CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) built a concrete bridge at barangay Burol in General Mamerto Natividad, Nueva Ecija.

The infrastructure is 25 meters long and five meters wide.

DPWH Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineer Elpidio Trinidad said residents of barangay Burol have long dealt with limited accessibility and the absence of a reliable bridge which compelled them to endure extended travel times that often resort to indirect routes to reach nearby areas.

“Lack of connectivity resulted in increased travel time, affecting agricultural trading, education, and healthcare services in the community,” Trinidad furthered.

The bridge will now connect two communities within the barangay that were previously separated by an irrigation system, making it more convenient for residents to access their destinations and improve the condition of their livelihood.

Safety features such as railings and solar-powered lighting have been incorporated to guarantee the safety of those using the bridge, especially during low visibility conditions.

In an interview, barangay Burol resident Marites Naguimbing shared that it previously took them up to one hour and 30 minutes just to reach Sangitan Market which is Cabanatuan City’s major trading center for agricultural produce.

“Dati, umiikot kami kapag pumapasok sa school, ngayon naglalakad na lang kami diyan sa tulay. Pwede na kaming dumaan dito sa tulay para mapabilis ang biyahe papuntang Natividad o Cabanatuan,” she added.

The P7.7-million project was part of the agency’s Basic Infrastructure Program funded under the 2023 General Appropriations Act. (MJSC/CLJD-PIA 3)