Residents endure challenges amid bridge repair in Maribojoc, Bohol

Residents continue to cross the river by boat due to the ongoing repair of Bato Bridge in Maribojoc, Bohol (INQUIRER / Leo Udtohan) TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol – Many residents of Maribojoc, Bohol continue to face daily hardships as the closure of Bato Bridge forces them to cross the Abatan River by boat, with high tides further delaying emergency repair works on the damaged bridge approach. The bridge, located in Barangay Cabawan, has been closed since July 14 and will remain closed until Aug. 12, 2026, to allow emergency repairs on the sinking bridge approach. For many residents, the closure has disrupted their daily routines. Article continues after this advertisement Grace, a student from Barangay Busao, said she has been taking a motorized boat to reach school for the past four days. She said the daily trip has become exhausting, especially during the morning rush when only two boat operators are available to ferry passengers across the river. Commuters pay P20 per crossing and often have to wait in line. Although an alternative land route is available, it requires a detour of about 20 kilometers compared to the roughly 500-meter river crossing. The situation becomes even more difficult during high tide. Article continues after this advertisement Since Monday, waist-high floodwaters have submerged the damaged bridge approach. Water levels peaked at 2.44 meters on Wednesday and were expected to remain high from around 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Thursday, preventing repair crews from working during the day. Article continues after this advertisement Construction activities can only resume once the water recedes, allowing workers to continue repairs until about 10 p.m. According to the Maribojoc local government, the bridge was temporarily closed to facilitate urgent repairs after soil settlement was observed at the bridge approach. During the closure, all vehicles and pedestrians are prohibited from crossing the bridge until authorities declare it safe for public use. Motorists, commuters and residents have been advised to use designated alternate routes and follow traffic advisories issued by local authorities. The local government also appealed for patience and cooperation from the public, warning residents not to attempt crossing the closed bridge for their own safety. Authorities said the damaged bridge approach continues to sink despite compaction and the placement of limestone fill materials. The problem began on June 9 and has been aggravated by repeated high tides, slowing rehabilitation efforts. Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) clarified that the delay in completing the Bato Bridge project is not caused by any structural defect in the bridge itself. DPWH Bohol 1st Engineering District Planning Head Engr. Julius Cesar Cadao said the bridge structure remains sound, but the bridge approach has been affected by unstable ground conditions and recurring high tides, requiring additional engineering work. Cadao said the district office requested P80 million to complete the project this year, but only P8 million was released by the DPWH Central Office, resulting in a funding shortfall. He said the district has already raised the matter with DPWH Regional Director Simeon Arias and DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon to secure the remaining funds needed to complete the project. The DPWH has requested a total of P150 million for the Maribojoc Bridge project. Of this amount, P62.5 million was funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act and P26.5 million under the 2025 budget. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. The status of the bridge was among the issues discussed during a July 3 committee investigation conducted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Public Works and Highways, chaired by Board Member Nathaniel Binlod.