QUEZON CITY -- To protect farmers from raging and dangerous flash floods each time they cross the river of Barangay  Palje, San Enrique, Iloilo, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here recently turned-over a 28.80 linear meter bridge project worth P28,559,288.00.

DAR Western Visayas Regional Director Shiela Enciso said a total of 2,908 population from adjacent barangays of Lip-ac, Palje and Cabugao Nuevo, would benefit from this infrastructure project, of which 116 are agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

“During rainy days, the residents here avoid this place and they cancel their activities going out of their residence to avoid accidents that flash floods may bring. With this bridge, residents can now go on with their engagements, especially the farmers who need to bring their products to the markets,” Enciso said.

The Lip-ac-Palje bridge was provided under the Tulay ng Pangulo para sa Kaunlarang Pang-Agraryo (TPKP) and implemented through the collaborative efforts of the French Government, Philippine Government and the local government of  San Enrique.

Alejadro Paguraya, a 55-year old farmer  from Brgy. Palje, said they are now safe, especially their families, from floods and are now assured that their farm produce can reach the market with no difficulty.

“This is what DAR and the LGU of San Enrique gave us. We are so thankful for this project as this gives us great protection,” he said.

The inauguration of the project commences through a ribbon cutting spearheaded by Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. along with Director Enciso, Assistant Regional Director Lucrecia Taberna, Iloilo Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Harriet Loot, Municipal and Barangay officials of the three adjoining barangays.

In a message, Mayor Rosario Mediatrix Fernandez extends her gratitude to the DAR for listening to their utmost concern.

“Great accomplishment!. In times of emergency, this bridge will be a great help in hauling farmers’ products to the market,” she said. (DAR)