A proposed P250-million bridge connecting barangays Montilla and Macagahay in Moises Padilla moved a step forward after technical personnel from the Office of Civil Defense Negros Island Region conducted a site inspection at the damaged spillway area, recently.
The inspection was led by OCD-NIR Regional Director Donato Sermeno III who assessed the critical access route in Barangay Macagahay that was heavily damaged after Typhoon Tino struck on Nov. 4, 2025, a press release from Moises Padilla said Wednesday, May 27.
The old overflow structure, which served as a vital link between the two barangays, was washed out during the typhoon, causing major difficulties for residents, farmers, and motorists, especially during periods of heavy flooding.
The on-site inspection forms part of the preliminary assessment for the proposed permanent bridge project worth P250 million, which is being pushed by the local government to restore safe and reliable access for affected communities, the press release said.
The request for the bridge was earlier raised by Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo directly to the President during the latter’s visit to the municipality following the devastation caused by the typhoon last year.
Joining Sermeno during the inspection were Barangay Macagahay Captain Bernabe Eustanio, representatives from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and Municipal Engineer Agnes Glia Mabag.
Officials said the findings from the inspection will become part of the technical documentation required for the project’s validation and evaluation by the national government.
For residents who have long struggled with unsafe crossings and disrupted transport during bad weather, the proposed bridge brings renewed hope for safer travel, improved mobility, and better access to livelihood opportunities, the press release said.*
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