Bridging the Gap: A New Era of Smooth Travel in Bayugan City

COURTESY: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur is buzzing with excitement and relief as the brand-new Andanan Parallel Bridge has officially opened! If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic along Daang Maharlika, you know how significant this is. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has truly outdone itself with this one. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how this bridge is changing lives and easing traffic in Bayugan City.

First off, let's talk about the sheer convenience this new bridge brings. Commuters and drivers alike have been dealing with bottlenecks and heavy traffic along Daang Maharlika for what feels like forever. But now, with the completion of the 189-lineal-meter Andanan Parallel Bridge, things are looking up. According to DPWH Regional Office 13 Director Pol M. Delos Santos, this new bridge doubles the vehicular volume that can pass through, easing congestion significantly.

Imagine breezing through the once-clogged highway, your stress levels dropping with each smooth mile. The Andanan Parallel Bridge is not just a structure; it's a lifeline for Bayugan City's daily commuters. Implemented by the DPWH Agusan del Sur First District Engineering Office (DEO) at a cost of P11.43 million, this project is worth every peso.

So, what exactly went into this marvel of modern engineering? The road approaches on both ends of the Andanan Parallel Bridge measure a whopping 322.5 square meters. These approaches are complete with concrete curves, gutters, and sidewalks spanning 225.75 square meters. This means not only vehicles but also pedestrians can benefit from the new infrastructure.

And it doesn’t stop there. The installation includes reflective thermoplastic pavement markings, 33 solar-illuminated leveled marker studs on both directions, and 18 solar LED street lights. These features ensure optimal visibility even in low-light conditions, making night travel safer and more reliable. Kudos to the DPWH for thinking through every detail!

The Andanan Parallel Bridge project wasn’t an overnight miracle. It was a meticulously planned endeavor executed in phases. The first phase saw the construction of the bridge itself, while the second phase focused on the road approaches. Director Delos Santos proudly announced that the bridge is now fully operational and ready to serve the motoring public.

This phased approach ensured that each element of the project was executed to perfection. With the road approaches completed and the bridge fully operational, traffic congestion along the national highway in Bayugan City has dramatically reduced. It's a win-win for everyone involved.

With the Andanan Parallel Bridge up and running, the impact on Bayugan City is palpable. Traffic flows more smoothly, travel times have decreased, and the overall safety of the highway has improved. This bridge is more than just a structure; it’s a testament to what thoughtful infrastructure development can achieve.

Residents and travelers alike are already singing praises. The reduced traffic congestion means less time stuck in jams and more time at home with family or getting work done. It’s a quality-of-life improvement that can’t be overstated. And let's not forget the environmental benefits—less idling in traffic means reduced emissions, contributing to a cleaner, greener Bayugan City.

The new Andanan Parallel Bridge is a shining example of what can be achieved through strategic planning and execution. The DPWH, under the leadership of Director Pol M. Delos Santos, has delivered a project that’s not just about concrete and steel but about improving lives. As traffic eases along Daang Maharlika in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, the community feels the positive ripple effects.

So next time you cruise over the Andanan Parallel Bridge, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and vision that went into making your journey a little smoother, a little safer, and a lot more enjoyable. Here’s to progress and the brighter future it brings!

Rallying for Fair Valuation: CDO Barangay Execs Support for Real Property Ordinance Sought

COURTESY: Cagayan de Oro City Information Office 

If you've been in Cagayan de Oro City lately, you might have heard some buzz about the new real property ordinance. City Assessor Atinodoro Asequia recently called on CDO's barangay officials to lend their support to this proposed ordinance. It aims to update the fair market valuation of the city's real properties. This all went down during the second round of public hearings, which took place at the City Council session hall. And guess what? There's another hearing coming up this Friday, June 7, at the same venue.

So, what’s the big deal about this ordinance? Well, for one, updating the fair market valuation of properties is crucial for the city's revenue. It ensures that property taxes are in line with the current market, which helps fund essential public services and infrastructure projects. City Assessor Atinodoro Asequia emphasized this point during his call to action, urging barangay officials to back the ordinance.

Councilor George Goking, chairperson of the City Council’s ways and means committee, hosted the hearings. He’s been a key figure in facilitating this dialogue, making sure everyone gets a say. This inclusive approach is essential because it helps build community consensus, which is vital for any policy change.

Now, let's dig a little deeper. Updating property valuations isn't just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It has real-world implications. For residents, it means paying property taxes that reflect the true value of their homes and lands. For the city, it means having the funds needed to improve roads, schools, and healthcare facilities. It's a win-win, but only if everyone gets on board.

During the second hearing, a lot of interesting points came up. Some barangay officials expressed concerns about the potential increase in property taxes. They worried it might burden low-income families. Others, however, recognized the long-term benefits, like better public services and infrastructure. Balancing these concerns is what makes these hearings so important.

One of the most compelling aspects of these hearings is the dialogue it fosters. It's not often you see such a diverse group of people coming together to discuss something as seemingly mundane as property valuation. But this is what democracy looks like—everyone having a say in decisions that affect their lives.

Councilor George Goking has done a fantastic job of keeping the conversation constructive. He’s made it clear that the goal is to find a balanced solution that works for everyone. This kind of leadership is crucial in times like these, where public trust in government is more important than ever.

So, what can we expect from the third public hearing this Friday, June 7? For starters, more dialogue and hopefully, more consensus. The goal is to address any lingering concerns and refine the ordinance to make it as fair and effective as possible. City Assessor Atinodoro Asequia and Councilor George Goking will be there, continuing their efforts to rally support from barangay officials.

If you're a resident of Cagayan de Oro, this is something you might want to keep an eye on. The decisions made in these hearings will have a lasting impact on the city’s future. So, whether you're a homeowner, a renter, or just someone who cares about the community, your voice matters.

In the end, the push for the CDO barangay execs' support for the real property ordinance is more than just a bureaucratic exercise. It’s a community effort to ensure that the city’s growth is sustainable and inclusive. With leaders like City Assessor Atinodoro Asequia and Councilor George Goking at the helm, there’s a good chance that a fair and balanced ordinance will emerge.

So, let’s stay tuned and see how this unfolds. The next hearing promises to be another step forward in making Cagayan de Oro a better place for everyone. And that’s something we can all get behind.