Alcala Cagayan — A tragic infrastructure incident unfolded in northern Philippines after three heavily loaded trucks caused the Piggatan Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan to collapse on Monday afternoon, leaving several people injured and disrupting transportation across the province.
According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the 45-year-old Piggatan Bridge gave way as three 10-wheeler trucks attempted to cross it simultaneously, each carrying an estimated load of around 50 tons—far beyond the bridge’s 18-ton weight limit.
DPWH Confirms Cause: Overloaded Trucks and Aging Infrastructure at Alcala Cagayan
In a DZMM interview, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed that early findings point to overloading as the primary cause of the collapse.
“Initial report merong 3 truck na sabay-sabay tumawid sa bridge na iyan. Nakita naman natin sa mga picture na punong-puno ‘yung mga truck at medyo malalaki. The estimate is 50 tons per truck,” Dizon said.
Dizon explained that the Piggatan Bridge was built nearly half a century ago, and though it has undergone periodic maintenance, its structural design was not intended to handle modern heavy trucks. The secretary said the DPWH has dispatched a team of engineers to assess the full extent of the damage and determine if any part of the bridge can still be salvaged.
“The bridge is already 45 years old and may need retrofitting. Repair or reconstruction could take years,” he added.
The DPWH also emphasized that proper traffic management falls under the responsibility of the local government unit (LGU) once a national bridge project is turned over after construction. Dizon said coordination with Cagayan provincial and Alcala municipal officials is ongoing to ensure similar incidents are prevented in the future.
Alcala Cagayan Residents Shocked by Collapse
Local residents of Alcala, Cagayan were stunned when the Piggatan Bridge, a vital connection between nearby towns and agricultural communities, suddenly gave way. The bridge had long served as a crucial route for transporting crops, goods, and construction materials between Alcala, Gattaran, and neighboring areas.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud cracking sound moments before the structure fell into the river. “We saw the bridge suddenly bend and break in the middle. The trucks tried to move forward, but it was too late,” said a resident who lives near Barangay Piggatan.
The collapse sent three trucks plunging into the river below, while nearby motorists stopped in shock. Authorities said seven individuals were injured and immediately rushed to hospitals in Alcala and Gattaran for treatment. Rescue teams from the Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) quickly arrived to conduct search and rescue operations.
Cagayan PDRRMO: Bridge Limit Was Only 18 Tons
In a separate interview, Alcala, Cagayan PDRRMO Head Ruelie Rapsing confirmed that signages were clearly posted at both ends of the bridge indicating a maximum load limit of 18 tons. Despite these warnings, the trucks—believed to be transporting gravel and construction materials—crossed simultaneously, causing the structure to buckle.
“There were warning signs in place. Sadly, they were ignored,” Rapsing stated. “The bridge could not withstand that level of pressure, especially when three overloaded trucks crossed at the same time.”
Officials are now investigating whether the trucking operators or drivers violated weight regulations, and if there were lapses in enforcement by local authorities.
Traffic Diversion and Alternate Routes in Alcala Cagayan
The bridge collapse in Alcala Cagayan has severely affected transportation between the towns of Alcala, Gattaran, and the rest of northern Cagayan. To manage the situation, DPWH and local traffic personnel have established alternate routes for motorists:
- Heavy Vehicles: Jct. Gattaran – Cumao – Capissayan – Sta. Margarita Bolos Point Road to Baybayog – Baggao – Sta. Margarita Road.
- Light Vehicles: Piggatan – Maraburab Barangay Road.
Motorists have been urged to avoid the area and exercise caution, as clearing operations and bridge inspections continue. The DPWH said it may take months before a temporary structure or bailey bridge can be installed to reconnect Alcala and neighboring towns.
Infrastructure Age and Load Management Under Review
The Piggatan Bridge was built more than four decades ago and had served as a vital artery for farm-to-market transport in Cagayan Valley. Engineers have long warned that many provincial bridges in the region are aging and were designed for lighter vehicles typical of the 1970s.
Secretary Dizon noted that retrofit programs and bridge modernization projects are underway under the DPWH’s long-term infrastructure resiliency plan. However, he stressed that local traffic enforcement is crucial to prevent overloading incidents.
“After DPWH builds the bridge, the traffic management is handed over to the LGU,” he said. “We need stronger cooperation to ensure heavy trucks are regulated before they cause structural failures.”
Local Impact and Recovery Plans in Alcala Cagayan
The collapse has caused economic disruption for Alcala Cagayan residents who rely on the bridge for transporting goods and daily commutes. Farmers have expressed concern that delays in moving produce could affect their income, especially with harvest season approaching.
Local government units are now working with DPWH and PDRRMO to establish temporary crossing points and ensure continuous access for emergency and essential services.
Governor and municipal officials from Cagayan province have pledged to assist affected residents and push for faster reconstruction efforts. Meanwhile, the DPWH is studying the possibility of constructing a new, stronger bridge to replace Piggatan.
Public Safety Reminder: Follow Load Limits
Authorities in Alcala Cagayan are reminding the public—especially trucking companies and drivers—to strictly comply with bridge load limits and safety regulations. The tragic collapse of the Piggatan Bridge underscores the dangers of overloading and the urgent need for continuous monitoring of critical infrastructure.
Secretary Dizon reiterated that safety must come before convenience.
“We must ensure that bridges are protected and that people’s lives are not put at risk,” he said. “This is a painful reminder for everyone—local officials, truck operators, and the public alike.”
Conclusion
The Piggatan Bridge collapse in Alcala Cagayan stands as a sobering example of what happens when infrastructure limits are ignored. As authorities investigate the cause and begin the long road to repair, residents hope for swift government action—not only to rebuild the bridge but to strengthen the safety culture across the region.
