Angadanan, Isabela—Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar led the formal inauguration of the Pigalo Bridge project here, which crosses the Cagayan River and will serve as a vital link to the municipalities of Angadanan and San Guillermo to other towns in the province of Isabela.
The bridge, costing P459 million, replaces the old and dilapidated structure devastated by Typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel,” Villar said.
“The best advantage of this new mega bridge is that it will provide direct access for residents in outlying barangays, while at the same time, ensuring safe and convenient travel for both locals and tourists,” the secretary stressed.
Isabela Governor Faustino G. Dy III expressed his gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte, Villar and the Department of Public Works and Highways for constructing the bridge.
“Despite being on a provincial road, the present administration has considered it as an alternative route. This project will promote socioeconomic development and will alleviate the living conditions of the people,” Dy stressed.
The bridge connects rural communities in Isabela to the rest of the region, will hasten the delivery of agricultural products, and boost economic productivity of the farmers here, DPWH-Cagayan Valley Regional Director Melanio C. Briosos said.
The project, which started in 2017, spans 450 meters with a 500-meter road network for the approaches. It has a carriageway width of 7.32 meters and has drainage structures and embankment protections.
“Travel time between Angadanan and San Guillermo will be shortened by 30 minutes, consequently promoting faster and easier transport of goods and services. The bridge will restore the regular routine of the residents and is expected to increase the economy of Angadanan and nearby towns through the easier transport of goods and services,” Briosos added.
Angadanan Mayor Lourdes Panganiban noted it had been over seven years since the old bridge was destroyed by the storms. “It was dangerous and gave no access for public transportation for the motorists, the students and the residents,” she said.
“Finally, it’s a dream come true for our municipality since Typhoons ‘Pedring’ and ‘Quiel’ wrecked the bridge. But now, done technology-wise, we have this Mega Bridge that will advance the economy in the locality,” the mayor said.
Residents of Isabela have grown accustomed to using small boats to transport people and goods across the Cagayan River, Rep. Jose T. Panganiban Jr. of Anak-IP Partylist recalled. However, during rainy season, boats are prohibited, further hindering the livelihood in the area.
The replacement of the Pigalo Bridge will drastically reduce travel time around the area, Panganiban noted, since 33 out of the 59 barangays of Angadanan will take routes through the bridge, apart from villages in San Guillermo and Echague towns.
Alicia Town Mayor and incoming 3rd District Rep. Ian Paul Dy likewise conveyed his thanks along with Mayor Marilou Sanchez of San Guillermo.
She was grateful enough for the, Sama-samang pagkakaisa among the local officials for the realization of the bridge with Representative Napoleon ‘Pol” Dy and the DPWH.
She expressed her gratitude for this will truly help the villagers made accessible in transporting their products and comfort of transportation
Implemented by DPWH Regional Office 2, the project involves the construction of a 450-meter long bridge with 250-meter approaches on each side, 7.32-meter carriageway, with nine (9) 2-2.50-diameter bored piles and two (2) abutments with drainage structures and embankment protection works.
Included in the project is the provision of concrete sidewalk and installation of concrete railings to secure accessibility for pedestrians.
“Durability and ease of transportation is no question. Although the bridge was completed last March, we continued to improve the integrity of the structure due to the anticipated high volume of heavy vehicles that are expected to pass through the bridge daily,” Villar reiterated.
Pulsar Contactor and Congressman-Elect Joseph ’JoJo’ L. Lara, Incoming Angadanan Mayor Joelle Panganiban, 5th Infantry Division Commanding General Pablo Lorenzo, 502nd Brigade Commander Lawrence Mina, local officials and DPWH personnel were also present during the inaugural rites.