DPWH-Davao Confirms Lawayon Bridge “Structurally Normal”

THE Department of Public Works and Highways-Davao Region (DPWH-Davao) has clarified that the Lawayon Bridge in Barangay Mangile, Jose Abad Santos, in Davao Occidental remains “structurally normal” despite reports circulating online suggesting otherwise.

DPWH-Davao Regional Director Dean Ortiz stated in a media interview on Wednesday morning, May 21, 2025, that only the approach on the Malita side of the bridge sustained damage due to soil scouring caused by flooding. 

The damage occurred on May 17 following days of continuous rainfall brought about by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which has affected large parts of southern Mindanao.

“We would like to clarify nga walay damage ang tulay itself. Immediately after it was reported, nag-deploy dayon ta’g equipment ug mga tao para mag-facilitate sa kadtong problema… Nagpasalig ang district nga within one to three weeks, maagihan na balik tung tulay,” he said, emphasizing that they are conducting full-scale operations to ensure that the accessibility of the bridge will not be compromised.

(We would like to clarify that the bridge itself did not sustain any damage. Immediately after the issue was reported, we deployed equipment and personnel to address the problem. The district office has committed that the bridge will be passable again within one to three weeks.)

Ortiz assured the public that full-scale assessment and repair operations are ongoing. However, due to unfavorable weather conditions, full restoration may take time. 

In the meantime, motorists and residents have been advised to use an alternative route upstream of the affected area.

“Temporarily, we’re rerouting traffic through an upstream portion of the river to ensure connectivity for affected communities,” Ortiz added.

The damage to the bridge approach has isolated residents of Sitio Lawayon and neighboring areas in Jose Abad Santos for the past three days. According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), while the main bridge structure remains safe, the erosion of the approach has rendered the bridge impassable.

The damage was caused by intense flooding in the Lawayon River, which washed away the embankment supporting the bridge’s Malita-side approach.

Ortiz also noted that, as of May 19, the Lawayon (Luayon) Bridge is the only reported infrastructure in the Davao Region to have sustained approach damage as a result of the continuous heavy rains.

The official emphasized that local government units and DPWH personnel are also working closely to restore access and ensure public safety during the ongoing adverse weather.

On May 19, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported rainfall in several parts of the country, particularly in the afternoon and evening. 

This signals the ongoing transition toward the wet season. However, Pagasa clarified that certain conditions must be met before the official declaration of the rainy season.

According to Pagasa, the criteria include a minimum total rainfall of 25 mm over five days, with at least 1 mm of rain recorded on three consecutive days.

Last year, the wet season was officially declared on May 29. Despite recent rain due to the ITCZ and thunderstorms, the agency said the dry season is still in effect until the criteria are met. DEF