THE Cebu City Council has approved P28 million to complete the unfinished bridge in Barangay Pulangbato after the previous contractor’s contract was terminated.
Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said Monday, March 17, 2025, that he will fast-track the bidding for a new contractor but acknowledged the possibility of delays due to the election fund disbursement ban from March 28 to May 11.
“We can already start the bidding process. I will make this quick. But I don’t know if this will be affected by the election ban,” Garcia said in a mix of Cebuano and English.
The budget resolution, sponsored by Councilors Joel Garganera and Jerry Guardo, allocates funding from remaining project funds and the disaster council budget. The council approved the resolution on March 12.
The Department of Engineering and Public Works reported that only P17 million remains from the original P24 million allocated in 2020, which is now insufficient due to rising material costs.
Original contractor
The project was initially awarded to SBD Builders for P24 million to replace an old steel bridge damaged by typhoon Odette in December 2021. Work started on Sept. 15, 2023, but delays led to its termination.
The Pulangbato Barangay Council passed a resolution on Oct. 7, 2024, urging contract cancellation due to 63.98 percent negative slippage in completion.
Barangay Councilor Clyde Limpag said the unfinished bridge forced motorists onto unsafe makeshift routes, increasing accident risks.
Shaun Doherty of SBD Builders said they had requested changes in project methodology in January 2024 due to site risks. He claimed P14 million had been spent, with 51 percent completion, but only P6.9 million was paid by the City Government.
Besides the Pulangbato bridge, SBD Builders was also handling the rehabilitation of the Cebu City Sports Center’s rubberized track oval.
Garcia assured that the City Government will select a contractor with a strong track record.
“Maybe we will get contractors who are more qualified and have a better track record in essential government infrastructure,” he said.
The bridge will connect Pulangbato to other barangays, including Pit-os and Talamban, and provide access to mountain barangays such as Guba, Agsungot and Sirao. / JPS