(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the inauguration of the Camalaniugan Bridge in Cagayan, a major step toward enhancing regional connectivity and mobility in Northern Luzon. In his speech, Marcos said the P2.3-billion bridge would serve as “a model for many of the other bridge projects that we will be seeing around the country.” He said the government accelerated the construction of the bridge to benefit the public and nearby communities, particularly by boosting economic activity in the area. “I am sure that [through this bridge], the economy on both sides of the bridge will change,” Marcos said. “And this will give many opportunities in the surrounding areas. There will be opportunities for new jobs, for new businesses. And I’m sure that you will feel the effects — the economic effects — in a very short time,” he added. The president also lauded the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) “for their very good work here and to see that everything was completed on time and on budget.” Aside from ensuring seamless traffic flow, he said the bridge was constructed in line with the current safety standards. “And it is rewarding because putting up this kind of bridge is a very significant achievement because, as all of you here are well aware, it cuts the travel time,” he said. Marcos also assured the public that the money spent on building vital infrastructures benefits Filipinos. On Oct. 14 last year, the president inspected the bridge and called it one of the most “beautiful” and well-executed infrastructure projects undertaken by the government. The 2.16-kilometer, two-lane Camalaniugan Bridge will serve as an alternative route to the Magapit Suspension Bridge, previously the only bridge at the northernmost part of Cagayan that spans the Cagayan River. With the bridge’s completion, travel time between Aparri and Ballesteros is expected to decrease from one hour to 20 minutes, easing congestion, reducing transportation costs and making daily commutes easier for residents and transport operators. The bridge is expected to serve about 6,000 travelers daily, supporting regional trade, agriculture, logistics and tourism, while reinforcing the government’s commitment to modern, resilient and people-centered infrastructure development. Detour bridge On the same visit, the president also inspected the newly opened Piggatan Detour Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan, accompanied by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, Gov. Edgar Aglipay, Alcala Mayor Cristina Antonio and DPWH-Region 2 Director Mathias Malenab during the inspection. The president directed the DPWH to ensure that the new permanent bridge to replace the collapsed Piggatan Bridge in Cagayan was properly designed, safe and durable. The detour bridge was opened to the public on Dec. 19, 2025, after two months of construction by DPWH. The Piggatan Detour Bridge has a load limit of 40 tons and was funded by the DPWH with P19,087,700. The project aims to provide an alternative route to facilitate the transportation of agricultural products from Cagayan province. The DPWH has assured the public that the construction of a permanent bridge will begin soon to further improve traffic flow and the transportation of agricultural products in and out of Cagayan province. Marcos also led the opening of the Cagayan Provincial Athletic Association. The event was attended by various delegations of athletes from each municipality in the province. This year, the municipality of Camalaniugan, led by Mayor Isidro Cabaddu, is hosting the meet. Marcos urged the Cagayan athletes to embody the spirit of sports and maintain healthy competition and camaraderie, and aim to bring honor to the province and the country.