NORALA, South Cotabato -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in this province has turned over a Php 10.9-million bridge project in Purok Manga, Barangay San Jose, to provide its farmers and other residents better, cheaper and safer access to cross over to their destinations.

The Manga bridge project was implemented under the Tulay ng Pangulo para sa Kaunlarang Pang-agraryo (TPKP) in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways-XII and the local government of Norala.

The said bridge has a length of 22.8 linear meters and it connects the barangays of Lapuz, Matagol, and Liberty. About 6,000 residents of the Barangay San Jose would benefit from the said project.

DAR-Socsksargen Assistant Regional Director Roldan Ali said this bridge would help the farmers deliver their agricultural products faster, safer, and even cheaper transportation expenses, to various trade centers and markets.

“I admire the strong partnership of the stakeholders and I believe that the beneficiaries of this bridge would do their part in strictly maintaining the very good condition of the bridge,” he said.

A certificate of turn-over and acceptance was ceremonially signed by the recipient and partner agencies, which serves as proof that the ownership and responsibility of the project have been officially conveyed to the recipients.

Norala Mayor Clemente Fedoc thanked the DAR for the bridge project and committed that he would continually support and help the department in addressing the needs of the farmers and his constituents.

Salvador Floro Punong Barangay of San Jose also expressed his gratitude to the government and assured the department that he would lead his people in taking care of the project. (DAR)