President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo formally opened the Bued Bridge in Barangay Agat, Sison, Pangasinan on June 21, 2010 after it was closed to traffic because of a major restoration activity. The bridge is the major link to the north and vice versa that sustained immense damage when two of its piers sank during the onslaught of typhoon Pepeng in 2009. The restoration project was implemented through the Department of Public Works and Highways’ President’s Bridge Program, in collaboration with the DPWH Region 1 and 3rd District Engineering Office of Pangasinan. The 525 linear meters project’s cost is Php120,367,434.00.
Figure 1 President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during the testimonial drive through
(L-R) Sison Vice Mayor Bensaulozacheus L. Marinas, Pangasinan Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., La Union 2nd Dist. Representative Thomas L. Dumpit, Jr., DPWH Secretary Victor A. Domingo, and Pangasinan 5th District Representative Hon. Marcos O. Cojuangco
The President landed her chopper at a vacant lot near Asan Sur Public School where she was whisked directly to Bued Bridge upon dismount for the simple inaugural rite. She was assisted by the (DPWH) Secretary Victor A. Domingo, Pangasinan 5th District Representative, Hon. Marcos O. Cojuangco, La Union 2nd District Representative, Hon. Thomas L. Dumpit, Jr., Pangasinan Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., and La Union Governor Manuel C. Ortega.
Figure 2 PGMA congratulating Sison Mayor-elect, Atty. Mina Joy C. Pangasinan
In her short speech, she accentuated on the significance and expediency of the project to the motorists and the small scale entrepreneurs that are regularly plying the route. She thanked the DPWH, the contractors and also the ordinary construction workers who were directly involved in restoring the bridge. In wrapping up, she said that there will be more projects to come and she also disclosed the ongoing construction of the Tarlac, Pangasinan, and La Union Expressway (TPLEX) that will surely benefit the constituents of Sison and La Union.
Careful plans and management with the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) and the Presidential Security Group (PSG) conducted by the local PNP headed by PCI Rodolfo Castro, Jr., Construction Engineer Jun Dela Cruz, and representatives from the Local Government of Sison days prior to the arrival of the President made the activity a very successful event.
Figure 3 BUED BRIDGE AFTER THE ONSLAUGHT OF TYPHOON PEPENG
Figure 4 RENOVATED BUED BRIDGE
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