Construction of P76-M Himoga-an bridge starts

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday led the ground-breaking of the P76.3-million Himoga-an Bridge that will connect barangays Bato and Baviera in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

This project under the World Bank-Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project aims to benefit 18,000 residents of four barangays – Bato, Baviera, Sewahon, and Colonia Divina – and is expected to be completed September 2021.

At the event were DA-6 Regional Executive Director Remelyn Recoter, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson,  Second District Rep. Leo Rafael Cueva, Provincial Board Member Andrew Montelibano,  Sagay City Mayor Alfredo Marañon III, Vice Mayor Narciso L. Javelosa Jr., other city and provincial officials, DA officials and guests.

Recoter, Lacson, Cueva and Marañon led the ceremonial dropping of the time capsule, signifying the commencement of the project.

Recoter thanked the stakeholders for helping in bridging the gap to provide this vital infrastructure in the area that will bring progress and development to the lives of the farmers and the community, especially during this pandemic.

Recoter also said that the Province of Negros Occidental is the biggest funded province in Region VI under the WB-DA-PRDP amounting to P733 million.

Lacson on his part congratulated the city government for the fulfillment of a long-time dream of Sagaynons.

He also recognized the efforts of his predecessor, former Governor Alfredo G. Marañon, Jr. as this project was started during his term.

Cueva said he is happy that the construction of the bridge will start and he assured the Sagaynons that he is working with the DA to help alleviate the plight of farmers especially during this pandemic.

In a message delivered by Cueva, former Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said that this project together with the Sagay Feeder Port are vital infrastructure projects under DA-PRDP.

He added that he is grateful for the people behind the realization of the project as it will truly “enable communities and expand opportunities.”

Sagay City Mayor Alfredo D. Marañon III, said that the bridge is a big opportunity for all Sagaynons for the fast and safe movement of their products from farm to market.

He also added that he is happy that this bridge will finally materialize after four long years of complying with the tedious process set by the World Bank and thanked the DA-PRDP and Province of Negros Occidental for this project.

After the event, the team of DA-PRDP led by Engr. Recoter visited the on-going construction of the Old Sagay Feeder Port in Brgy. Old Sagay and the operation of the Sagay City Slaughterhouse.