Bridge, gym collapse in Capiz towns

By Felipe V. Celino

No injuries were reported after a portion of the Agojo Bridge in Barangay Agojo, Panay, Capiz collapsed early Wednesday morning, Jan. 7, 2026.

Barangay Agojo Chair Rodnel Beluso said the incident occurred at around 4 a.m. while several residents were passing through the area.

Beluso said the bridge was constructed in 1994 and had already been slated for reconstruction this year.

He said officials from the Panay Municipal Engineering Office and the Provincial Engineering Office immediately inspected the bridge following the collapse.

Beluso said cracks and sinkholes had earlier been observed on the affected portion of the bridge, which he attributed to past calamities such as typhoons, floods, and earthquakes that hit the province.

He added that the barangay government had previously requested the municipal and provincial governments to rehabilitate the structure before the incident.

Based on the assessment of the Department of Public Works and Highways, the bridge requires PHP 50 million for full reconstruction.

In the meantime, improvised bamboo planks have been installed to allow residents to cross the damaged section.

In a separate incident, a covered gymnasium in Barangay Tacas, Pontevedra, Capiz collapsed Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 6, 2026.

Barangay Chair Joy Ramos said the structure gave way at around 2:30 p.m., citing alleged substandard construction.

“Pigado ang pag-ubra sang covered gym, kaangay gintungtong lang sa beam ang atop, kag gingamitan lang sang 12 mm nga kabilya,” Ramos said.

The covered gym was constructed during the term of former barangay chair Edong Dalisay.

Some current and former barangay council members said two posts of the structure had already collapsed during its construction.

Ramos said the collapsed portion of the gym will not be disturbed to allow for a proper investigation.

She said she will summon the project contractor to explain the construction issues.

It was learned that the contractor is a nephew of the former barangay chair.

The barangay has coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways to conduct a structural assessment of the facility.

Ramos said she had earlier raised concerns about alleged construction irregularities with Capiz 1st District Rep. Howard Guintu prior to the collapse.

She said it was fortunate that no one was injured, noting that students regularly use the gym for school activities and basketball practice.