Ilocos Norte gov't wants a halt to Spanish-era bridge demolition

LAOAG, Ilocos Norte — The Ilocos Norte provincial government has tapped cultural agencies to stop the demolition of the "Puente de Barit" bridge built during the Spanish colonial era.

"It's very unfortunate that incidents like this happen, especially in our province where culture and heritage are sources of livelihood for a lot of people. The bridge in Barit is an important heritage structure for the province,” Ilocos Norte tourism officer Aianree Raquel said Friday.

The provincial government has asked the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the National Museum to intervene and halt the planned demolition of the centuries-old brick bridge as part of the Department of Public Works and Highways' road widening project.

"We have been assured by our top cultural agencies that they will send experts to assess the damage done and determine actions to be taken," Raquel said.

State news agency PNA reported Saturday that road works in Barangay Barit were temporarily suspended by the DPWH.

The bridge is believed to be built before 1888, the same time Spanish colonial era churches were being constructed in the province.

Protection of heritage structures is mandated under Republic Act 10066 or the Heritage Law.