WHILE President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Congressman Joe De Venecia did not turn up to “bridge the gap”, the Pantal bridge and Dawel-Lucao diversion road nevertheless opened smoothly to the public without glitch in a simple ceremony attended by key national and local officials led by Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr..

Public Works and Highways secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, a self-confessed Dagupeno, waxed sentimental as recalled serving as Dagupan police chief in 1977, before he presented a detailed briefing on the city’s biggest infrastructure project that stands to benefit 8000 vehicles daily and lessen traffic congestion most especially in A.B. Fernandez Avenue.

Mayor Fernandez expressed appreciation to the President, De Venecia and the Japanese government for their combined support for Philippine development.

He said the opening of the new road network will increase the usable land area in Dagupan by at least one third, prop up the city’s position as an investments site and reaffirm its tag as regional center of trade and commerce, education, healthcare, media, telecommunications, and banking.

The twin mega-projects were initiated by De Venecia with the 4.897 km diversion road funded from his priority development fund and the 380 meter long bridge component made possible by an P8 billion sovereign loan procured by President Arroyo from the Government of Japan under her Medium Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP).

Touted as the centerpiece of Contract Package III of the Urgent Bridges Construction Package for Rural Development with funding assistance from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, the Pantal bridge was completed 5 months ahead of its September 2008 target.
President Arroyo led the groundbreaking rites for it in August 2006.

Ambassador Makoto Katsanura said the bridge project is part of Japan’s ongoing commitment to help develop the infrastructure and economy of the Philippines and connect a “livelihood sphere”.

Acknowledged for her sharp business acumen, Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez said the new bridge strategically connects two emerging business districts – Lucao and Bonuan – and positions Pantal and Careenan as gateways to growth corridors that will open up the city’s island barangays to eco-tourism opportunities.

She said the opening ceremony is also a celebration of a vision accomplished.

“As we share our vision and speak with one voice, no amount of political crosswinds can alter our destiny” she said. (CIO/RR)