A PHP14.5-million bridge which is seen to hasten the transport of agricultural products was officially opened to the public on Tuesday in Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac.

Officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) led by Secretary Bernie F. Cruz led the inauguration of the Calipayan-Cabugbugan Bridge connecting the agricultural villages of San Sotero, Calipayan, Timmaguab, Cabugbugan, and Caanamongan in the town.

The project was funded under the “Tulay ng Pangulo para sa Kaunlarang Pang-Agraryo” program and implemented by the DPWH Regional Office 3.

The new structure is expected to help the estimated 1,170 agrarian reform beneficiaries belonging to the Kapit Bisig Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) in transporting their crops from their farms to major markets in Central Luzon.

Cruz said the construction of the bridge is aligned with the DAR’s commitment to improving the lives of the farmers.

Aside from providing easier access to farmers, he said the new bridge will help the residents in availing various services.

DPWH Regional Director Roseller Tolentino said the double-lane, 45.60-linear meter Calipayan Bridge has a 105.05-linear meter approach at both ends and was built using French Universal Bridge (Unibridge) Technology.

“The superstructure consisted of steel girders, deck panel, and railing posts, while its substructures were full-height reinforced concrete abutments founded on cast-in-place spread footings. The bridge approaches have an embankment fill, protected with grouted riprap structures,” Tolentino said in a statement.

Also present during the event were some officials from DAR, DPWH, and local executives of Tarlac. (PNA)