DAVAO CITY, June 9 -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Tuesday assured that the Bucana Bridge here has sustained only minor damage and is passable and safe for motorists.

Damage to the bridge was visible after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Mindanao on Monday.

"We are assured by our engineers and contractors that it is very minor," Dizon said in an interview with reporters while inspecting the bridge.

"As you can see, there are a lot of vehicles passing by - so it is safe. We also checked under the bridge, and it is safe."

He, however, noted that some expansion joints need to be repaired within three to five days.

"These are only minor - no problem on the bridge. Tuloy-tuloy lang ang gam...