THE Ministry of Public Works in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MPW-Barmm) has completed the construction of the P26-million Dinganen Bridge after years of tough construction challenges.
The bridge, which was unveiled Wednesday, March 16, links the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and North Cotabato.
The 25-meter concrete bridge located in Dinganen village, Buldon, Maguindanao is one of the vital projects of the MPW funded through the 2019 General Appropriation Act.
Engineer Danilo Ong, MPW-Barmm director general, said the bridge also provides an alternative route for travelers from neighboring regions aside from its direct beneficiaries, who are mostly farmers.
“Completion of this bridge is seen to improve the socio-economic situation of not just the Municipality of Buldon but including the neighboring municipalities,” Ong said.
“The bridge also provides travelers from Barmmm, Region 12 (Soccsksargen), and even Zamboanga Peninsula a shorter route,” he added.
Buldon Mayor Abolais Manalao said the bridge will not just spur economic activity but will also ensure safety of the travelers.
“Prior to the construction of this bridge, there have been numerous records of lost lives and properties in this river. There have been reported cases of drowned individuals and even vehicles trying to cross the river particularly when flooding,” Manalao said.
“Thanks to the leadership of Barmm Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and MPW for this feat. This bridge is so vital as it will benefit not just the people of Buldon but its neighboring municipalities,” Manalao added.
Ong urged resident-beneficiaries to take care of the bridge as it is a by-product of the taxes they are paying to the government.
Engineer Avila Abobakar, Maguindanao First District Engineering Office chief, encouraged residents to help them in the maintenance of the bridge.
“Construction was really challenging. Now that it has been completed, we encourage the residents to help us in the maintenance by coordinating with our office for maintenance work like unclogging,” Abobakar said.
Ong, Abobakar and Manalao led the unveiling of the bridge Wednesday, March 16. (SunStar Zamboanga)