Philippine Colonial Bridges I

The early history of bridge building in the country is attributed to both the Spanish missionaries and conquistadors, who along with their task of converting, pacifying and subjugating souls were also responsible for building communities.


Puente de Isabel II (Province of Cavite)
The bridge was built by Brother Matias Carbonell OSRA in 1857 and situated along Calle Liko and spans the Rio de Imus linking the town of Imus to Bacoor.

Puente Dampol (Province of Nueva Vizcaya)
The bridge was built by the Spanish conquistadors in 1739 and situated in the southernmost portion of the Cagayan Valley.

Puente de Barit (Province of locos Norte)
The bridge is situated along the Laoag-Bacarra Nacional Road. Nothing much is known about its heritage, but it is a beautiful piece of civic infrastructure that serves as a very important link to towns of north of Laoag.

Puente de Blanco (Binondo)
The bridge is also known as Puente de Binondo, built in 1796. The bridges traverses Calle San Fernando linking Plaza Calderon de la Barca now known as Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz to San Nicholas district. The Maestro de obras was Policarpio Faxardo with Phelipe de Mesa as sobrestante or foreman.


Puente de Malagonlong (Province of Quezon)
It is the most spectacular bridge from the Spanish Colonial era. The construction was started in 1841 and finished in 1850. It links Tayabas with the coastal town of Pagbilao, then an important link to the coast.

Puente del Fuerza Santiago (Intramuros)
The construction of the bridge started in 1591 and was completed in 1634 under the direction of Leonardo Iturrino. The bridge was built west of the gate leading to Fuerza Santiago. Today both the moat and the bridge have been fully restored to give visitors a partial glimpse of the history of Fuerza Santiago.

Puente de Mabacao (Maragondon)
The date of construction and the name of the builders remains unknown. It spans a rather wide gorge and is supported by three masonry piers resting on solid rocks.

Puente de Busay (Province of Albay)
The bridge is located along the Guinobatan-Camalig national road which straddles the border of the two towns overlooking either the majestic Mount Mayon on its eastern side or the spectaculars Busay Waterfalls.

Stamp Issue: 2007-05-16