 |
| Photo of the newly constructed hanging bridge in Jipapad, E. Samar. From DPWH -ESDEO. |
PRESS RELEASE — The Department of Public Works and Highways-Eastern Samar District Engineering Office (DPWH ESDEO) completed the construction of the 80 meter-hanging bridge in Jipapad, Eastern Samar amounting to Php18,618,420.19 which connects the town proper of Jipapad to the other side of the municipality that leads to the national road, separated by a river.
District Engineer Ma. Margarita Junia said that the newly constructed hanging bridge is designed for the passage of motorcycles. This will be a big help to the locals of Jipapad for it provides the public better accessibility of their farm products, essential goods, and services.
She also added that the hanging bridge is designed to withstand calamity and be serviceable to public anytime especially during an emergency.
“Jipapad is known as a flood-prone municipality 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,” said DE Junia.
Meanwhile, Mr. Otoy Balase, resident of Brgy. 1, Jipapad, disclosed in an interview that before the construction of the hanging bridge, the public was using a temporary wooden bridge which is always destroyed and carried away by the strong current of water during a flood. He also said that local residents also used motorboats to cross the river which added inconvenience to their travel.
“Makuri han wara pa hini tulay kay bisan an pagtatabok ngade makuri ngin dako an baha. Yana, maupay na nga may-ada tulay. Dako nga iya nahibulig, kay nananabok ma hira dinhe han mayda mga darad-on, suga han mga humay. Sugad daman ngin nadako an baha, nganhe an mga humay gindadara nga dire manhulos [It was really hard for us to cross the river before, especially during flooding. Now, the bridge is a big help for our accessibility especially in the mobility of farm products. Sometimes, they also evacuate their rice produce here during floods to avoid it from getting soaked in the water.],” said Balase.
“Nagpapasalamat kami han bulig han DPWH nga dako nga pakabulig nira dinhe han amon bungto ha Jipapad. Salamat [We are thankful for the help of DPWH because this is really a beneficial project to the Municipality of Jipapad. Thank you.],” added Balase.
Furthermore, the construction of Jipapad Hanging Bridge was completed on January 13, 2020. Now, the said structure is one of the most favorite spots for picture taking of the people visiting Jipapad. (DPWH ESDEO PR)