P154 million bridge connects far-flung community to opportunities

CARAGA, DAVAO ORIENTAL — Hundreds of families living across the Caraga River in the village of San Pedro in Caraga town are relieved as the years of struggle crossing the vast river are finally over.

Just recently, a P154 million concrete bridge was inaugurated in this far-flung community whose residents are mostly farmers. Funded under the “Pablo Rehabilitation Fund”, the bridge’s construction was an initiative of Davao Oriental’s Former Governor, now First District Representative Corazon N. Malanyaon. The project was started in November 2014 during her term as Governor and Chair of the Taskforce Pablo in the province and was completed in February 2016.

According to residents, the village’s Bailey bridge which was built in 2001 was severely damaged during the onslaught of typhoon Pablo in 2012. It was subsequently repaired but was completely washed out when Low Pressure Area Agaton hit the province in 2014, causing residents to endure several years crossing the river via wooden fishing boats as a mode of transportation.

Structurally designed to adapt to the changes in climate conditions, the newly constructed 150.28 meter-long, two-lane Pre-stressed Concrete Girder (PSCG) Bridge is designed to withstand heavy floods, said District Engineer Alberto Cainghog of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

With the construction of the bridge, the five sub-villages (sitio) namely Catigod, Pakahon, Tubod, Boa, and Batiano situated on the other side of the river will hugely benefit. Village farmers living across the river are overwhelmed by the breakthrough project which they say will help cut transportation time and cost. The bridge is also improving access to government services.

Clemencia Monday from Sitio Tubod said they will no longer have to worry about not being able to avail services from the government because they can now be easily reached on the other side. Cong. Malanyaon said the bridge is a symbol of the people’s unity and the convergence of all agencies of the government, emphasizing that no one should be left behind in terms of development.

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, who graced the occasion, urged residents to continue supporting the government in its programs. (Karen Lou Deloso)