Makilo Bridge construction in Tinglayan, Kalinga under public watch; Anti-corruption group visits site

Tabuk City, Kalinga – After the collapse of the old structure on December 1, 2025, the new Makilo Bridge in Bugnay, Tinglayan is slowly taking shape, with the public closely monitoring its progress.

On March 26, 2026, the anti-corruption group, “Save Kalinga,” visited the site to see firsthand how construction is progressing, following reports from the implementing office that Phase 1 of the project is already 98% complete, while Phase 2 is at 15%.

At the site, members of the group questioned officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)–Upper Kalinga and contractors regarding transparency, fund utilization, the quality of materials being used to ensure safety, timeliness, and the pace of work.

“Naideliver dagitoy steel components. Apay nga nakatiwangwang da? Naka-expose da ti sun and rain. It was reported in the portal of DPWH that Phase 1 of the project is 98% completed. Apay garud dagitoy nga nakatiwangwang da? Apay haan ba maapektaran ti quality na dagitoy materials nu exposed da ti sun and rain?”

This was among the questions raised by Natividad Bayubay, a member of the civic group, after the team observed steel components for Phase 1 exposed in the narrow construction area.

Responding to the concern, one of the contractors explained that foundation works, including piers and substructures, must first be completed before installing the steel components. He added that site limitations, such as narrow roads, make material stockpiling challenging.

“We ordered the steel components from Manila, and then of course before they are placed, we have to finish the piers. Nu makita yo ket nalipit ditoy site ket isu maysa challenge kanyami,” he said.

The group emphasized the importance of protecting the materials while also urging continued transparency and regular updates to the public.

Meanwhile, a DPWH official acknowledged delays in the implementation of the project, citing right-of-way clearing issues and weather conditions as the main reasons.

The project background discussed during the inspection also indicated that this is not the first attempt to replace the crossing due to these challenges. According to another DPWH official, the project has experienced “three suspensions.”

The Makilo Bridge, a vital crossing connecting Kalinga and Mountain Province, is being constructed following the collapse of the previous structure in December 2025.

Built in the 1960s, the Bailey-type bridge served as the only crossing in the area and was originally intended to be temporary.

The Upper Kalinga District Engineering Office held a groundbreaking ceremony on November 10, 2023, for the construction of a new bridge. With over P67 million in funding, a 101.5-meter steel arch bridge is planned. In 2024, an additional P57.7 million was allocated for Phase 2.

However, despite the public announcement of a new structure, the old bridge remained in use until it eventually collapsed.

Reports said the old bridge partially gave way in late November 2025 and totally collapsed on December 1, affecting the movement of residents and the transport of agricultural goods.

To address this, a temporary bridge was constructed, which now serves as the passageway for travelers.

The public has since raised concerns about a possible “ghost project,” sharing photos of the 2023 groundbreaking ceremony attended by key officials in Kalinga.

Save Kalinga Incorporated said their visit was in response to calls for transparency and accountability.

Both DPWH officials and the contractors welcomed the visit, saying such engagements provide an opportunity to address concerns and update the public on the project’s progress.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Save Kalinga also urged the public to monitor other projects being implemented in the province and report any irregularities.

The group can be contacted through the numbers 09399531216 and 09458441103 or by visiting their office in Purok 2, San Juan, Tabuk City. They also plan to conduct ocular inspections of ongoing projects across the province.