Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon inspected two unfinished bridges in Piddig, Ilocos Norte and ordered that funds be secured to complete the projects within 2026.

Dizon first visited the Loing-Mangitayag Bridge, where only bridge posts have been built. The structure still lacks girder beams or the main load-bearing beams. Three girder beams have been completed but have not yet been installed. Steel bars for additional beams are in place but have not been filled with concrete.

The district engineer said only Phase 1 of the project has been completed. The bridge initially received P30 million in funding but needs an additional P20 million to finish. Construction started in January 2025.

Dizon also inspected the Cabaroan Bridge where only posts have been erected. The project still lacks P50 million to be completed.

The public works chief said he would prioritize funding for unfinished bridges in Ilocos Norte using available savings.

“Prioritize natin na dito sa Ilocos Norte. Uunahin natin mga unfinished na tulay. ‘Yung pondo nating savings, ipa-prioritize natin dito sa Piddig ‘yung tatlong tulay. Kasi kritikal ‘yung tulay, kawawa naman ‘yung dalawang barangay. ‘Yung sa Loing na hindi maka-cross. So ‘yun ang gagawin natin. So, for the whole country, ‘yun ang gagawin natin,” Dizon said.

Lahat ng mga nakabitin, sinabihan ko na si RD natin, ilista niyo na lahat ang mga hindi tapos, magkano ang kailangan, gaano katagal bago matapos ilista niyo na. Kung kaya matapos by 2027, hingin niyo na ‘yung buo at kakausapin ko ang Kongreso para masiguro na hindi mababawasan,” he added.

He clarified that the projects are not ghost projects but were left unfinished due to incomplete funding. He added that he does not understand why the previous system allowed projects to start without a full budget.

Some residents urged the government to complete the bridges soon, especially to ease travel during the rainy season.

“Kung maaari matapos na ‘yun ang kailangan ng mga tao. Eh ‘yung mga proyektong ganyan, mahirap eh,” Candelario Bartolome, a resident, said.

Dizon said the department will continue to review all unfinished infrastructure projects nationwide and seek full funding to prevent further delays.