Abra de ilog: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Thursday opened the Udalo Bridge along the Abra de Ilog-Puerto Galera Road in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, initially only to light vehicles. During the project inspection, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon announced that the bridge construction, which has been stalled for three-and-a-half years, is finally accessible to motorists.

According to Philippines News Agency, small vehicles will be allowed to cross the bridge as there is a 21-day curing process for the cement. "For light vehicles, it's open - to motorcycles, tricycles, but we have a curing period of 21 days, so I asked... that trucks are not allowed until the cement cures for 21 days," Dizon explained. He also mentioned plans to allow all vehicles to cross the bridge by mid-July.

In February, Dizon visited the construction of the bridge, a vital link between Occidental and Oriental Mindoro. Local officials, led by Abra de Ilog Mayor Maria Gloria Montenegro-Constantino, expressed gratitude for the completion of the bridge. "This is a much-awaited project because this is the missing link to connect Occidental and Oriental Mindoro on the north side," she stated. Montenegro-Constantino highlighted the bridge's importance in providing easy access to regional centers in Calapan and connecting a barangay with a significant Mangyan population for better health services and disaster response.

Dizon is committed to completing the concreting of 7 km in the area by mid-2027. "Our commitment is to complete the 7-km roads, including Sigman and roads going to Puerto Galera, gaps on flood control projects, and construction of slope protection. That is our commitment, and we will make sure to deliver," he added.