Iloilo Provincial Engineer's Office

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES THROUGH YOUTH AND FAMILY SUPPORT

ILOILO, Philippines; August 12, 2024 – Concluding today’s Flag Ceremony, Hon. Arthur “Toto" Defensor, Jr. spearheaded the turnover of checks, plans and program of works for the Proposed Two-Storey Multi-Purpose Building (Youth Development Center and Family Development Center).

The checks, each amounting to 5 Million Pesos, were awarded to five municipalities, namely: Igbaras, Sta. Barbara, Calinog, Passi and Sara; respectively representing the congressional districts of the Province.

Through the efforts of PEO’s Department Head, Engr, Romeo C, Andig; Planning, Programming and MTQC Division Chief, Engr. Jeb A. Escarilla; and Arch. Glene Rose S. Sesbreño, the design of the proposed project was materialized. The building is composed of two storeys – with the Family Development Center situationed at the lower ground; while, the second floor encompasses the Youth Development Center.

With this, Provincial Engineer’s Office remains steadfast with its objective in line with Gov. Defensor’s vision towards a Iloilo

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐆𝐎𝐕 𝐓𝐎𝐓𝐎!
🏆 𝐾𝐴𝑌𝐴 𝑁𝐴𝑇𝐼𝑁 𝐶𝐻𝐴𝑀𝑃𝐼𝑂𝑁!
'Champion of Good Governance and Ethical Leadership'

Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. is the only governor to have received the award, distinguishing himself as one of the country's exemplary leaders committed to the principles of good governance. By strictly adhering to transparency and accountability, he ensured that graft and corruption had no place in his administration.

See full list of Kaya Natin Champions at Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership

BRIDGING THE GAPS. The Inauguration of Three (3) Unit Foot Bridges at Brgy. Onop, Miag-ao, Iloilo.

On June 26, 2024, Provincial Engineer Romeo C. Andig, representing Hon. Arthur R. Defensor, Jr., led the inauguration of three (3) unit foot bridges in Brgy. Onop, together with the local officials of Miag-ao led by Vice Mayor Macario N. Napulan, SB Richard Esposo, SB Marlon Niones, SB Jun Karlo Napulan, Ms. Chelsea Nagaynay, Engr. Leonardo G. Superio, Jr., and PEO personnel.

Engr. Andig expressed his appreciation to the Municipal Officials of Miag-ao, as well as to Punong Barangay Wely P. Florece of Brgy. Onop and his Council. He commended the residents for their resilience amidst the difficulty brought by very poor accessibility; and their unwavering support in the successful implementation of the project despite its geographical isolation and disadvantage.

In his message, Vice Mayor Napulan emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving the goals and aspirations to improve the well-being of the people in the community. In his response, Hon. Florece expressed his utmost gratitude and appreciation for the project, stating, “Sa pila ka tuig nga handom namon nga magka tulay para makatabok nga malayo sa disgrasya, nalab-ot na ang amon handom.” He also added that the residents are very happy for they will have better accessibility and safer routes especially when they go to the town proper, to the market, when children go to school, and when there is flood during rainy season.

The total cost of the aforementioned project is Php 1,931,978.00, which was completed last May 9, 2024. The project connects Brgy. Onop with its neighboring barangays; thus, benefiting 55 households (HHs) in Brgy. Onop, 26 HHs in Brgy. Cadoldolan, 27 HHs in Brgy. To-og including the residents of Brgy. Ongyod and Brgy. Tigmalapad. Furthermore, Punong Barangays of Brgy. Cadoldolan, Cawayan, Frantilla and To-og also graced the ceremony with their presence.

WATER FOR ALL: Improving Access to Rural Communities
Iloilo Provincial Government, through the Provincial Engineer’s Office headed by Engr. Romeo C. Andig, implemented sustainable water sources throughout the Province in line with its vision of MoRProGRes.

