New 61-Meter Bridge Completed to Improve Rural Road Access | Ilocos Norte

The Loing-Mangitayag Bridge in Piddig provides flood-safe travel for farmers and residents.

The Department of Public Works and Highways completed the construction of the 61-meter Loing-Mangitayag Bridge in Piddig, Ilocos Norte, establishing a flood-safe road connection for surrounding communities, the PIA reports.

The new structure addresses long-standing road closures caused by river overflows during heavy rains, which routinely cut off access to schools, healthcare facilities, workplaces, and local markets. The infrastructure establishes direct, year-round travel across several agricultural areas:

Barangay Loing
Barangay Bimmanga
Barangay Tonoton
Barangay Mangitayag

Daycare worker Geraldine Tamodra expressed relief over the finished crossing. “We feel so fortunate. This is the crossing to Tonoton and Mangitayag that we have been waiting for,” Tamodra said. “It used to be very difficult, but now it brings immense relief to everyone. Even when it floods, our route remains safe and secure.”

Local farmers, whose livelihoods depend on agriculture, can now move rice, vegetables, and other products to the town center without weather-related delays.

Barangay Council Member Joaquin “Tres” Triunfante III noted the direct benefit to agricultural workers. “Farmers are the primary users of this road. Transporting produce to the town center is now vastly easier,” Triunfante said.

During a site inspection, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon stated that the structure was prioritized under the national government’s “Finish First” initiative to complete active infrastructure projects.

“The completion of these projects demonstrates to the public that we are serious about delivering results and ensuring that government funds are spent on the right projects,” Dizon said.

Ilocos Norte First District Representative Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos welcomed the infrastructure development. “We thank the national government for committing to complete the three bridges being built here in Piddig,” Marcos said.

DPWH confirmed that all three targeted bridge projects in the municipality of Piddig remain scheduled for completion within the year.

SOURCE: PIA