Students use airbed to cross Tarlac River amid bridge repair

As the Agana Bridge in Tarlac City remains under repair, several students have chosen to cross the river on an airbed to cut down on travel time when heading to school.

In a “24 Oras” report by CJ Torida of GMA Regional TV on Tuesday, a viral video showed students in school uniforms boarding the airbed.

Nineteen-year-old student Nathalie Salcedo, who uploaded the viral clip, explained that taking the makeshift river crossing was faster than using the local government’s free shuttle.

“As a student po, very hassle po kasi lalo na hindi kami sanay sa ganitong biyahe… dati nasa 5 to 10 minutes lang po ‘yung biyahe namin papunta sa city,” Salcedo said.

(As a student, it’s a huge hassle, especially since we aren't used to this kind of commute... previously, our travel time to the city was only around 5 to 10 minutes.)

The airbed can hold a maximum of three people. Four men push and guide the airbed across to the opposite bank.

Salcedo admitted feeling scared, but because night was falling, they decided to take the makeshift service.

“Maggagabi na rin po. Napag-isipan na lang po namin bigla na sumakay sa airbed para agad na lang po kami makauwi,” Salcedo said.

(It was getting close to nighttime. We suddenly decided to ride the airbed just so we could get home immediately.)

The Agana Bridge collapsed during a downpour in August.

During the collapse, a multi-purpose vehicle carrying five passengers plunged into the river. Only one of the five passengers was rescued.

Bailey bridge opens

In an interview with GMA Regional TV, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon said the temporary Bailey Bridge will open while the main Agana Bridge undergoes repair.

The Bailey Bridge will be restricted to pedestrians and light vehicles.

“Kailangan kasi, safety first lagi tayo. Nagtayo tayo ng mga support na bakal sa ilalim ng bridge para masigurado na safe ’yung mga dadaan sa bridge kahit na umulan,” Dizon said.

(Safety must always come first. We installed steel support structures underneath the bridge to ensure that it remains safe for motorists and pedestrians even during heavy rain.)

“Pagkatapos ng load test and kampante naman tayo na papasa ito, bubuksan na natin sa light traffic,” he added.

(Once the load test is completed and we are confident that it passes, we will open it to light traffic.)

Dizon noted that heavy trucks and buses will not be permitted to cross the Bailey Bridge, with access limited strictly to light vehicles and small utility trucks.

Meanwhile, the DPWH said it maintains close coordination with the Tarlac City local government to guarantee the safety of temporary roadways and address the structural damage to the Agana Bridge. —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/LDF, GMA News