ZARRAGA, Iloilo—Farmers and residents of Zarraga agrarian reform community and nearby villages in this municipality applauded with joy as they witnessed the recent turnover of the P20.2 million Kasalsagan bridge from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to the local government unit of Zarraga.

In his welcome message, Zarraga Municipal Mayor John Tarrosa said residents would now be able to regularly traverse the bridge going to their various destinations even during rainy days.

“Before the bridge was constructed, farmers and residents crossed the stream which is flooded during heavy rains making it impassable,” Tarrosa said.

DAR Western Visayas Regional Director Sheila Enciso, who led the ceremonial turnover, said the bridge, implemented under the Tulay ng Pangulo Para sa Kaunlarang Pang-Agraryo (TPKP) project, was constructed to make transporting farmers’ products faster and easier. 

“This bridge would greatly improve the trade and commerce of farmers and residents here. Farmers and the town folks here can now easily traverse and connect to other nearby towns,” Enciso said.

DAR-Iloilo Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Harriet Loot said the Kasalsagan bridge now connects Barangays Talibong and Jaland Norte in Zarraga town.

“More than 4,000 farmers and residents will now benefit from the 28.8 linear meter steel bridge. The farmers can now transport their produce and agricultural products faster to the market center,” Loot said.

Loot said the P20.2-million project was funded by the French and the Philippine government.

She further disclosed that the bridge, implemented in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways, used prefabricated materials imported from France. (DAR)