7.8 earthquake

• No closure for Bucana Bridge after M7.8 quake – DPWH chief 

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon assured the public on Tuesday morning, June 9, that the Bucana Bridge in Davao City remains safe and open to motorists following the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday.

During an inspection, Dizon clarified that engineers and contractors found only minor, non-structural damage to the bridge’s expansion joints and railings, which will be repaired within three to five days.

“Minor damage on Bucana Bridge—our engineers and the contractor assure us. It’s very minor, so we can still pass through the bridge. So, it’s very safe. They’ve checked the bottom. There’s just a little problem with the expansion joint, but it will be finished within three to five days,” Dizon told reporters.

“There are only non-structural cements that have given way a little bit but are being repaired. But the main structure that makes up the bridge is intact; there are no cracks,” he added.

Inspection of DPWH-XI and contractors

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon personally visited this morning, June 9, 2026, to check the general condition of the bridge after the strong earthquake.

Joining Dizon were DPWH-XI officials, including spokesperson Dean Ortiz, representatives from the China-Aid Localized Project for the Davao River Bridge, and technical experts of the China Road and Bridge Corporation.

The secretary reviewed the ongoing assessment and structural repair works in the area to ensure the complete safety of motorists who pass through that crucial route.

On Monday, authorities opened the Bucana Bridge for light vehicles starting at 1 pm, while the trucks and other heavy vehicles are being diverted to alternative routes while waiting for the final clearing from the engineers.