Banica Bridge rehab puts 50 houses at risk

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Some 50 houses are facing demolition because of the pending rehabilitation of Banica Bridge in Barangay Banica, Roxas City.

Banica Punong Barangay Mike Xander Agrasada said personnel from the Planning Division Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Capiz 1st District Engineering Office went to the barangay hall in January and discussed with barangay officials the proposed bridge rehabilitation and the possible demolition of houses near the structure.

He said the proposed rehabilitation by the DPWH-Capiz 1st District Engineering Office had long been planned but has yet to be implemented.

The bridge is slated for major rehabilitation and repair because of its weakened structural condition, with urgent renovation plans included in the 2025 and 2026 project pipeline to ensure public safety.

The project is expected to affect nearby residents in Barangay Banica.

According to a January 2026 DPWH resolution, the specific tender for the repairs was canceled because of a revised allocation for the project under the 2026 budget.

A 2025 report indicated that more than 50 households were expected to be affected by the upcoming rehabilitation, prompting residents to appeal for assistance from the city government.

Parts of the bridge subject to rehabilitation include the railings, waterproofing on the roadway, and the installation of carbon fiber sheets on the bridge’s foundation.

The bridge underwent major rehabilitation during the term of former Capiz 1st District Rep. Rodriguez Dadivas in the 1990s.

It was one of the priority projects of the former congressman, who is the father of incumbent Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas.

Banica Bridge serves as a crucial transit point connecting local roads and traffic traversing the Panay River.