New bridge, buildings to boost services in Pototan

By Reamae Velasco, Daily Guardian Intern

Several major infrastructure projects are set to rise in Pototan, Iloilo, including a bridge and multi-purpose buildings aimed at improving connectivity and public services in the municipality.

Third District Rep. Lorenz Defensor and Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann “Lee Ann” Debuque led the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, July 21.

A key project is the construction of a PHP49-million bridge that will connect Barangays Cato-ogan and Cau-ayan.

Funded under the General Appropriations Act, the bridge is expected to be completed by January 2026.

At least 13 barangays are expected to benefit from the project, which will improve access to Pototan Comprehensive National High School, WVSU-Pototan Campus, ILECO 3, and the highway leading to Dingle.

Two multi-purpose buildings will also be built in Barangay Cato-ogan.

One has a budget of PHP2.9 million, while the other — located at Edmundo Dayot Memorial Elementary School — has a PHP2.4-million allocation.

The building within the school will serve as a gym and emergency evacuation center.

Both structures are slated for completion in the last quarter of 2025.

Defensor said the bridge project will help decongest Pototan’s main roads and ease traffic, especially during peak hours.

“They don’t need to traverse the main road anymore, and traffic every morning will now be eased. Our bridge near the WVSU Pototan Campus is too small,” he said.

He also noted that the bridge will enhance disaster resilience by providing a reliable crossing during heavy rain or flooding, improving both mobility and emergency response.

Defensor announced plans to include farm-to-market roads leading to schools, cemented roads to the highway, and gyms for other barangays and schools in Cato-ogan.

He added that the newly launched projects represent one of the largest infrastructure investments in the district to date.