Farmers in Alcala, Cagayan rushed to save their sacks of palay after the collapse of Piggatan Bridge left their harvest stranded on trucks. Some of the grains had already started sprouting inside the sacks, raising fears they would no longer be sold.

“Wala na, mabubulok na ‘yan, pero okey din sana kung maibilad pa at maibenta,” Jonathan Relos, a truck driver, said.

After inspecting the collapsed bridge on October 8, 2025, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the immediate construction of a detour bridge beside it. The local government has already secured the approval of the landowner whose property will be affected.

The detour bridge will have a 40-ton load limit, twice that of the collapsed Piggatan Bridge. Heavy equipment for the project has already arrived, but construction has yet to begin as materials are still awaited.

Dizon also directed an urgent inspection and monitoring of old bridges in Cagayan. He emphasized that strict safety measures must be enforced to prevent similar incidents.

“Naglabas ako ng memo instructing lahat ng RD at DE para makipag-coordinate sa LGU at i-assess ang condition ng mga tulay at magkaroon ng traffic management,” Dizon said.

Authorities have deployed personnel to monitor the bridges 24/7 to ensure heavy vehicles do not cross simultaneously. Barangay officials in Piggatan confirmed they are assisting in the effort.

“Ginagawa na namin ‘yan, may dalawang kagawad at tanod na kasama ng pulis,” Barangay Chairman Carlito Lagadon said.

Precautionary advisories have also been posted in other bridges, including Magapit Bridge in Lal-lo, to guide motorists.