The Department of Public Works and Highways in Region 11 (DPWH 11) is expediting the installation of a temporary Bailey bridge in Barangay Callawa following the collapse of Callawa Bridge 2 caused by heavy rains and flooding triggered by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and Easterlies.
The bridge in Purok 2 became impassable after strong floodwaters continuously pounded the creek beneath the structure beginning Monday night, eventually causing portions of the bridge to give way.
Photos circulating online showed the bridge collapsing as rushing floodwaters surged underneath during intense rainfall.
DPWH 11 spokesperson Dean Ortiz said mobilization of equipment and construction materials is already underway while clearing operations continue at the site to prepare for the Bailey bridge installation.
“The installation will start as soon as possible. Mobilization of equipment and materials began yesterday. Clearing operations, especially on the collapsed deck, are ongoing,” Ortiz said.
According to Ortiz, the temporary steel bridge could restore partial or full access to motorists within two to four weeks.
However, he clarified that once operational, the Bailey bridge will only accommodate vehicles weighing 15 tons and below.
“Heavy trucks will not be allowed to pass,” Ortiz said.
In the meantime, all vehicles remain prohibited from crossing Callawa Bridge 2, with motorists advised to take Katualan Road as the designated alternate route.
To ensure public safety, DPWH 11 has cordoned off the affected area and installed advisory billboards informing motorists of the closure and rerouting measures.
Ortiz also said the agency is preparing a long-term solution through a permanent bridge replacement project.
“Preliminary detailed engineering activities shall be undertaken immediately, and a special request for funds will be made to include the bridge project in the 2027 Budget,” he said, noting that the regional office has already submitted its 2027 budget proposal to the DPWH Central Office.
Documents obtained by the media identified the collapsed structure as part of the DPWH infrastructure project under Contract ID 17LO-0133 for the concreting, widening, and improvement of the Buhangin–Tigatto–Mandug–Callawa–Fatima Road, including the reconstruction of Callawa Bridge and right-of-way acquisition.
Project records showed the contract was signed on May 11, 2017 during the term of then Davao City Second District Representative Vincent Garcia and awarded to Premium Megastructures, Inc. for P184.5 million with a completion period of 240 calendar days.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the government by then DPWH 11 OIC-Regional Director Allan Borromeo.
Ortiz noted that the approximately 15-meter bridge had long been vulnerable to erosion due to the gradual widening of the creek underneath the structure.
