Bolinao is not only known for its white beaches, nature getaways, and fresh air, but it is also rich in culture and historic significance.
It is no surprise that it has become one of the top tourist attractions in Pangasinan.
Bolinao boasts numerous hidden gems waiting to be discovered and widely known.
One such hidden gem is Santiago Island.
This small island is known to have clear water, white sand, and vibrant marine life, which attract tourists.
However, reaching Santiago Island has been challenging to visit due to limited transportation options, which has hampered its tourism potential.
Pangasinan’s First District Representative Arthur Celeste highlighted that boats have traditionally been the primary mode of transportation for crossing between Santiago Island and the mainland.
He also pointed out that Santiago Island holds historical significance as the site of Bolinao’s first municipal hall.
Despite its population of over 25,000, connecting the island to the mainland has been a long-standing challenge due to logistical and financial constraints.
However, after years of advocacy and planning, a groundbreaking ceremony was recently held by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the construction of the Bolinao-Santiago Island Bridge.
The groundbreaking ceremony led by Senator Imee Marcos marked the start of the construction of a bridge connecting the mainland of Bolinao town to its island barangays.
“This bridge will not only serve as a vital infrastructure development but also as a lasting legacy for Bolinao,” Celeste said.
“It will significantly enhance the town’s connectivity and boost its tourism industry, marking a new era of progress for the municipality,” he said.
The Bolinao-Santiago Island Bridge will significantly enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the area by facilitating the flow of goods, services, and tourists.
Senator Marcos said the construction of the bridge connecting Bolinao to Santiago Island aims to make travel safer and more convenient for the people of Bolinao and Santiago Island, replacing the need for traditional banca (boat)/barge transportation.
“I’m sure that this is just the beginning and that it will be the gateway to many great things for your students, mothers, and the elderly. With this, we can be confident that they will have access to all the social services they need,” she said.
The Bolinao-Santiago Island Bridge project encompasses the construction of 3.3 kilometers of infrastructure, including 2.62 kilometers of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) road with shoulders, slope protection, road safety features, and a bike lane.
The centerpiece of the project is a 680-lineal-meter concrete bridge connecting Bolinao to Santiago Island.
DPWH Region 1 Director Ronnel Tan said the Santiago Island Bridge is a major infrastructure project under the Sustainable Infrastructure Program Alleviating Gaps (SIPAG) Package 1 and the Basic Infrastructure Program (BIP) that has a total project cost of P1.950 billion, funded under the General Appropriations Act.
He said the infrastructure is anticipated to become a critical development that will improve connectivity, promote economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for both residents and visitors in Bolinao.
Tan said residents in barangays of Dewey, Victory, Pilar, Salud, Goyoden, Lucero, Binabalian, and Luciente I will directly benefit from the said project.
“The bridge will make travel safer and more convenient for the people of Bolinao and Santiago Island, replacing the need for boats or barges,” he said.
Tan said the Santiago Island Bridge, which has an initial budget amounting to P130.00 million, is slated for completion between 2024 and 2027.
Jonathan Del Ferro, a barangay kagawad from Barangay Binabalian on Santiago Island, expressed his gratitude to the government for making their long-awaited dream a reality.
He said, “Masaya ako kasi maliit pa lang siguro ako iyon na ang pinapangarap namin. Iyong mga buhay ng mga bata at matatanda, safe na. ‘Di katulad dati na sa bangka, maraming namamatay. Pagkakataon na rin naming umunlad sa Santiago Island.”
(I am happy because even when I was young, this was already our dream. The lives of children and the elderly will now be safe. Unlike before when we rode the boat, many died. This is also our chance to develop Santiago Island.)
Santiago Island boasts numerous hidden tourist gems, including a giant clam nursery housing over 30,000 clams, Mangrove Park, and a picturesque sandbar island in Barangay Dewey.
Visitors can also explore local artisans who create traditional Bolinao products such as buri bags and pinalig, a type of danggit fish.
With the improved accessibility provided by the new bridge, both visitors and locals will be able to more easily enjoy these attractions.
Bridges play a crucial role in connecting isolated communities, eliminating the need for lengthy and inconvenient journeys between islands.
By providing safe and efficient means of transportation, bridges enhance connectivity and foster economic opportunities, benefiting both residents and visitors alike. (AMB/EMSA/JSZ/PIA Pangasinan)
