Camaligan hanging bridge to open soon

CAMALIGAN, Camarines Sur---The P5.5-million 50-meters long hanging bridge connecting this town’s poblacion with Barangay San Francisco along the Bicol River is almost finished and will be opened to residents before the end of this month, the municipal engineer here said.

In an interview, Fernando Eduardo, Camaligan municipal engineer, said that they have already submitted all the requirements to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for the issuance of clearance for the bridge opening.

The hanging bridge, connecting barangays Sto. Domingo and San Francisco, is a local government project initiated by Mayor Marilou Hirose. It will benefit hundreds of residents and students who cross the Bicol River through a boat locally known as “dakit.”

During weekdays and school days, San Francisco residents who work in Naga City and students of Sto. Tomas National High School face delay in crossing the river because there is only one boat that service their transportation needs.

A worker is seen performing minor remaining works on the Camaligan hanging bridge, which is expected to be opened to town residents before the end of August. (Photo by AREGLADO NEWS)

The completion of the hanging bridge suffered delays early this year due to insufficient documents and the imposition of the enhanced and general community quarantine.

Eduardo said that the building permit from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and clearance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have already be issued.

We also officially informed the PCG that the bridge is already completed, except for some minor remaining works, which are still ongoing, he said.

Meanwhile, Petty Officer 1st Class Efren Abanilla, PCG Camaligan substation commander, confirmed that the Municipal Engineer’s Office has already submitted to PCG all the needed requirements for the bridge’s operation.

He said that according to the PCG Memorandum Circular No. 01-14, edifices build in inland waters shall provide space for maritime vehicles’ passage.

Abanilla also said that bridges must be built in accordance with standard height.

He said that this will ensure that the river remain passable to boats for transportation and business purposes.

Ronnel Paredes, a barangay kagawad of San Francisco, said that even if the bridge becomes passable, the boat service will continue to operate to serve senior citizen, persons with disabilities, and others who will have difficulty in using the hanging bridge.