A major bridge linking Antique’s southern and northern municipalities and the adjacent Aklan province was formally reopened Thursday following its PHP68.3 million reconstruction.

The Paliwan bridge in Bugasong town underwent reconstruction after it was destroyed during the onslaught of Typhoon Paeng in October 2022.

Antique Rep. Antonio Agapito Legarda thanked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the fast reconstruction of the bridge.

Legarda said the reopening was timely amid the onset of the rainy season.

“The DPWH was able to finish the reconstruction of the bridge before there would be floods again because of the onset of the rainy season,” he said.

Mayors of connecting towns of Bugasong and Laua-an John Lloyd Pacete and Aser Baladjay expressed relief over the timely reopening of the bridge which will benefit their constituents.

The reconstructed bridge has a 60-meter span.

DPWH Assistant Regional Director Jose Al Fruto, who was also present during the reopening, said that aside from the reconstruction of the bridge, there is also a new bridge being constructed and will be passable to traffic by August. (PNA)