On April 3, 2024, Hon. Arthur R. Defensor, Jr., together with the local officials of San Dionisio, led the inauguration of the water system projects at Barangays Bondulan and Santol of the said municipality. The governor expressed his appreciation to Mayor Darwin E. Bajada; Vice-Mayor Erma Perez; Punong Barangays Harle B. Oracion and Redan Manzano of Brgys. Bondulan and Santol, respectively; and the PEO - RWSSD staff, headed by Engr. Andig, for their support in the successful implementation of said projects. He also extended his appreciation to the residents for tending the completed water system projects.

The total project cost for Brgy. Bondulan’s water system project is ₱ 746,102.00, currently serving 110 households (HHs); while, Brgy. Santol has a total project cost of ₱ 749,502.36 and is currently serving 215 HHs. Punong Brgy. Manzano shared his experience of the times when they had very limited access to water supply, stating, “Pulaw-bugtaw kag maglakat pila ka kilometro para lang makasalod tubig.” Hence, together with the Punong Brgy. Oracion and the residents, they expressed their utmost gratitude for the water system projects and the hope it brings to their communities.

Moreover, Executive Assistant Niel C. Tupas, III, Mr. Aris Patrick S. Tedoco, SB Rufino Alkonga, and the Punong Barangay of Brgy. Poblacion also graced the inauguration with their presence.

Always take the scenic route...

Damires-Baclayan Road, New Lucena, Iloilo

“BRAIN ACTIVITY, EXCEED CAPACITY” SERIES

#1 Enhancing the Capacities of Community-Based Associations

PEO, through the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Division (RWSSD), conducted a 10-day “Training on Tariff Setting for Operation and Maintenance of Water System Project” last September 2-9 and 13-14, 2023 in various barangays in the Province of Iloilo.

Actively participated in the said training were the member-consumers of the Barangay Water and Sanitation Association (BAWASA); and the officers and members of the Barangay Council of Brgy. Jamul-awon in Concepcion; Brgy. Botongon in Estancia; Brgy. Cavite and Brgy. Frantilla in Miag-ao; Brgy. Cabanga-an and Brgy. Tina in Badiangan; Brgy. Cadilang and Brgy. Mambiranan Poqueño in Passi City; and Brgy. Biri Sur and Brgy. Isian Norte in Leon.

The activity aimed to capacitate the participants in identifying and formulating suitable water tariff to support operation, repair, and maintenance activities for the water system activities, as well as to reinforce water conservation behavior.

Furthermore, RWSSD project engineers discussed the operation and maintenance concepts for various water system projects.

DISCOVER WHAT’S NEXT WITH OUR NEW PROJECT SERIES

#2: Php 19-Million Road Concreting Project Begins in San Enrique

The Concreting of JNR, Madarag-Iprog Road in San Enrique, Iloilo has started following the pre-construction conference on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at the Gymnasium of Brgy. Iprog, San Enrique. Said event was attended by San Enrique Municipal Mayor, Honorable Rosario Mediatrix Fernandez; personnel from the Provincial Engineer’s Office led by Provincial Engineer Romeo C. Andig; and residents of Brgy. Iprog led by Punong Barangay Darlan P. Panizales.

Around Php 19 Million, sourced from the National Tax Allotment for CY 2023, had been allotted by the Iloilo Provincial Government under Governor Arthur “Toto” R. Defensor, Jr.

Provincial Engineer Romeo C. Andig stated that, with the allocated amount, around 977 linear meters of the 3.617-kilometer gravel road will be concreted; including the construction of lined ditch canal and slope protection at selected segments.

In her message, Mayor Trixie Fernandez thanked Governor Arthur “Toto” R. Defensor, Jr. in allocating fund for the road concreting project as this will improve access to transportation of the people and the delivery of their products to the local trade centers that will eventually improve their economic status.

