Thousands of residents and farming communities in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, are expected to benefit from improved transportation, safer travel, and better access to markets after the Regional Project Advisory Board-Negros Island Region (RPAB-NIR) approved the P95.02-million Pacul Bridge project June 8.
The project involves the construction of a 60-linear-meter bridge spanning the Pacul River, providing a more reliable connection for residents of barangays Baviera, Sewahon I, Colonia Divina, and Tadlong, the city said June 11.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to provide year-round access for communities that often face transportation challenges during periods of heavy rainfall and rising river levels.
Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva welcomed the approval of the project, describing it as a long-term investment that will directly support rural development and agricultural productivity.
“This bridge is an investment in our farmers, our communities, and our local economy,” Cueva said in a statement June 11. “By improving connectivity, we can help reduce transportation costs, improve access to markets, and make government services more accessible to our people.”
The bridge is also expected to strengthen the movement of agricultural products and farm inputs, allowing farmers to transport goods more efficiently while reducing delays caused by difficult river crossings.
Per the project documents, the infrastructure will support the Department of Agriculture’s crop diversification initiatives and will further strengthen the muscovado sugar value chain in the area by ensuring safer and more dependable transport routes for people, products, and services.
Cueva said improved rural connectivity remains a key component of the city’s development strategy, particularly in agricultural communities where road and transport infrastructure play a critical role in productivity and income generation.
“When we improve access, we create more opportunities for growth. This project will help connect communities, support livelihoods, and strengthen the resilience of our farming sector,” he added.
The Pacul Bridge project will be implemented by the city government of Sagay and is expected to contribute to safer mobility, increased economic activity, and stronger community resilience in the city’s upland and agricultural barangays. ||
