Officials hailed the completion of the P50-million bridge in Sitio Brown, San Miguel, Bulacan for providing students safe passage to school.
Before the construction of the bridge, students of Sibul High School had to cross the Sitio Brown River and brave the strong current to attend classes, according to Department of Public Works and Highways Bulacan second district engineer Ramiro Cruz.
“They walked through a rocky, slippery river bed oblivious of the risks posed by the strong current,” Cruz said. He said crossing the river is most dangerous in the months of May to December when the weather is bad and the rains are heavy.
Bulacan 3rd District Rep. Lorna Silverio was thankful for the bridge, saying it would make traveling safer for the people of Sitio Brown.
The 105.80- lineal meter bridge connects Barangay Kalawakan of Doña Remedios Trinidad to the eight sitios of Durumungan, Pantingan, Tubigan, Ginebra, Betis, Talamsi I, Talamsi II and Conacon which lead to the town proper of San Miguel and other adjacent areas serving as gateways to Manila.
“Crops and other farm produce from Doña Remedios Trinidad will have easier access to the neighboring towns and as far as Metro Manila,” Cruz said. The bridge, he said, can help spur economic growth in the area.