MANDAUE City Mayor Thadeo Jovito ‘Jonkie’ Ouano has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and city engineering offices to immediately repair nonfunctioning streetlights on the two Mandaue–Mactan bridges to ensure the safety of commuters and delegates attending upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-related meetings.
City Administrator Gonzalo “Sally” Malig-on said Ouano convened a meeting on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, with representatives from the Department of General Services (DGS), the City Engineering Office and the DPWH 6th Engineering District to push for the urgent restoration of busted streetlights on the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the First Mandaue-Mactan Bridge.
Malig-on said Ouano stressed the need to properly illuminate the bridges, including their sides and approaches, after observing that many of the streetlights no longer work.
“The mayor really wants the bridges to be properly lighted. This has actually been raised as early as last year. The City already sent letters to the Bridge Board and the engineering offices, but until now, no action has been taken,” Malig-on said.
He added that the issue has become even more urgent with the upcoming Asean activities, noting that even if there are no events hosted in Mandaue City, delegates and staff are passing through the bridges.
“Mandaue City is a major passageway. Even if there is no event here, Asean staff and participants will still pass through our roads. We cannot afford to have dark bridges,” Malig-on said.
The two bridges fall under the jurisdiction of the DPWH and the Bridge Board, which is why Ouano called DPWH officials to a meeting on Monday.
Malig-on said the mayor also ordered the prioritization of lighting improvements along A.C. Cortes Ave. and UN Ave., which are among the main routes leading to the bridges.
He said the next phase of the project will cover Ouano Ave. up to Plaridel St. near the Cansaga Bridge, which is expected to be implemented within the first quarter of 2026.
“For now, what is most urgent is the lighting on the bridge itself and its approaches,” Malig-on said.
He added that the DPWH committed to start the repair works next week, following the mayor’s renewed push. / ABC