DEADLY HIKE AFTERMATH: Archival wants Pulangbato bridge completed asap

Local

CEBU City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. has set a firm December deadline to complete the long-delayed Pulangbato Bridge, following his recent inspection and a deadly hiking accident.

Archival is citing growing safety concerns and decades of delays that have endangered upland residents and travelers.

He announced a site inspection on July 13 at the unfinished bridge in Barangay Pulangbato, hours after a hiker drowned near makeshift bamboo bridges that locals use to cross swollen rivers.

“Mao nang (Notice to Proceed) akong tan-awon kay di ta ganahan nga naa nasay sunod nga ma disgrasya kay gahapon naa’y nadisgrasya didto’s Budlaan,” said Archival.

The mayor said he was informed that four hikers were recently involved in an accident near Budlaan Falls, with one reportedly drowning after being swept by floodwaters.

He expressed alarm upon discovering that residents, including students, are still forced to cross a fragile hanging bridge made of bamboo to reach schools and communities in Sitio Candarong and Tanay Road.

“Unya kung dako gani ang tubig, musaka gani ang tubig, maigo g’yud ang bridge,” he added.

Archival said the bridge’s foundation is already completed, but work has stalled due to the termination of the original contractor, SBD Builders, the same firm behind the delayed track oval at the Cebu City Sports Center.

The city government has since awarded the project to a new contractor, which is currently waiting for a formal Notice to Proceed (NTP) before resuming construction.

Archival is scheduled to meet with the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) to finalize this and assess the updated scope of work.

“Murag pinaskohan nato didto sa mountain barangay,” said Archival, referring to his target to open the bridge before Christmas. “This project has been a long-standing problem for almost 20 years.”

Records show that SBD Builders was initially awarded the P24-million reinforced deck girder bridge project in September 2023, with a contract period of 240 days and a completion deadline of May 11, 2024.

Despite a 60-day extension to September 30, 2024, barangay officials said work accomplishment remains at only 36.02 percent, with a negative slippage of 63.98 percent.

Due to these delays, vehicles and residents have been forced to use risky alternate routes, including steep trails and unstable crossings, conditions that have contributed to recent safety incidents.

In response to mounting risks, the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council earlier adopted Barangay Pulangbato’s request to place the area under a state of emergency.

However, while the City Council approved the emergency declaration, it raised reservations over allowing emergency procurement procedures, citing concerns over past controversies.

Among these was the Ombudsman’s dismissal order against former mayor Michael Rama in a separate case related to alleged irregularities in emergency purchases.

Despite these hesitations, Archival said the situation in Pulangbato demands immediate action, not prolonged debate.

The urgent need to fix the Pulangbato Bridge became clear on Sunday, July 13, when four hikers were trapped near Budlaan Falls in Cebu City after the Butuanon River flooded during heavy rains.

One hiker, a 21-year-old from Barangay Kamputhaw, drowned and was later found lifeless by rescue teams.

Personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection–Special Rescue Force Region launched a search and rescue operation. Three hikers were successfully rescued using a rope bridge around 6 p.m., while the body of the fourth victim was recovered downstream.

Authorities confirmed that two separate hiking groups had called for help. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the hikers had a guide.

Officials have since reminded the public to coordinate with barangay offices and secure local guides when exploring natural sites, particularly during the rainy season.(TGP)