MikeLigalig.com

 
  NOT the controversial unfinished jumbo bridge, but the existing Loboc bailey bridge.

  The Provincial Development Council (PDC) chaired by Gov. Erico Aumentado Thursday
endorsed to the Central Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC 7) the
reconstruction or replacement of this bridge to a truss-type permanent bridge for
funding under the Austrian-assisted Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
Bridge Construction Acceleration Project for Calamity-Stricken Areas.

  The resolution paves the way for the paperwork to turn the gears of the Austrian
Government to release funding for the reconstruction of the bridge spanning the
jade-green Loboc River that is now a favorite tourism destination.

  The bridge is along the Tagbilaran-Corella-Sikatuna-Loboc   Road, parallel to the
concrete jumbo bridge. A former DPWH official once described the latter as a
monument to stupidity.

  Until now, one cannot yet cross the river passing through the jumbo bridge. The
purpose is served by the bailey bridge that is now in a “dilapidated and severely
deteriorated condition.”

  Helmut Wuzela, president of Waagner Biro, the Austrian contractor that provided
the materials for the projects under the President’s Bridge Program (PBP) brought
engineers to inspect the bridge a few months back when Aumentado and former
Interior and Local Government Region 7 Director Rene Burdeos led officials in
inaugurating three such bridges in Bilar, Jagna and Mabini towns.

  During the PDC meeting, the representative of District Engr. Aramis Torrefranca of
the Bohol 3rd Engineering District reported that another group of engineers were
to inspect the bridge anew to decide if the replacement would be in the same place
or better off if located either upstream or downstream.

  The route provides transport access for local residents to the capital city of
Tagbilaran, and for tourists wishing to view eco-tourism sites in the area and in
nearby Corella town where the tarsier sanctuary, another attraction where tourists
can view the world’s smallest primates in their natural habitat is located.

  The PDC justified further the reconstruction, saying that failure to do so will
deprive residents of a means of transport of agricultural products as well as
their travel convenience, and “might even arrest economic growth in the locality
as a result of reduced tourist traffic.

  Implementation of the project, on the other hand, will ensure continued economic
growth in the locality as well as ensure continued access to social facilities in
the outlying areas like health stations, public schools and other public centers
as well as the Loboc  Tourism Center and Children’s Palace just across the river.

  Loboc has developed the river such that the berthing areas for the floating
restaurants are already across the river.

  Lawyer Juanito Cambangay, provincial planning officer and head of the PDC
secretariat said the proposed project is in consonance with the provincial
government’s priority thrust of improving infrastructure, particularly in the
interest of enhancing agricultural productivity and facilitating access to
eco-cultural tourism sites throughout the province.

  It is also in consonance with the Bohol Program Framework for Poverty Reduction
and the Millennium Development Goals in that it aims to reduce poverty by ensuring
continued economic growth in local communities, he added.

  The need to replace is of paramount urgency as it is already dilapidated and
obsolete. Besides, Cambangay pointed out, the supporting comprehensive project
profile, Municipal Development Council resolution and logistical framework matrix
are in order. (June Blanco, press release)
 

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