Heavy equipment and construction materials have arrived in Tarlac City for the construction of a temporary Bailey bridge at the collapsed Agana Bridge, more than a day after the structure gave way amid continuous rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat.

The Agana Bridge collapsed on Saturday, August 29, according to the Tarlac City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO).

In a social media post on Monday, August 31, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the equipment and materials were mobilized for the construction of the temporary bridge at the damaged Agana Bridge in Barangay Tibag.

“Dumating na ang mga heavy equipment at materyales para sa pagtatayo ng temporary Bailey bridge sa nasirang Agana Bridge sa Tarlac City—higit isang araw matapos itong gumuho dahil sa patuloy na pag-ulan dala ng habagat,” the DPWH wrote in the caption.

The mobilization followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to the DPWH to expedite repairs and restore connectivity between Tarlac City and neighboring towns.

It was the second bridge in Tarlac City to collapse within two days as heavy rains and strong river currents continued to affect the province.

A portion of the Aquino Bridge gave way on Friday night, August 28, amid continuous rains and strong river currents. The bridge was subsequently closed to traffic.

The Agana Bridge had been used as an alternative route following the closure of the Aquino Bridge.