TUGUEGARAO CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Cagayan Valley said construction works have started for the PHP260-million Tawi bridge project in Peñablanca, Cagayan.
DPWH Regional Office-2 Director Melanio C. Briosos said the green light has been finally given for the bridge construction after a long wait of more than 30 years for the residents who live in the area.
DPWH is coming to the aid of the people through Tawi bridge with the help of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and local leaders, he noted.
Briosos said a new, strong and durable bridge will replace the old dilapidated overflow bridge structure, ending the misery of the people who have been risking their lives and properties crossing the old ravaged bridge and posing danger to motorists and pedestrians in the past years.
The project is expected to improve and provide direct access to and between outlying barangays and municipalities, thereby facilitating the transport of goods and services.
With the construction of the 270-meter bridge, residents of the inner barangays of Peñablanca will no longer be burdened in transporting their agricultural products to commercial centers, Briosos added.
The new Tawi Bridge will greatly benefit 13 barangays namely Bugatay, Nabbabalayan, Minanga, Lappi, San Roque, Nannaryan, Agugaddan, Malibabbag, Callao proper, Sisim, Buyun, Lagum, Mangga and Cabasan. These barangays will no longer be isolated in times of flooding, heavy rains and typhoons.
DOT-2 Regional Director Virgilio Maguigad also said that the bridge will help boost tourism influx for Callao Caves and other tourism sites in the area.
The bridge project is set to spur rapid growth in terms of economic and tourism activities in the rural area. The municipality of Peñablanca is endowed with vast natural resources with its untapped tourist attractions.
Construction chief, Jose B. Tobias, informed that the first phase of the bridge project is projected to be completed before the scheduled target date of December 31, 2018.
The project was awarded to the contractor Pulsar Construction. Owner and head Joseph L. Lara stated that they will exert extra effort to finish the bridge on timely and with good quality. (PR/PNA)
