The Department of Public Works and Highways-Davao (DPWH-11) has started clearing operations on the bridge that collapsed in Barangay Callawa, Davao City, following a heavy flooding evening on Monday, May 18, 2026.

DPWH-11 clarified that the budget allocation for the bridge was only P6.79 million, which was part of the P184 million bypass road project launched in 2017, connecting Tigatto to Fatima.

“Force majeure ang nahimong rason nganong naguba ang tulay kay tungod sa kakusog sa pagbaha, nakankan ang approaches niini which led to the collapse of the bridge,” DPWH-11 Spokesperson, Dean Ortiz, said.

Residents are currently having difficulty crossing the creek to and from Callawa.

However, an alternate route has been put in place, where residents are advised to take the Katualan Road.

A barangay official urged for faster construction of a bridge, saying the industries in the area have been affected.

“Ang ginahimo nako naa koy tao sa area nga didto muagi sa Purok katorse sition quarry down to brgy. Katualan, panabo city naog pud dinhi sa sitio manaklay Brgy. Callawa padung downtown buhangin,” Barangay Callawa Chairman Renante Gumahin said.

DWPH-11 has already deployed equipment to build a temporary Bailey bridge, which will serve as a passage for residents.

Ortiz said construction is expected to begin after the clearing operation and will be completed within two to four weeks.

“We intend to finish kadtong atoang bailey bridge within 2 to 4 weeks. Sa karon, naga-design napud ta og bag-ong tulay which we will include sa atong proposal sa inclusion sa GAA na 2027,” Ortiz added.