• ANDREW ALTAREJOS

The Talave Bridge in Calatrava Town, Negros Occidental, considered as the only remaining pre-war bridge in Negros Occidental, was recently demolished by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), without clearance from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
The bridge located in Barangay Refugio, Calatrava was built in 1933 by the United States Steel Products Co. and is considered a heritage structure that connects to the neighboring Barangay Punao in San Carlos City in Negros Occidental.
Andoni Llantada, Juan Calatrava Movement chairperson, questioned the act of the DPWH to demolish the 91-year old bridge, citing that there is a need for the preservation of the heritage structure which was recognized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines as an important cultural and heritage structure in the country.
Llantada said that his group, the Juan Calatrava Movement, strongly condemned the demolition and they are determined to hold all those involved responsible. The NHCP has recommended preserving the old Talave bridge while using a new bridge alongside it.
On the other hand, San Carlos City Council unanimously passed Resolution No. 23-240, dated July 6, 2023, supporting Barangay Punao’s appeal to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to demolish the old Talave bridge, paving way to the construction of a new bridge. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), endorsed by the City government of San Carlos, proceeded with the action, citing safety hazards as the main reason for the demolition of the old bridge.
Llantada has called for the preservation of the bridge since last year and has in fact even asked the NHCP to issue a Cease and Desist Order against DPWH. He also added that they have written the NHCP again with regards to the demolition of the heritage bridge in Calatrava this month, and are still waiting for a response from the Commission.*