Laurel, Batangas
November 4, 2024

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inspection of Bayuyungan Bridge, also known as the Bugaan Bridge — a critical structure connecting various barangays to the town — affected by the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) ‘Kristine’ at the Municipality of Laurel in Batangas.

“Ukol naman po sa tulay ng Bayuyungan at daan sa Agoncillo na nasira ng bagyong Kristine, ang DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] po ay tinitingnan na ang mga ito. Inaatasan ko rin sila na gawing prayoridad ang pagpapagawa ng mga imprastrakturang ito sa lalong madaling panahon,” the President stated during the distribution of various government assistance in Laurel, Batangas.

Among the major infrastructure damages in Batangas are the collapsed Bayuyungan Bridge in Laurel, the slope protection along the said bridge and a damaged road in Agoncillo. These damages resulted in the inaccessibility of affected barangays, posing challenges for emergency response and the transportation of agricultural goods.

The DPWH proposed to rebuild the collapsed Bayuyungan Bridge using PhP150 million in programmed funds while the damaged slope protection will be reconstructed with a separate allocation of PhP150 million. The collapsed road in Agoncillo will be repaired via an allotment of PhP50 million.

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