Photo credit: Radyo Pilipinas

Residents of two villages in Agno, Pangasinan now have a safer way to cross after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) completed a temporary steel bridge just months after Secretary Vince Dizon pledged to address their concerns.

The project connects Barangays Bangan Oda and San Juan and was completed less than three months after Dizon visited the area and committed to finding a solution for residents who had long struggled with limited and unsafe access.

The temporary steel bridge measures 88 meters in length and 1.4 meters in width. It was funded through the DPWH Quick Response Fund with a budget of around P10 million and was completed in just 45 days.

According to Dizon, government infrastructure efforts should not focus solely on large-scale projects but must also prioritize initiatives that directly improve the daily lives of local communities.

The DPWH chief also revealed that he brought the residents’ concerns to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who later directed the immediate implementation of the project to address the community’s needs.

For residents like Rowena Neypes of Barangay San Juan, the new bridge is a welcome development. Before its construction, residents relied on a makeshift bamboo bridge, which she described as unsafe, especially for children who crossed it every day.

In recognition of the community’s efforts, Dizon also reimbursed the barangay and residents for the expenses they incurred in building the temporary bamboo crossing.

He said the swift completion of the steel bridge demonstrates how government projects can be delivered efficiently while ensuring durability and public safety.

Meanwhile, plans are underway for the construction of a permanent concrete bridge in the area. Once completed, the structure will be able to accommodate larger vehicles, which officials believe will improve transportation, boost local trade, and create more economic opportunities for residents.