Questions linger over Dagupan–Lipay Bridge as only Phase 1 completed

Residents and netizens in Vintar, Ilocos Norte are continuing to question the actual status of the Dagupan–Lipay Bridge project after photos circulating online showed portions of the structure and its approaches appearing unfinished or vulnerable, particularly during periods of heavy rain.

Documents from the Department of Public Works and Highways obtained from highly placed sources show that Phase 1 of the project has been completed, but that this phase does not cover the full scope of the bridge’s planned development.

The project, officially titled SIPAG – Access Roads and/or Bridges from the National Roads Leading to Major/Strategic Public Buildings/Facilities – Construction of Dagupan–Lipay Bridge, Vintar, Ilocos Norte, is being implemented by the DPWH Ilocos Norte 1st District Engineering Office, with Katha Builders & Supplies as contractor.

The contract agreement, dated 7 February 2024, pegged the original project cost at ₱57.61 million for Phase 1. Subsequent variation orders increased the total approved cost to ₱58.79 million, based on a contract status report dated 23 January 2026.

Records show the contract took effect on 13 February 2024, with an original duration of 207 calendar days ending on 6 September 2024. Multiple suspensions and approved extensions later stretched the contract to 362 calendar days, moving the revised completion date to 8 February 2025. Phase 1 works were recorded as completed on 7 February 2025.

A chronology of events obtained from highly placed sources shows repeated construction suspensions throughout 2024. Work was halted from 4 March to 10 April due to limited aggregate supply while a quarry permit was being processed. From 22 July to 11 September, construction was suspended due to high water levels caused by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.

Further suspensions were recorded from 2 October to 15 October and from 22 October to 8 December 2024, both attributed to high water levels brought about by successive typhoons. Several shorter stoppages in September were also logged due to rainy and unworkable days.

To verify these claims, this investigation reviewed official bulletins from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. PAGASA bulletins confirmed that Typhoon Julian (Krathon) affected northern Luzon between 30 September and 1 October 2024, while Typhoon Carina (Gaemi) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility starting 22 July 2024 and enhanced the southwest monsoon, bringing heavy rains to the Ilocos Region.

Residents living near the project site independently confirmed that construction was repeatedly halted in 2024 due to flooding, heavy rains and typhoons. All residents requested anonymity for security reasons.

Despite the recorded completion of Phase 1, residents said visible conditions suggest that critical protective works remain lacking. Photos show areas near the abutments and riverbanks appearing exposed, with water levels reportedly rising close to structural elements during heavy rains. Netizens have raised concerns over potential erosion, settlement and premature deterioration.

Internal DPWH reports acknowledge technical challenges, including the need for additional protection for Abutment B, warning that without reinforcement, flowing water could erode surrounding soil and weaken the structure.

The reports also recommend installing additional permanent casing to protect deep foundation piles, citing predominantly sandy soil conditions that are more prone to erosion during floods. Other components referenced in the documents include pile integrity and high-strain dynamic testing, prestressed concrete girders, elastomeric bearing pads, reinforcing steel bars, drainage structures, pipe culverts, stone masonry and slope protection works.

According to highly placed sources, an additional ₱60 million is being sought to fund Phase 2, which would cover the remaining major works of the bridge. Insiders said the project’s future now depends on whether the national government releases the full amount. Partial funding, they warned, could result in only partial completion of Phase 2 and limited works under Phase 3, leaving the bridge unfinished.

Residents are now calling on DPWH to clearly explain what was included under Phase 1, what works remain under the next phases, and when those phases are expected to be implemented.