South Cotabato’s longest bridge inaugurated

by Fruto C. Sumagaysay, Jr

Koronadal City (17 July) — Sto. Niño bridge located at Brgy. Poblacion, Sto. Niño, South Cotabato, a United-Kingdom-assisted project and implemented under the “Tulay ng Pangulo sa SZOPAD- Mindanao”or “President’s Bridge Program” (PBP) was blessed and inaugurated amidst heavy rain last July 12, 2006.

The said occasion was graced by Department of Public Works & Highways (DPWH) Assistant Secretary for Mindanao Operations Rafael Yabut who represented Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, and PBP Executive Director Emil Sadain.

Governor Daisy P. Avance Funtes in her acceptance speech and message said that the bridge is a “blessing” not only for the province of South Cotabato but also for the province of Sultan Kudarat. She further said that she hopes that more bridges will be constructed in the province to help spur its economic growth.

Sto. Niño Mayor Ervin Luntao in his welcome address extended his municipality’s appreciation to the provincial government, the 2nd Congressional district, the DPWH and the PBP officials for making this project a reality.

According to Luntao, the said bridge which is the “greatest gift” that his municipality has received will benefit thousands of residents who are mostly farmers.

Bagumbayan mayor Felipe Allaga, who also gave short speech, likewise reiterated Myor Luntao’s message.

The bridge connects Brgy. Poblacion, Sto Niño to Brgy. South Sepaka, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat and Sitio Mudon and Brgy. Upper Sepaka, Surallah.

The Sto. Niño bridge which is a “compact 200-type bridge” has a length of 240 lineal meters. The total cost of the project is P96 million with a counterpart from the provincial government amounting to P12.5 million. The project construction started last August 12, 2005. It is considered not only as the province’s, but also as the region’s longest bridge. (PGO/PIA 12)