GENERAL TRIAS, Cavite – Cavite 6th District Representative Luis Ferrer IV on Monday appealed to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to “preserve whatever can be preserved, without compromising the viability of the project” on the heritage bridge that will be affected by the ongoing DPWH road network project at Buenavista 2 village here.
Ferrer made the request noting the clamor of heritage advocates, led by De La Salle University Associate Professor Jeffrey Alfaro Lubang, to spare the said Hispanic bridge, designed with beautiful round arches and buttresses and believed constructed on the order of the Augustinian friars in the 17th or 18th century.
A known Cavite historian and heritage advocate, Lubang has publicly called on project proponents to stop the destruction of the old bridge citing “the spirit of our core identity lies in our material culture, and sadly, we are fast losing them.”
The PHP45-million DPWH project, which includes the construction of a new Buenavista bridge which spans 40 meters and now 60percent from its target completion by end of 2018, will partially affect the old bridge due to its design, said DPWH 1st District Engineer Oscar Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz further explained that the project, which they have been working on since the previous administration, passed through the needed protocol, from public consultation for its feasibility, to groundbreaking ceremony and all, “so why only now?” in reference to the clamor to spare the bridge.
While understanding and respecting the advocates’ views, Dela Cruz hopes “they should also consider the economic viability of this project” and to consider foremost the safety of the locals, composed of students, workers, business owners, as well as the commuters “as only a single motor vehicle are considered safe to pass on the old bridge.”
Rey Genuino, a resident of Buenavista 2, wished that the project proponents opted for preservation, “instead of having a new one (bridge).”
He, however quickly said he could not fully appreciate the new bridge’s viability, as he is not personally aware of what the project’s purpose is all about.
“Baka me magandang purpose yan, para ba sa safety ng mga nagdaraan, me daan bang idudugtong dyan, alam ko naman na yung lumang bridge e hindi na madaanan ng sasakyan, hindi lang kse malinaw (The bridge might have its purpose, is it for the safety of passerbys, will there be a road connected to it, I know that the old bridge is not passable to vehicles, it’s just not clear),” he added.
Buenavista 2 Village Chief Danny Potante dismisses this allegation, as they never tire to publicly announce this project during the general assembly held twice every year.
To provide a venue where all heads could meet and voice out their concerns, Ferrer is also calling for a dialogue as soon as possible for a win-win resolution to this concern.
The construction of a new bridge is in response to the residents’ request for funding assistance, as indicated in Sangguniang Bayan (Local Legislative Body) Resolution No. 13-87 which has been approved for second reading on Aug 22, 2013.
In the said resolution, approved by then Municipal Vice Mayor Maurito C. Sison, the fund will be utilized to replace the centuries-old, dilapidated bridge which was further damaged and rendered impassable by the flood caused by the fall of heavy monsoon rains enhanced by Typhoon Maring in 2013.
Meanwhile, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Arts Division Chief Ferdinand Isleta said structures that are 50 years and above are considered important cultural properties.
The bridge has not been declared a historical landmark but could be a candidate as a built heritage. Any candidate will be subjected to a process of declaration of historical landmark which is supervised by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines . (Gladys Pino/PNA)
