Tuesday, August 11, 2009 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES [ BusinessWorld Online ]
TACLOBAN CITY — Southern Leyte’s Agas-Agas Bridge formally opened to public transport on Sunday making it the country’s tallest and adding to the list of tourism destinations in the region.
Accompanied by top officials of the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH), President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the inauguration of the P1.024-billion bridge.
Approximately 1,000 feet high, the facility will make the road section passable anytime to vehicles transporting goods from Luzon to Mindanao and vice versa.
"You will no longer use the old road because you now have a strong and beautiful bridge," the President said while conversing with officials.
DPWH regional director Angelito Twano said that the infrastructure was built to prevent stranding of vehicles during rainy days.
The 1.50-km bridge is seen as a permanent solution to the natural movement of loose soil aggregates in the area. Civil works started in 1996.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Makoto Katsura was also present during the opening. Its construction was funded under the Japan International Cooperation Agency-Official Development Assistance under the second phase of the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway Rehabilitation Project.
The official said that the bridge suits the Japanese technology considering that the government awarded the contract to Japan-based Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Company with consultancy of Japanese owned Katahira firm.
The project located in Brgy. Kahupian, Sogod, Southern Leyte calls for the construction of a 350-linear meter bridge, its structure a mix of steel and concrete, supported by two piers from the ground.
Mr. Twano said he expects the Agas-Agas bridge will be one of the most ideal destinations for extreme adventure sports in the country.
The bridge also has a view deck, parking area, rest house, bridge bituminous concrete surface course and bridge electrical provision. — Sarwell Q. Meniano
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