By Anthony A. Araos
One of the major concerns that an Asipulo municipal official will have to tackle in the coming months is the old bridge at the boundary of Asipulo and Kiangan towns, as residents feel from the impact of the potential dangers posed by the present one.
Mega structures on Asipulo landscape such as bridge to improve mobility will be accessible to folks, if Councilor Juan Piggangay shall have his way.
Efficiency in the delivery of basic services, particularly on infrastructure is clearly on top of his mind.
According to Councilor Piggangay, the construction of a bridge- just alongside the current one, at Barangay Duit of Kiangan and Barangay Haliap of Asipulo, will be given priority, as he vowed to work for its fruition through funding assistance of a Senate member.
“The construction of a new bridge is a critical intervention to ensure the safety and comfort of the people of these two towns,” Piggangay said.
“Again, we are following the call to modernizing vital infrastructure of our beloved town,” he added.
The bridge is vital to the growth of agriculture and tourism in this upland town. Rice and vegetables are its main crops. Asipulo has many places for tourists to visit.
Looking for good reasons to visit Asipulo, here are three: One, the town has panoramic views. Second, it has a number of natural attractions. Third, it has a rich cultural heritage. Being there matters!
The bridge also impacts on the town’s food supply; in food crisis, even more so.
How can one be certain that a new bridge is needed thus, ensure the development of the town?
Locations connected by bridges are of high demand. Infrastructure expansion in a place like this, boosts the appeal of tourist destinations and make communities more viable for long-term investments.
Procurement and transport of farmers produce through a bridge is essential.
This isn’t just about moving people from one place to another at the present aged Itum bridge, it’s about mobility to Ifugao’s ten other towns. For short, the bridge shall open the people’s lives to better opportunities.
For this initiative, the proponent is clearly communicating his feelings. Councilor Piggangay, chairman of the transportation and communications committee said, “It helps us inform stakeholders that we are concern for their well-being seriously.”
Piggangay added: “I don’t think this shall involve replacing the present one with a similar structure, as we should have an all-weather bridge.”
The clamor for a new bridge has grown in recent years following an increase in trade activities and influx of tourists.
With more interest from municipal government officials like Councilor Piggangay since then, the call for the construction of a new bridge here would finally modernize the town/s road network system.
Piggangay is viewed as one of the top-performing councilors of Asipulo. He is truly an asset of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB).
The strength of institution such as Asipulo’s SB may be gauged according to the ability of those institutions to actually get things done by engaging, with Congress in order to obtain funds for projects. The need for a strong and responsive SB can be considered as an overriding principle from when to formulate laws for sustainable growth and poverty reduction.
Before the end of the year, more positive endeavors are expected from the SB. The SB is an excellent platform to promote good governance. Good leadership will inspire and empower the people.**
