The proposed construction of the PHP95-million Pacul Bridge under the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) is seen to improve transportation and access to markets for farmers and residents in the upland villages of Sagay City, Negros Occidental.
DA-Negros Island Region Director Jose Albert Barrogo said on Monday the project approval has been submitted to the National Project Coordination Office and is awaiting the issuance of the No Objection Letter 1 to allow the proponent local government unit to proceed with the bidding process.
The 60-linear-meter bridge project, spanning the Pacul River across the villages of Baviera, Sewahon I, Colonia Divina and Tadlong, was approved for implementation by the Regional Project Advisory Board-Negros Island Region on June 8.
Under the DA-PRDP Scale-Up, the World Bank will finance 70 percent of the project funding and the national government will shoulder 10 percent. The local government unit will provide a 20-percent equity.
In a statement, Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva said the Pacul Bridge Project is a long-term investment that will directly support rural development and agricultural productivity.
“This bridge is an investment in our farmers, our communities, and our local economy. By improving connectivity, we can help reduce transportation costs, improve access to markets, and make government services more accessible to our people,” he said.
Cueva pointed out that improved rural connectivity remains a key component of the northern Negros city’s development strategy, particularly in agricultural communities where road and transport infrastructure play a critical role in productivity and income generation.
“When we improve access, we create more opportunities for growth. This project will help connect communities, support livelihoods and strengthen the resilience of our farming sector,” the mayor said.
The proposed Pacul Bridge Project will also support the DA’s crop diversification efforts and strengthen the muscovado sugar value chain by enabling safer and more efficient movement of people, goods and services, according to the PRDP Project Support Office-Visayas Cluster.*PNA
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