“We hope that an additional allocation to continue the road concreting project will be provided by the Honorable Governor and that the project will be completed on time,” she said adding that its completion would provide convenience to the public; and would improve inter-connectivity to the adjoining barangays of Passi City.

The project is being carried out by J.C. Albason Construction and its expected completion date will be on February, 2024. Contract management and construction supervision will be under the Iloilo Provincial Engineer’s Office.

DISCOVER WHAT’S NEXT WITH OUR NEW PROJECT SERIES

#1: Proposed Php 200-Million Road Project in Lemery, Iloilo

Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr., together with the representatives of Provincial Engineer’s Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rural Development Project, and the Local Government of Lemery led by Mayor Oscar C. Villegas, Jr., spearheaded the Inter-Barangay Public Hearing for the Proposed Road Rehabilitation and Improvement Project on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Brgy. Almeñana, Lemery, Iloilo.

Also present in the said event were the officials and residents of the barangays that would benefit from and be affected by the proposed project including Barangay Nagsulang, Barangay Almeñana, Barangay Sincua, and Barangay Pacuan. Public consultation was conducted; as well as concerns and inquires of the residents were accordingly acknowledged and accorded.

Project at large, Road Rehabilitation and Improvement in Lemery, Iloilo, amounts to Php 200 Million with a total length of 8.3 kilometers. Said project is under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) program of the Department of Agriculture, funds of which derived from the World Bank.

Multi-Million Solar-Powered Water System on the Rise. A Pre-construction conference for the construction of solar-powered potable water system located at Sitio Danao-Danao, Polopiña, Concepcion, Iloilo was conducted last June 15, 2023.
The aforementioned water system project has been awarded to NXTLVL Water Technology, Inc. The aggregate cost of the contract amounted to ₱12,844,932.82 of which 80% is funded by the World Bank, 10% by the Department of Agriculture (DA), and 10% by the Iloilo Provincial Government (IPG). The project implementation will be spearheaded by the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO) headed by Engr. Romeo C. Andig in partnership with the Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) 6 and the Project Support Office Visayas of the DA.
The water system facility will process saline water into potable fresh water with an expected output of 11,000 liters per day utilizing a renewable solar energy as its source of power. Moreover, the said water system project will be benefitting 213 households from sitio Danao-Danao, Brgy. Polopiña and its four (4) puroks, allowing the residents access to potable water supply while cutting down their expenses by half and saving them from hours of hassle in fetching drinking water from distant sources.
ILOILO

The Provincial Engineer's Office (PEO) through the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Division(RWSSD) conducted the "Follow-through Training on the Formulation of Policies and Constitution and By-laws of BAWASAs" on May 3-4, 2023 at Eon Centennial Hotel Resort and Water Park, Alta Tierra Village, Jaro, Iloilo City.

The members of the BAWASA Board of Directors (BODs) and the Barangay Council from twelve (12) barangays in the province of Iloilo participated the 2-day training with the OIC, Provincial Engineer, Engr. Isagani D. Baldevieso; RWSSD Head, Engr. Rene A. Margarico; and Supervising Administrative Officer (SAO), Estela Marie C. Leyson gracing the aforementioned training with their presence.

The resource person, Mr. Danny D. Espinosa, Senior Labor and Employment Officer (SLEO) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Iloilo Field Office shared his invaluable insights, experiences and expertise to enhance the capacity of the participants in crafting CBL and formulating sound and responsive policies for their respective associations.

PEO strengthens the capacities of community-based Water Associations on management and sustainability

Barangay Officials, consumers, and officers of the Barangay Water and Sanitation Associations (BAWASA) have attended the Project Orientation and Organizational Development Training from March 23-30, 2023 in various venues in ten target barangays in the Province of Iloilo, including Botongon Estancia, Ilongbukid San Rafael, Mantulang Passi City, Bongloy Di**le, Bontoc Lambunao, Nabitasan Pototan, Jelicuon Este New Lucena, Mambuyo Sta. Barbara, Frantilla and Cavite in Miagao.

