Emergency procurement eyed for Pulangbato bridge rehab

To take advantage of the ongoing dry season, the Cebu City Government is preparing to initiate the emergency procurement process for the rehabilitation of the Pulangbato Bridge, following the termination of its previous contractor.

- Iris Hazel Mascardo/FPL

Nearly seven months after officials from Barangay Pulangbato urged the city to declare a state of emergency in their area, the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) convened on Thursday to adopt the recommendation.

With this development, the city will now seek the council’s approval for emergency procurement to fast-track the stalled construction of the reinforced deck girder bridge from Sitio Candarong to Tanay Road in Barangay Pulangbato.

Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia noted that the project has been long overdue, with the barangay requesting its completion since 2013.

“It has already been 12 years and no action. Nasugdan na unta ni atong 2023 but again because of pressing concerns, like the contractor was unable to finish the project, then we had to do the necessary measures,” said Garcia.

The project was initially awarded to SBD Builders with a contract amounting to P24,052,580.78. It was originally scheduled for completion in 240 days, from September 15, 2023, to May 11, 2024.