LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The construction of a bridge connecting Barangay Luciente I at the mainland of Bolinao town to Santiago Island will finally take off this year.
Once constructed, the bridge will provide easy access and faster mobilization of people and products. This will serve as a major boost to the local economy and tourism industry.
First District Congressman Arthur F. Celeste, Governor Ramon V. Guico III, Bolinao Mayor Alfonso F. Celeste, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Ronnel Tan, and Senator Imee Marcos led the groundbreaking ceremony of the P1.95 billion project on September 1 at GuiguiwanenFishing Port in Brgy. Luciente 1.
The construction of the 680-lineal-meter bridge including its approaches and access roads will start this year, and it is targeted to be completed by 2028. The project, an initiative of Congressman Celeste that gained support from Sen. Marcos, is under the Sustainable Infrastructure Program Alleviating Gaps (SIPAG) Package 1 and the Basic Infrastructure Program (BIP).
Fully supportive of the mega infrastructure project, Gov. Guico said this is an opportune time to show not only in the entire Philippines but to the whole world how beautiful Bolinao town is.
“Ako naman po Ma’am ang sinasabi ko dito, gagawin po natin ang Bolinao Airport kasi napakalalim po, either government funded, PPP, joint venture, government and private, kahit ano pong modality ang mahalaga maitayo po ‘yan upang sa ganun ay maipakita po natin hindi lang po sa buong Pilipinas kundi sa buong mundo nanapakaganda ng bahaging ito ng lalawigan ng Pangasinan,” the governor said.
The land acquisition for the PHP800 million Bolinao Airport project is now at 70 percent.
The construction of the bridge is a welcome development for the townsfolk, especially local traders who transport their goods from Santiago Island to the mainland on Saturday, which is their market day.
Santiago Island has seven villages, namely, Binabalian, Goyoden, Lucero, Pilar, Salud, Dewey, and Victory.
Based on the 2020 Census of Population, it has a population of 18,690.
Congressman Celeste thanked Sen. Imee for the support she has given. “Maraming salamat po sa Ate ng ating Pangulo Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., na naging susi sa pagsasakatuparan ng matagal nang inaasam na tulay. Sa proyektong ito, magiging abot-kamay na ang pangarap ng mas mabilis na biyahe at mas maayos na koneksyon para sa lahat,” he stated.
Excited tayong lahat kasi ilang beses na akong pabalik-balik dito lahat tayo nagkakamot ng ulo kung anong gagawin at alam naman natin sa pagitan ng Bolinao at Santiago, bangka, pump boat, at kung ano-anong masakyan, swimming kung kakayanin basta makatawid sa Santiago eh talagang napakahirap po kasi 3.3 kilometers ito,” Senator Marcos said.
The project was first requested for funding in 2005 under the tenure of Mayor Alfonso F. Celeste, who completed his full term from 2004 to 2013. Former town Mayor Jesus “Boying” F. Celeste was the district representative at that time.
Serving as witnesses to the town’s milestone event were Vice Mayor Richard Celeste, DPWH Assistant. Regional Director Mathias L. Malenab, Pangasinan 1st District Board Members Napoleon C. Fontelera, and Apolonia “Apple” DG. Bacay, other local officials.
