SADANGA, Mt. Province – The construction of a 60-meter-long bridge called 'Bridge of Peace' at Fun-ayan, Betwagan, Sadanga in Mt. Province has started following a ground breaking ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 27.
The groundbreaking ceremony was graced by Andres Aguinaldo Jr., assistant secretary of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) who represented Secretary Carlito Galvez.
The bridge connecting Barangay Betwagan to the highway was destroyed by strong current during the onslaught of typhoon Ineng in 2015.
Through the efforts of the late Mayor Gabino Ganggangan, the bridge was funded under the 2022 National Budget under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project of OPAPRU.
The Betwagan Bridge reconstruction project is expected to spur economic activities in Sadanga as it will connect strategic and downstream areas of Sadanga through an efficient, safe and reliable road network.
The bridge reconstruction also aims to help prevent possible situations of armed conflict caused by rebel groups, promote rural development in agrarian communities, enhance the productivity and raise the income of farmers and traders, and boost the local tourism and the overall welfare of the community.
The groundbreaking activity is a symbol of national development and a sustainable peace.
"This project will stand testament of cooperation of good governance, wherein the Cordillera Bodong Administration (CBA)-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) communities play a crucial role in the peacebuilding and development process," said Galvez.
Present during the activity were the consultants and staff of the OPAPRU, staff of Sadanga LGU led by Adolf Ganggangan; Betwagan Community and LGU led by Agustin Agpaoan; DSWD Regional Director Leo Quintilla; Office of the Civil Defense-Cordillera Jojo Valera; DPWH 1st District led by Engr. Alberto Gahid; BFP-Sadanga led by SFO3 ELeazar Luna; Philippine Army; Father James Manilang and company; personnel of Police Regional Office-Cordillera led by Col.Ronald Gayo.
The activity successfully ended with a community dance through the resounding sound of the gongs.