COMPLETED. The rehabilitated bridges in Balaoan town, La Union in this undated photo. The Department of Public Works and Highways said funding for the rehabilitation of these bridges last year came from the national budget. (Photo courtesy of DPWH Ilocos Regional Office)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The ease of travel of over 2,000 residents and the economy of the villages of Nagsabaran Norte and Sinapangan Sur in Balaoan, La Union are expected to improve after the rehabilitation of two bridges in these areas.
Barangay Nagsabaran Norte councilman Efren Garcia, in a phone interview on Thursday, said the rehabilitation of the 12 linear meters bridge in their village, which was damaged by typhoons last year, was completed in November last year.
“There was soil erosion or landslide on its sides so it was dangerous (to traverse). But now, we are all enjoying its benefits. It is mostly used by residents of Nagsabaran Norte and Nagsabaran Sur, as well as the motorists who want to escape the traffic along the Manila North Road,” he said in Filipino.
Department of Public Works and Highways-Ilocos regional office information officer Esperanza Tinaza said the project has a funding amounting to PHP17.6 million under the General Appropriation Act of 2023.
“This infrastructure not only facilitates seamless travel for motorists but also enhances the safety and accessibility of Balaoan, La Union, and its neighboring areas,” she said.
Tinaza said similar with the Sinapangan Sur Bridge, the rehabilitation of the bridge in Nagsabaran Norte is expected to boost the distribution of goods and agricultural products going to the business areas and will amplify opportunities for farmers and vendors as well.
The Sinapangan Sur Bridge, which received a funding of PHP9.9 million from the national government, was completed last August. (PNA)
