The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division and GMA Kapuso Foundation inaugurated a P5.38-million hanging bridge in a Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA) in Brgy. Abis, Mabinay, Negros Oriental, on Thursday, August 24.
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. led the inauguration of the 50-meter hanging steel bridge under the “Kapuso Tulay Para sa Kapayapaan Project” together with Executive Vice President and Chief Officer of GMA Foundation Rikki Escudero-Catibog, Mabinay Mayor Ernie Uy, and 3ID Commander Maj. Gen. Marion Sison.
The bridge, which was built in a GIDA area, aims to restore access to essential goods, services, and livelihood opportunities for residents, the 3ID said in a press statement.
The area was devastated by a typhoon in December 2021, resulting in extensive damage to homes, crops, school buildings, and hanging bridges, it added.
The P5,375,917.06 bridge was built over the Cansana-an River and was commissioned by the foundation, with the support of the Army’s 53rd Engineer Brigade through its 542nd Engineer Construction Battalion.
It had its ceremonial groundbreaking and signing of Memorandum of Agreement between the foundation and AFP through its Visayas Command, and Mabinay local government unit in February, the construction started on May 2 and it was completed this month.
Sison thanked the foundation for helping fund the bridge and the residents for their collaboration “that paved the way for the realization of the project”.
“This initiative stands as a testament to the sincerity of the government and its stakeholders in fostering peace and progress in the remote areas of Mabinay”, Sison said, adding “It will undoubtedly create a long-lasting and positive impact on the lives of the residents”.*