DPWH Conducts Groundbreaking on Three Bridges

March 28,2012



DPWH Conducts Groundbreaking Ceremonies For Three Bridges Worth P31M Plus
By Quirico M. Gorpido,.Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)has conducted groundbreaking ceremonies for three bridges including one old bridge in San Roque,Macrohon for reconstructions with a total worth of P31,925,635.76.

The aforesaid bridges were the Combado bridge built during the Spanish colonization with a cost of P7,031,013.21.It was contracted by the Square Cube Construction; Abgao bridge otherwise known as Tuburan bridge built in 1916 costing P9,073,182.55.Its contractor was the Lady of Assumption; San Roque bridge amounting to P15,821,460.00.Also contracted by the Square Cube Construction.

During the rites Congressman Roger Mercado speaking before the spectators and barangay officials disclosed that the funds was released thru the DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson as he initiated for its approval in Congress and signed by the Aquino Administration.

Combado Barangay Captain Ernesto Galleon and San Roque Barangay Captain Felix Maitem both expressed their appreciation and profuse thanks to the Solon for his efforts in realizing their requests thru endorsements of the Barangay Councils resolutions.

SP Albert Esclamado,speaking on behalf of Governor Damian Mercado, likewise reiterated for emphasis what Representative Mercado has revealed regarding the infra funds.
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Maitem further confided that the reconstruction of the old San Roque bridge “is a dream come true”. “For many years we have been dreaming for this bridge’s reconstruction. Now this is the realization of our long dream”.

Vice-Mayor Allan Aroy, representing Mayor Fe Edillo, also thanked the Congressman.

ON the other hand, some city dwellers who frequently passed the Abgao bridge questioned on its reconstruction, saying the bridge “is still good”.

However, Mayor Maloney Samaco divulged that the seemingly strong bridge has already some cracks as discovered upon oral inspection during the past mayorship of the incumbent Governor Mercado and he as his Vice.

The Congressman also directed DPWH Engineers led by District Engineer Carlos Veloso, who will implement the bridge projects, to preserve the two combado bridge huge markers being historical relics.

He suggested that the Spanish-built markers be placed at the public plaza or any appropriate public place for general viewing.

In an interview with Mercado at San Roque bridge he intimated that the initial funds was granted by the past GMA Administration for the province’s bridge projects. “And the funds now use in these bridges reconstructions are the remaining budget. With the change in the administration rein it was the Aquino Administration that approved and released upon his lobbying,” he said in Cebuano.

Mercado also unfolded that the construction of Sogod bridge, the first of the program, would provide short cut trips of 7 kilometers to the national highway.

The total cost of its construction, according to DPWH’s Engineer Vicent Sy was P88M including road concreting to the amount of P40M.

The Southern Leyte Representative further admonished San Roque officials to take good care of their bridge upon completion.

Earlier, Rev. Garnet John Quirong of the Maasin Parish officiated the blessing of the ground breaking ceremonies led by Engr. Veloso with the participation of his colleagues, Congressman Mercado, Esclamado, and concerned barangay officials.

Contractor- Engineer Alberto Barola of the Lady of Assumption has promised to Mercado that he and his men will try their best to finish the reconstruction of Abgao bridge before July 1, 2012, which is the 52nd founding day anniversary of the province of Southern Leyte. The work would be carried out on a day and night shifting.

The three capsules, which according to Engr. Veloso contained each of the bridge’s plan, were buried respectively near the bridge during the rites.

Also present, among others, were Assistant District Engineer Manolo Rojas,Engr. Cleonides Olarte of DPWH’s quality control, Engr. Mercado and the local media.(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)