Ilocos Sur: The Iconic Quirino Bridge of Banaoang

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"The scenic Quirino Bridge is named after the late former President, Elpidio Qurino, 6th President of the Philippines, and it spreads across the Abra river connecting the rocky mountain slopes of the town of Santa and the tail end of Bantay. Otherwise referred to as ‘Banaoang bridge’, it majestically connects and separates two transcending mountains and widely praised because of its marvelous engineering and grand architectural design as glorified by its splendid panoramic beauty, strength and durability when it survived the bombings of World War II."

An important landmark of Ilocandia, this 456-meter bridge is also called Banaoang Bridge as it's located in Barangay Banaoang, Santa, Ilocos Sur. It is no longer used and replaced with a newer bridge that also connects the towns of Santa and Bantay. 

The scenic arch bridge is considered an iconic symbol of Ilocos Sur. It is famous for its excellent engineering, architectural design and magnificent views. At the height of a strong typhoon in 2001, one of its steel spans was damaged and washed away. It is currently preserved as a tourist attraction, doubling as a backup in case the main bridge is damaged by typhoons.

You get a picturesque view of the bridge with the Abra mountain backdrop that you would not dare stop to capture this on camera, or video, to immortalize the memory.

Partner photographer Collin Sarthou Yap