DPWH rush to repair vital Iloilo-Antique road

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is rushing to repair a road slip-damaged section of the Iloilo–Antique Road in Barangay Lopez Vito, San Joaquin, Iloilo, to restore connectivity between the two provinces.

On Wednesday afternoon, the DPWH placed embankment aggregates at the damaged site to fill and reinforce the sunken portion, providing a stable foundation to restore the road’s level and integrity.

It also began installing gabion boxes to serve as slope protection and prevent further erosion or collapse.

The damaged section, caused by Typhoon Tino, forms part of a key route linking southern Iloilo to the province of Antique.

As of Thursday, the road remains open only to light vehicles such as motorcycles and four-wheel cars.

Heavier vehicles are still prohibited due to safety concerns.

Motorists are advised to take alternate routes, including the Anini-y–Tobias Fornier Road via Barangay Pacencia, Tobias Fornier, Antique.

The DPWH has also completed road clearing operations in areas affected by typhoon-triggered landslides.

All lanes are now passable along Barangay Pacencia and the San Joaquin–Lawigan–Anini-y Road in Barangay Iba, Anini-y.

According to a report by Aksyon Radyo Iloilo, the DPWH said it still needs to request additional funds from its central office to fully rehabilitate the national road in San Joaquin.

Although no budget has been allocated yet for permanent repair, the district office has initiated temporary works to ensure road accessibility.

Meanwhile, the local government of Miagao announced that half of the new Oyungan Bridge has been opened to one-way traffic to ease congestion while the existing Bailey bridge remains out of service.

Earlier Thursday morning, parts of the Oyungan Bailey Bridge collapsed after being struck by floodwaters and debris carried by strong river currents.

The bridge has been declared unsafe and impassable until further notice.