Inclusion in President’s Bridge Program Sought

Mayor Eldred P. Tumbokon of Umingan, Pangasinan sought early inclusion in the President’s Bridge Program (PBP) of three bridges in his municipality which are vital for its balanced-development and productivity. The three bridges have long been programmed by the Municipal Development Council but inclusion in the national program for bridges has long been delayed. He said the proposed bridges are essential for mobility, agricultural production, and the uplift of the socio-economic condition of his constituents. The proposed bridges would connect Barangays Esperanzo and Buenavista, Don Montano and Don Justo Abalos, and Santa Maria (Boaya) and Prado. The Esperanza-Buenavista structure will benefit 7,000 inhabitants and provide access for development of some 1,000 hectares of productive agricultural land in eight barangays: Buenavista, Flores, Sinawaan, Cabalitian, Libuan, Tanggal Sawang, Mantacdang and Esperanza. It will serve as alternate route to nearby town of San Quintin. The Don Montano-Don Justo Abalos Bridge will lead to four barangays namely Don Julio Abalos, Diket, Anman and Don Montano and will benefit 5,000 inhabitants. The third bridge will ease transport of agricultural products in eight barangays: Prado, Panganguan, Luna Este, Luna Weste, Conception, San Juan, San Vicente and Sta. Maria. These barangays have apopulation of 7,000 and cover some 5,000 hectares of “squash country”. Squash, Mayor Tumbokon said, is produced in great quantities in these barangays and the bridge will make easier the transport of this and other products to the town proper and other commercial districts. “Inclusion of these bridges in the President’s Bridge Program and their immediate implementation will be a high mark to an administration that is most responsive to public good and public need”, Tumbokon said.

*The above article is an exact reprint of an article written in the Manila Bulletin dated August 25, 2009 page B-9