A detour to a more convenient and safer path

Pathways and bridges provide great convenience to residents as it makes transportation and daily routines more efficient. Residents can save time, effort, and money when taking shorter routes.

In Barangay Bongoran, Oas, the residents used to ride vehicles or walk through longer routes to get to the Poblacion market of Oas and roads going to Polangui and Ligao. As this route usually take about 15 to 30 minutes of travel time and Php 15 transportation fare, residents chose to take the other route – that is by crossing the river through a wooden raft. Travel time is reduced to five minutes and fare is only two pesos for each round trip. However, crossing the river is risky especially during rainy days when the water level rises. Residents have to compromise their safety and convenience to save time.

Due to this inconvenience and danger brought to the residents, Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, with the local government, made efforts to address this concern.

On November 2015, a 60-meter hanging bridge was constructed connecting Barangay Bongoran to Poblacion area of Oas. Many residents proved that this structure is indeed a great convenience to them.

One of them is Justin Peranca, a Grade 8 student at Oas Polytechnic School who used to cross the river by riding the wooden raft whenever she goes to school. However, the wooden raft is only available until 5 pm. At night and during rainy days when the route is not safe to take, residents including college students who attend night classes have to chose longer routes. Like Peranca, many students are experiencing the great convenience brought by the establishment of the hanging bridge as this enables them to save time and money going to and coming home from school.

Justin Peranca is a Grade 8 student from Oas Polytechnic School 

According to Bongoran Barangay Captain Rodel Realco, the construction of the bridge is also beneficial to his vendor-constituents. Many of his constituents sell Sampaguita flowers for a living. As early as three in the morning, Sampaguita vendors are already out in the streets to begin their day. Since they start before daylight, crossing the river is not safe, hence they have to take the longer route to reach Poblacion area. The hanging bridge now provides them a convenient and safer path. 

Bongoran Barangay Captain Rodel Realco sees the great benefit of the hanging bridge to his constituents

Consuelo Peralta, a 63-year old resident of Bongoran, is a Sampaguita vendor and a frequent passerby at the bridge. Before the bridge was constructed, she pays Php 10 for a ride going to Poblacion area via the longer route. With the newly-constructed hanging bridge, Peralta no longer needs to spend transportation fare to reach her destination.

Consuelo Peralta, a 63-year old Sampaguita vendor is a frequent passerby at the bridge.

Aside from Peralta and Peranca, Barangay Kagawad Edna Rillo also frequently passes through the bridge. Kgwd. Rillo used to walk around from her house to Poblacion area which usually takes her 30 minutes to reach the destination. Now she's experiencing convenience in taking a shorter and safer route at the hanging bridge.

Barangay Kagawad Edna Rillo said that they are making efforts to keep the bridge in good condition.

Due to the great convenience the structure provides, the barangay officials and residents are also making an effort to maintain the bridge. They limit the passage of motorcycle with heavy loads and prioritize the use of structure as footbridge. They also value the safety of the residents especially the students, hence, keeping the bridge in good condition is one of their primary concern in area.

Aside from the construction of the hanging bridge, the flood dikes are continuously improved to mitigate flooding and protect livelihoods and properties of the residents.

Congressman Gonzalez coordinates with the Department of Public Works and Highways to achieve the desired structures with robust materials that would benefit communities for a longer period. Lala Peñafiel / albay3d.blogspot.com

LOOK: One of Bicol’s longest hanging bridges completed

The longest hanging bridge in Bicol is located at Pioduran, Albay connecting Sitio Lagaan of Barangay Banawan to Pioduran town center.

With a span of 120 meters, one of the longest hanging bridges in the Bicol region has been recently completed in Pioduran, Albay connecting Sitio Lagaan of Barangay Banawan to the town center of Pioduran.

The bridge serves as a convenient path for residents and motorcycle riders.

The hanging bridge was built to provide a safe and convenient path for the pedestrians and motorcycle riders especially when the river tide is high. Likewise, students of Sitio Lagaan Elementary School have found a more convenient path going to school.

During calamities, residents can easily evacuate from their area through the newly completed hanging bridge.

Agricultural products such as copra and fish are easily transported to the town center of Pioduran through the hanging bridge. This makes for greater convenience of vendors and efficiency in marketing their products.

The hanging bridge suits the natural beauty of Sitio Lagaan.

During calamities such as flooding and heavy rains, the bridge also provides an expedient path for the residents to evacuate from their area.

Written by Lala Peñafiel
With photos from Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez's Facebook page

Albay Third District hanging bridges: connecting sitios and barangays towards development

Pathways not only bring communities closer but serve as a foundation for economic development. Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez is making continuous efforts in bringing the communities in the Third District of Albay closer towards a better standard of living.

With Congressman Gonzalez’ effort in leading the third district community towards development, the hanging bridges were built to provide people with safer and more convenient routes.  Read what people have to say about the hanging bridges built in the different communities of Third District.