WITH people's daily activities and business growth of an area, bridges provide a significant role. A bridge is an instrument that connects two separate areas that we can easily access or “bridging the gap”. Here in our country, the Philippines, we have lots of bridges that connect the islands.
Cagayan de Oro is one of the example cities in our country that has lots of bridges. The city has two districts and divided by the Cagayan de Oro River as the center. We have six bridges in our City, namely Maharlika Bridge (popularly known as Marcos Bridge), Ysalina (Carmen) Bridge, JrBorja Bridge, Kagay-an Bridge, Taguanao (Pelaez) Bridge and Puntod-Kauswagan Bridge. There is one bridge that caught my attention, the “Puntod-Kauswagan” Bridge.
Puntod-Kauswagan Bridge was completed and became passable last 2011 which was a project of the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) in order to increase economic development in the city. It's an easy access when you’re coming from the seaport in Macabalan village and Puntod Area going to Kauswagan village, then connect to Village Bulua terminal up to Opol Municipality (vice-versa). No doubt it is a very big help in our city traffic problem and booming trucking business hub.
What makes this bridge special is it transforms into a different spot every night. It becomes the favourite destination of some of the residents in our city to hang out and relax, due to its alfresco theme facing the river and sea.
Cars and motorcycles start to park at the side of the bridge with friends and loved ones, to feel the fresh air and to unwind with their favourite drink and snacks. It’s also a good spot of some of the people who love fishing, its either they will sell it or serve as their dish.
The vicinity of the bridge has lots of Acacia trees. Some organizations make use of the area below or beside the bridge as camping or retreat site. In my opinion, it’s very ideal to be an environmental park.
My friends and I also hang out at the bridge due to its relaxing ambiance. There are times we witness some cars and motorcycles late at night, conducting speed testing or drag racing in the area.
If they can’t avoid such activities, they have to make sure that they are not under the influence of alcoholic beverages, as it will be more prone to accident.
Few months ago, vehicle-related accidents at the bridge also increased, mostly because the driver is under the influence of alcohol in over-speeding issues.
We are very lucky in the city that we are provided with plenty of bridges to use. Some of the places in our country wish to have the same facilities we have.
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