Lego-type bridges eyed

MANILA, Philippines - Leaders of the House of Representatives called on the national government to activate an emergency bridge program, to include pre-positioning of “Lego-type” bridges to save lives, ensure the speedy flow of relief goods and prevent food shortage during calamities.

Batangas Rep. Mark Llandro Mendoza, chairman of the House committee on agriculture, said the examination of the structural integrity of bridges should be foremost in the list of priorities of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to guarantee public safety and avoid severing road links for the transport of rice, fruits and vegetables from farms in the countryside.

“Repair or replacement of bridges weakened by the flood should be carried out as soon as the weather allows it,” Mendoza said.

“While relief operations for flood victims are vital, safe passage on roads and bridges is also important, especially farm to market bridges and roads,” he said.

Mendoza said taking immediate steps to repair, replace bridges and clean roadblocks will not only ensure steady food supply but will also help stabilize prices of food and other prime commodities.

Negros Oriental Rep. Henry Pryde Teves, chairman of the House committee on agrarian reform, urged the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to seriously consider the activation of an emergency bridge calamity response unit under the Tulay ng Pangulo program for implementation and management by the DPWH.

He recalled that when typhoon “Sendong” hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, at least 12 bridges were destroyed.

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake also last year ruined 32 bridges in Negros Oriental.

Teves said most of the bridges were concrete type and could no longer be re-installed or repaired.

He said the “Lego-type modular bridges of Mabey or Eiffel,” referring to the British and French bridge builders, addressed these problems that may have cost billions of pesos in lost economic opportunities.

Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong, a member of the House public works committee, said damaged bridges could be replaced immediately with modular steel bridges to guarantee restoration of economic activities and avert food shortage problems.

Datumanong, a former secretary of the DPWH, said he expects government to ready financial allocations for the swift construction of bridges that would replace or restore damaged ones.

“I am sure the DPWH can find funds for this program. What is important is to address the need to restore or replace damaged bridges and other infrastructure so as not to endanger life and economic activities,” he said.

Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop, a member of the public works committee, said the quick deployment of steel modular bridges not only ensures mobility of food, fuel and other supplies, but would also save lives as casualties or patients can be easily transported to safer areas.

Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, also a member of the panel, said the pre-positioning of steel modular bridges would allow the government to immediately address “mobility issues during times of calamities.”