Danao City wins fight to fix broken bridges

A MAJOR budget shift is coming to Danao City. The Office of the President and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have agreed to move 2026 funds to fix two critical bridges destroyed by Typhoon Tino.

This decision comes after a standoff between local and national leaders over which projects should come first: building new roads or fixing broken ones.

Lifelines over luxury

Originally, the DPWH’s 2026 budget for the area was set aside for administrative upgrades and making existing roads even better. However, Mayor Ramon "Nito" Durano III argued that these projects didn't make sense while the Guinacot–Quisol Bridge and Danao Bridge 1 remained unusable.

The Mayor even refused to give permits for $P89.35$ million worth of other projects until the national government agreed to fix the bridges.

"The Guinacot–Quisol Bridge and Danao Bridge 1 in Taboc are not just projects—they are lifelines for our communities," Mayor Durano said.

Resiliency first

For a long time, people have criticized a policy often called "good road to better road." This happens when the government spends money to re-pave a road that is already fine, while broken bridges nearby are ignored.

By redirecting the 2026 funds, the government is choosing resiliency—fixing what is broken to keep people safe and connected—over routine upgrades.

What this means for Danao

For the people living in Danao City, this is about more than just construction. Bridges are the main paths for trade and travel. When they are broken, neighborhoods are cut off and local businesses suffer.

However, choosing the bridges means other projects will have to wait. Improvements to the Cebu North–Hagnaya Wharf Road and some government buildings will likely be delayed.

What’s next?

The DPWH Regional Office VII has now sent technical teams to start planning the repairs. While Danao Bridge 1 is currently being held together by emergency maintenance, the permanent fix depends on this new budget.

Engineers are now working on:

Technical Assessments: Figuring out exactly how much the repairs will cost.

Engineering Requirements: Designing the new, stronger structures.

Procurement: Getting the materials and builders ready to start.

The timeline for when the bridges will be finished is still being decided as national and local teams work together on the new designs. DPC