Reaching the town center of Jipapad, Eastern Samar from the main highway is now more convenient following the completion of a hanging bridge crossing the town’s major river earlier this April.

The PHP18.6-million, 80-meter hanging bridge with a mix of concrete and steel structure connects the town center to the other side of the town leading to the national road.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Eastern Samar district engineering office chief Ma. Margarita Junia said in a phone interview on Friday the hanging bridge is also designed for the passage of motorcycles bringing farm products to the town’s commercial area.

The hanging bridge was built to withstand and be serviceable to the public anytime especially during emergencies, according to Junia.

The construction started in mid-2020.

The bridge is already being used though there is still no formal turn-over from the DPWH to the local government.

“Jipapad is known as a flood-prone area because of its topographical location, the maximum flood level was considered in the design of the hanging bridge so that this will be accessible even during the occurrence of floods, during rainy seasons, and calamities,” Junia added.

In the past, residents used temporary wooden bridges easily washed away by strong water current during rainy days.

Residents also ride small boats to cross the Jipapad river, adding inconvenience and transport costs.

Jipapad, a 5th class town in Eastern Samar and home to 7,885 people, is located 117 kilometers north of Tacloban City, the regional capital. (PNA)