Kapuso Foundation rehabilitates bridge damaged by Uwan in CamSur

The GMA Kapuso Foundation has rehabilitated and reinforced its longest Kapuso Tulay Para sa Kaunlaran in Barangay San Ramon, Buhi, Camarines Sur, eight years after it was built and after it sustained damage from Super Typhoon Uwan in 2025.

According to Mel Tiancgco’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the foundation first learned of the residents' daily struggle in 2017, when villagers risked crossing a makeshift bridge made of wood, bamboo, and wire to transport goods and reach neighboring communities.

The temporary bridge had been destroyed by Typhoon Nina, making travel dangerous for residents, students, and farmers. In response, the GMA Kapuso Foundation constructed a 100-meter steel hanging bridge, which was inaugurated in 2018. It remains the longest Kapuso Tulay Para sa Kaunlaran built by the organization.

For copra farmer Edgar San Esteban, the bridge has transformed daily life in the community.

"Before, it was very difficult to transport our products. Some of them would even fall while we were crossing. Now, it's much easier and faster to get to the market," Edgar said in Filipino.

However, the bridge suffered damage in November 2025 after Super Typhoon Uwan struck the Bicol Region.

With the support of sponsors and donors, the GMA Kapuso Foundation rehabilitated and strengthened the bridge this year to ensure it can continue serving the community for years to come.

“Through the donations we received, we were able to raise enough funds to rehabilitate the bridge," GMA Kapuso Foundation EVP and COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog said in Filipino.

GMA Kapuso Foundation supervising engineer Arnel Zantua also shared that the rehabilitation included replacing deteriorated and rusted sections of the bridge's walkway framing and repainting the structure to improve its durability.

For those who wish to support GMA Kapuso Foundation's projects, donations may be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, Shopee, and Palawan Pay. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News