COURTESY: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Imagine living in a place where every day feels like an adventure, but not always the good kind. For the local farmers and members of the Lumad Higaonon Tribe in Sitio Sinuhot, Barangay Balubal, Cagayan De Oro City, that was the reality. Traversing a precarious path to get their produce to market or simply to access basic services was a daily struggle. But all that changed with the completion of a ₱4.89-million hanging steel bridge, thanks to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, based on a report submitted by DPWH – Region 10 Director Zenaida T. Tan, shared that the project was a game-changer. The 34-meter steel bridge, along with an access road, now stands as a testament to what can be achieved when there’s a will to improve lives. The bridge isn't just a structure; it's a lifeline for residents, offering them newfound freedom and security.
The hanging bridge isn’t just any bridge; it’s a marvel of engineering tailored to the unique needs of Sitio Sinuhot. Civil works on the project include a 34-meter steel bridge, anti-slip flooring made of steel checkered plates, 6-meter sheet piles, and an intricate system of vertical, backstay, and main cables. All these elements combine to create a robust and reliable passageway.
What does this mean for the locals? For one, it means that both pedestrians and motorcycles can now use the bridge, making transport cost significantly cheaper. Before, farmers had to shell out a hefty ₱50 per sack to haulers for carrying their farm produce across the river. Now, they can do it themselves, saving money and time.
One of the most pressing concerns that the bridge addresses is the safety of the residents. Implemented by the DPWH Cagayan De Oro 2nd District Engineering Office, the construction was not just about convenience; it was about saving lives. During the rainy season, students and residents faced risky journeys to get to school or work. Now, they can cross the bridge with peace of mind, knowing that it was built to withstand the elements.
Director Tan highlighted that the bridge's completion has also facilitated easier and safer access to the town proper for the indigenous tribe’s basic necessities such as livelihood, education, and health services. This is more than just a bridge; it's a pathway to a brighter future for the Lumad Higaonon Tribe and local farmers.
The impact of the hanging bridge extends far beyond just physical access. For the local farmers, it means better opportunities to sell their produce and, consequently, better income. The logistical hurdles that once seemed insurmountable are now a thing of the past. The community can now look forward to a more prosperous future.
For the Lumad Higaonon Tribe, the bridge signifies respect and recognition of their needs. It’s a tangible sign that they are not forgotten, that their safety and well-being are priorities. The bridge is a bridge in more ways than one—connecting them to resources, opportunities, and the broader world.
At the end of the day, the hanging bridge in Sitio Sinuhot is more than just steel and cables. It's a symbol of hope and progress. It shows what can be achieved when communities, government bodies, and engineering marvels come together. It’s a reminder that even the most remote areas deserve attention and development.
So, the next time you hear about infrastructural projects, think about the hanging bridge in Cagayan De Oro. Think about the lives it has changed and the dreams it has made possible. Because sometimes, a bridge is all it takes to turn a community around.
In Sitio Sinuhot, the future looks brighter, the roads safer, and the opportunities more accessible, all thanks to a bridge that’s doing so much more than just spanning a river.
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