:: Sec. Reyes inaugurates P14.2-M Dorol Bridge :: (401 times read)
INTERIOR and Local Government Sec. Angelo Reyes, Gov. Erico Aumentado and Rep. Edgar Chatto of Bohol’s 1st District the other day led inaugural rites for the P14.285-million Dorol Bridge under the Austrian Government-assisted President’s Bridge Program Phase 2 (PBP-2).
The 45-linear-meter steel modular bridge links barangays Dorol and Angilan of Balilihan and Antequera towns, respectively – benefiting the 33,800 residents.
“Ang tulay ay ayos naman ang pagkagawa (The bridge is well-constructed), double lane. It will contribute and redound to the socio-economic well being of the residents,” Reyes observed during the turnover program that followed at the Balilihan gymnasium.
“Although Dorol Bridge is two years in the making, it is more than just a physical structure. It symbolizes that we build bridges – not walls – to the future and prosperity. Only when we have peace and prosperity in our communities can we have a peaceful and prosperous country,” he added.
Bohol is lucky to be allotted 13 out of less than 200 bridges in the national inventory under PBP-2, Reyes pointed out.
Built to last, he said the sturdy bridge will need minimal maintenance in the next decades.
Aumentado’s response
”I accept the Dorol Bridge, built with the help of the Austrian government, and a gift to us from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” Aumentado said.
The provincial government shelled out P5.635 million in counterpart funds for the bridge. The Austrian government and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shared the P8.65-million cost for the steel bridging materials. The Provincial Engineer’s Office under Engr. Bless Racho constructed the bridge.
Aumentado makes it a point to allocate funds in the budget for PBP counterparting. The strategy has worked for Bohol: the province stands to get six bridges more – from Eastern and Western Visayas, Bicol and Davao – diverted because they failed to raise the counterpart funds.
As such, the governor ensures that he maintains at least P50 million for the purpose. As soon as the bridges get completed, he asks the Provincial Board to replenish through a supplemental budget.
Chatto’s response
Chatto who used to be mayor of Balilihan thanked the President, Reyes, Aumentado and the people responsible for the new link.
“The bridge brings big economic impact to our people. Services can now be delivered to the doorstep of communities – even to the remotest barangays,” he said.
Donor’s message
For his part, Austrian Trade Commissioner Walter Hoefle, representing the ambassador, said Dorol Bridge and the rest of the bridges his country funded are testaments to the spirit of cooperation between the two.
“The construction enhances the mobility and production as well as facilitates the flow of goods and services, makes new business, maximizes opportunities and makes for more cooperation along the way It celebrates what people can achieve if they are together,” he said.
His announcement that Austria will contrive to assist the Philippines attain growth and development in rural areas, and that his country is committed to further uplift the lives of the Filipinos “even if we are half a globe apart” drew applause from the audience.
Balilihan Mayor Dominisio Chatto and Vice Mayor Victoria Chatto and Antequera Mayor Samuel Rebosura and Vice Mayor Cecilia Rebosura separately expressed gratitude to the President, Reyes, Aumentado and Chatto for the link that cuts time and effort in going to the next town and back.
