TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) - -The Department of Public Works and Highways (DWPH) has started the construction of the Poblacion-Bagunot Bridge in Baggao, Cagayan, after its ground-breaking ceremony held on April 22.

With a total project cost of P1.080 billion pesos, the all-weather bridge will span 900 linear meters, crossing the Pared River, providing a strong and permanent bridge that will benefit thousands of residents.

Engr. Isabelo C. Guingab Jr., chief of the Construction Division of DPWH, said the bridge will connect Barangay Poblacion to the barangays of Bagunot, Ibulo, Canagatan, San Vicente, Carupian, Bunugan, and Taguing in the said municipality.

Guingab added that the bridge, once completed, will put an end to the ordeal of the residents when the river swells during the rainy season, which hampers the mobility of people and services.

“When the river rises and reaches the overflow bridge, the residents rely on a small boat, putting their lives at stake. But once the Poblacion-Bagunot Bridge is completed, the residents will have a reliable and sturdy means of going to health centers and schools,” Guingab said.

“Our farmers will also benefit from this project, as they can now easily transport their agricultural produce to the town’s commercial and trade center,” he further said.

Arjay Gaspar, a Grade 10 student at Baggao National High School, also recounted the challenges he experienced on his way to school during the rainy season.

He expressed his excitement for the completion of the Poblacion-Bagunot Bridge, which will bring positive transformations to his town.

Cagayan First Congressional District Representative Ramon C. Nolasco Jr., in his message, said that the bridge will bolster economic activities within the area, contributing to the uplifting of the socio-economic status of the residents.

Construction for the Poblacion-Bagunot Bridge is expected to be completed by 2027. (OTB/MDCT/With reports from DPWH/PIA Cagayan)