Farmers and residents of Barangay Cahilan II and three other barangays in the town of Lemery, Batangas can now safely cross a dead river to bring their agricultural products to the nearest market following the competition of a P13.4 million bridge project of the government.
The Tulay ng Pangulo Para sa Kanularang Pang-Agraryo (TPKP) project is being implemented by the Department of Agrarian Refrom (DAR).
The project was turned over to local officials that include Barangay Chairman Benito Tolentino of Cahilan II, who expressed his gratitude to the DAR and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the completion of the project.
“We are all very happy that we can now cross the other side of the road even through heavy rains,” Tolentino said, disclosing “that the river used to overflow during the rainy season so that people could not cross to the other side of the road.”
The newly constructed bridge would be a big help not only in bringing their products to the market but also during emergency disaster evacuation instances.
“Thank you very much. You can expect that we would take care of this bridge so we can benefit from it for a much longer period,” he added.
Engr. Marilou C. Baslan, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, led the turnover ceremony with Lemery Municipal Mayor Ian Kenneth Alilio, representatives from the local government unit (LGU), DPWH and DAR regional and provincial officials and personnel, officially receiving the project.
Baslan said the Cahilan II Bridge will link barangay Cahilan II to the economic mainstream and open opportunities for the agrarian reform beneficiaries and other farmers to enhance their agricultural productivity and household income.
“Congratulations to all of you. This bridge is a symbol of love of the DAR, DPWH and LGU of Lemery for the farmers and residents of Cahilan II and other neighboring barangays,” she said.
The 22.8 linear-meter two-lane bridge will benefit 23 ARB households and 3,250 community members of barangays Cahilan II, Cahilan I, Bucal, Dita and Tubigan, all in Lemery town.