BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur – A more robust economic activity in this fast-rising city of Bayugan in Agusan del Sur province is seen as two newly-completed parallel bridges built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) can now facilitate better mobility and connectivity in this agricultural-rich province in Northeastern Mindanao or the Caraga Region.
Provincial and city officials expressed gratitude to the national government for providing these key infrastructure projects which are very vital for the continuing prosperity, not only of this city, but of the whole province and neighboring areas.
Constructed along Daang Maharlika (Agusan-Davao Section), the 189-lineal meter Andanan Bridge in this city and the 125-lineal meter Gibong Bridge located in the province’s capital town of Prosperidad provide wider growth and increased efficiency in the delivery of basic services in the area.
“Our business sector, farmers, and commuting public will greatly benefit from these two bridges,” said DPWH 13 Regional Director Engr. Pol M. Delos Santos, in an interview with the Manila Bulletin on Tuesday, Feb. 22.
DPWH Secretary Roger G. Mercado lauded DPWH Regional Office 13 headed by Delos Santos and Assistant Director Abdulfatak A. Pandapatan for completing both projects earlier than the target date of completion despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 restrictions and unfavorable weather conditions.
“The two permanent bridges provide a much wider perspective on inter-regional connections that will help maintain a continuous flow of traffic even with the increased volume of vehicles passing through the Agusan-Davao section of Daang Maharlika," Mercado said.
The regional office of the DPWH has programmed funding for the completion of the approaches to the two bridges.
Meanwhile, the DPWH 13 completed a total of 350 infrastructure projects in 2021 to improve the road network and mobility in Region 13.
Mercado and Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut commended DPWH Region 13 for implementing P22.178-billion worth of infrastructure for Fiscal Year 2021, of which 381 are still ongoing and 29 will commence soon.