Forbes Bridge

The Forbes Bridge is an arched girder bridge that spans the Iloilo River in Iloilo City, Philippines. It was constructed in 1909 to replace the wooden Jaro Bridge, which had been built in 1875. The bridge served as a vital link between the districts of La Paz and Iloilo City Proper.^[2] It is claimed to be the oldest concrete bridge in the country.^[3]

Forbes Bridge
The bridge in 2024 from the La Paz side
Coordinates	10°42′21″N 122°34′3″E
Carries	Motor vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles
Crosses	Iloilo River
Locale	Iloilo City, Philippines
Official name	Forbes Bridge
Named for	William Cameron Forbes
Maintained by	Iloilo City Government Department of Public Works and Highways - Iloilo City District Engineering Office
Preceded by	Muelle Loney (Rizal) Bridge
Followed by	Jalandoni Bridge
Characteristics
Design	Neoclassical arch bridge
Material	Steel-reinforced concrete
Total length	127 m (417 ft)[1]
Width	20.05 m (65.8 ft)[1]
Traversable?	yes
No. of spans	3
Piers in water	6
Clearance below	9.07 m (30 ft) at mean tide
No. of lanes	4 (2 per direction)
History
Construction end	1909
Inaugurated	1910
Rebuilt	1975
Replaces	Jaro Bridge
Location

History

During the Spanish colonial period, the estuary that meandered through Iloilo City was known as the Jaro River, as it marked the natural boundary for one of the original territories of the pueblo of Jaro. In 1587, a one-foot image of the Nuestra Señora de la Purificacion y Candelaria (Our Lady of Purification and Candles) was discovered in this body of water. Over time, the Jaro River came to be known as the Iloilo River.^[4][5][6]

The construction of the Forbes Bridge was considered a significant development during its time. An American newspaper described it as "one of the most important causeways yet constructed in the islands." The bridge was built by W. H. Lambert & Co. at a cost of P100,000 and was completed in 1910. It spanned a length of 127 meters.^[7][6]

In recognition of his contributions and leadership, the bridge was named after Governor General William Cameron Forbes. Governor General Forbes served as the Governor-General of the Philippines from 1909 to 1913. His name was bestowed upon the bridge to honor his role in the development and modernization of the region. The bridge was rehabilitated in 1975.^[8]

Forbes Bridge stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of its time and continues to serve as an important transportation route in Iloilo City. It holds historical significance as a symbol of the city's growth and development during the early 20th century.^[6]