President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inauguration Thursday of the PhP2.3 billion Camalaniugan Bridge in Cagayan, which he said could spur development in the area.

“I think this will serve as a model for many of the other bridge projects that we will be seeing around the country,” President Marcos said.

“At nakakatuwa dahil napakalaking bagay ang paglagay ng ganitong klaseng tulay dahil as all of you here are well aware, it cuts the travel time, imbes na umiikot ng napakalayo para tumawid ay nandito na ‘yung ating Camalaniugan Bridge,” the President added.

President Marcos said the government accelerated the construction of the bridge to benefit the public and nearby communities, particularly by boosting economic activity in the area.

“I am sure na itong tulay na ito ay magbabago ang ekonomiya sa magkabila ng tulay na ito. Maraming mabubuksan, and this will give many opportunities in the surrounding areas, mabibigyan ng mga opportunities for new jobs, for new businesses, and I’m sure that you will feel the economic effects in a very, very short time,” the President said.

The Chief Executive congratulated the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) “for their very good work here and to see that everything was completed on time and on budget.”

Aside from ensuring seamless traffic flow, the bridge was constructed in line with the current safety standards, the President also noted.

President Marcos also assured the public that the money spent on building vital infrastructures benefits Filipinos.

The 2.16-kilometer, two-lane Camalaniugan Bridge will serve as an alternative route to the Magapit Suspension Bridge, previously the only bridge at the northernmost part of Cagayan that spans the Cagayan River.

With the bridge’s completion, travel time between Aparri and Ballesteros in Cagayan is expected to be cut from one hour to just 20 minutes, benefiting an estimated 6,000 daily commuters and travelers. | PND