BUTUAN CITY – The Agusan Bridge construction has reached 98.67% completion, marking it as the third structure to span the Agusan River, which is the longest tributary in Mindanao and ranks third in the country.

In a recent interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga,  Engr. Pol Delos Santos, DPWH Caraga regional director revealed the good news stating, “The Agusan Bridge is now at 98.67% to completion, with ongoing construction of metal railings on a 500.70 linear meters (l.m.) long bridge, that is 330.00 l.m. made of steel and 170.10 l.m. viaduct.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Caraga is implementing this P1.3 billion project as part of the high-impact projects (HIP) within the Build Better More infrastructure program of the government.

The project has road and sloop components that will connect and provide an accessible route between the regions of Caraga and Region 10 or  Northern Mindanao.

It is part and parcel of the East-West lateral road that passes the areas of Agusan del Norte-Agusan del Sur directly to Impasug-ong in Bukidnon, removing the regular ply to Cagayan de Oro or Davao region, thus promoting biodiversity in the Northern Mindanao corridor and rural development in different fields such as ecotourism, agriculture industry, and domestic trade.

This huge infrastructure will also reduce the hauling cost and travel time of agri-farm products to the nearest market and provide access to public facilities and services. For one, an average travel time reduction of an hour or two is estimated to be generated, particularly for vehicle trips to and from Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, and Impasug-ong, Bukidnon,” Director Delos Santos added.

Strategically built at the heart of Bilay-Dulag section, the Agusan Bridge served as a farm-to-market infrastructure  that connected interior barangays of Butuan City, particularly barangays Dulag and Bilay, and nearby communities to have easy access to services and economic activities.

The residents of these areas who will benefit the most from this project  could not hide their glee and were full of enthusiasm for its full utilization.

“Dali na namo madala sa merkado and among mga abot sa uma nga dili na mosakay pa ug baroto para motabok [With the Agusan bridge, we can bring our harvest directly to the market without riding a boat at the Agusan River],” said Richard Olaran, an official of Barangay Dulag in Butuan City.

“Kaning tulay (Agusan Bridge) nga gihimo diri sa among lugar, dako ug tabang sa amoa nga nagpuyo diri sa Barangay Dulag, molambo ang among pagpuyo kay daghan naman ang molabay ug motukod ug negosyo, mailhan na ang among lugar (The Agusan Bridge constructed here in our barangay will improve our living condition, because it will bring economic activities in our area, our barangay will be made known to many],” Susan Olaran, chairperson of Sitio 9B, said with eagerness.

In his final statement, Delos Santos, with high hopes, hailed, “These road projects, such as the Agusan Bridge, are the game changers in the Caraga region’s peace and order and economic stability by way of increasing traffic capacities, access to public facilities, and basic services, among others.”

Meanwhile, the director also disclosed that DPWH Caraga had already completed the bidding process for the other five HIP in the region, and initial funding for this year had already been released.

The projects include the Daang Maharlika Road from Barangay Lipata in Surigao City to Davao Region; the Butuan City-Agusan del Norte Logistical Highway; the completion of the East-West Lateral Road connecting Agusan del Sur to Bukidnon; the Surigao del Norte-Agusan del Norte West Coastal Road; and the Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte-Lanuza, Surigao del Sur Road. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)