The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently constructed a new bridge in the town of Maria Aurora which is expected to improve connectivity in Aurora Province.
In his report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan and Undersecretary Roberto S. Bernardo, DPWH Regional Office 3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino said that the 50.8-lineal meter, two-lane bridge in Barangay Bayanihan built by the DPWH Aurora District Engineering Office (DEO) in the amount of P57.9 million has been formally opened for public use.
The construction of the Barangay Bayanihan bridge also included provisions of 286.1-lineal meter flood control structure and 263.2 meters of road approaches.
Farmers and fisherfolks of Maria Aurora, most especially the Egongot community, are seen to benefit from the completed structure.
Transport of agricultural products to nearby market centers has become more efficient with the opening of the bridge, creating new opportunities both for residents and indigenous peoples in the town.
Aside from benefits on local livelihoods, the bridge also provides safer access to basic social services as locals will no longer need to cross the rock-strewn portion of the Maria Aurora River that also overflows during heavy rains and typhoons.