2 destroyed bridges linking MP, Ifugao, Benguet fixed

Halsema, Bontoc-Banaue roads now open 

By Wabilyn M. Lomong-oy

BONTOC, Mountain Province - For almost two weeks after the onslaught of Super Typhoon Lawin, the Samoki bridge (which connects Mountain Province and Ifugao) was opened for light vehicles while the detour bridge in Nacagang, Sabangan town (connecting the province, Benguet and Baguio) was constructed which eased travel.

“The situation of town being isolated through the road closures has to be remedied to avert escalation of prices of prime commodities and to ease the burden of commuters and the general public,” Rep. Maximo Dalog said.

Dalog convened concerned offices and local government units as crisis committee to evaluate status of Samoki and Sabangan bridges.

Dalog asked the crisis committee to assess and make speedy and safe alternatives on how to deal with the situation.    

The Mountain Province District Engineering Office immediately conducted the assessment of the bridge the following day and the bridge was opened morning of Oct. 30.

Dalog said one reason why construction of Nacagang Bridge has been suspended was due to protests of some parties in Sabangan.

It was learned that the structure and design had been subjected to revisions to accommodate requests of affected individuals in the construction of the Spanish funded bridge.

“The funds are already there, do not blame the DPWH. The contractor is just waiting for the road right of way problems to be resolved”, he said.

The detour in Sabangan was constructed and opened for light vehicles on Tuesday, Nov. 2 after it had been washed away due to typhoon Lawin weeks ago.

The committee composed of representatives from the DPWH-MPDEO, provincial government represented by the provincial administrator lawyer Amador Batay-an, Bontoc officials led by Mayor Franklin Odsey, BOMARVA president Paula Acofo representing the business sector, Philippine National Police represented by Provincial Director Comila, and Senior Insp. Richard Soliven, Bontoc chief of police.