These barangays were prioritized according to the need to provide technical assistance to their existing BAWASA, functionality of their water system project, and the barangay council is committed to harmonizing BAWASA initiatives to its local governance.

The training aims to capacitate the associations and barangay officials on the mechanics of forming a BAWASA that will be responsible for the management, operation, and maintenance of the water system projects that were funded by the Iloilo Provincial Government through the leadership of Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr.

Subsequently, the activity was an opportunity also to discuss the importance of water as a human right and a motivation for the association to develop a culture of unified purposes, efficient leadership, and accountability.

Annually, the PEO through its Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Division (RWSSD) devotes training funds to increase the awareness and capabilities of the community-based associations and sectors with advocacies on water to ensure proper management and develop a sense of ownership for their project. cbg/PEO

Water system projects and riverwall protection inaugurated at Miagao, Iloilo

Governor Arthur R. Defensor led the inauguration of projects with the local officials of Miagao led by Mayor Richard S. Garin, Jr. and Vice Mayor Macario N. Napulan on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Barangays Malagyan and Maninila.

Malagyan's water system project has a total project cost of 1,461,784.29 which currently serves 118 households. Meanwhile, Maninila's water system project is currently serving 18 households and has a total project cost of 1,219,102.83. A proposed improvement was requested by Brgy. Maninila to serve additional households to access the water supply.

Residents and Punong Barangays Brian B. Murillo and Emmanuel N. Nisda were grateful for the recent developments in their barangay as this will provide a solution to the daily plight of the residents regarding the availability and access to safe and sufficient water.

Officials and members of the Barangay Water and Sanitation Associations (BAWASAs) of respective barangays took the oath before Governor Defensor, Jr. to manifest a pledge of commitment to maintain and operate their water system facilities. cbg/PEO

LOOK: The Provincial Engineer's Office lead by Engr. Romeo Andig participated in the Nationwide Earthquake Drill.

This 1st quarter earthquake drill is one of the government's efforts to promote disaster preparedness and resilience among communities.

A dialogue was conducted with the residents and local officials of Brgy. San Julian, Janiuay to assess the functionality of their water system project.

The dialogue aims to monitor and evaluate the water supply and rainwater harvesting facility implemented through international funding sponsors - Asian Development Bank and UK Aid. The team from Oxfam, an NGO that advocates poverty alleviation, led the facilitation of the said activity.

Engineers from the Provincial Engineer's Office through its Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Division was a partner in this initiative as the office provided technical assistance in the implementation of the said project.

Because it's Feb-Ibig, here's a valentine's treat from the Iloilo Provincial Engineer's Office. 👷‍♂️❤️

Engineers attended a product presentation on Thursday, February 02, 2023, on drone technology's basic operation, flight mode, and navigation procedures.

Drones are beneficial to the operations of the Provincial Engineer's office, as they will improve the quality of data gathering during site surveys and can map otherwise inaccessible areas, unsafe steep slopes, or harsh terrain that are unsuitable for traditional measuring tools.

Representatives from Certeza Infosys Corporation, an IT solutions company from San Juan City spearheaded the product presentation using the DJI Matrice 300 and Matrice M30.

This year, the PEO has allocated funds for the purchase of drone to answer the demand for the number of projects to undergo site surveys and inspections. cbg/PEO

📸: Engr. Erik Paul Nordesta

“We want to maximize our agricultural production and in the meantime create a value chain. We process our agricultural products into some other products so that we have something to sell and we can have employment and business for our agri-tourism industry,” Gov. Defensor, Jr. said.

The governor congratulated and thanked the proponents who made the project come to fruition. He said the provincial government is preparing for more proposals for PRDP funding.

From: Balita Halin sa Kapitolyo

'Double A' Oton abattoir gets the green light

To transform the province of Iloilo into a source of quality meat and meat products, a double 'A' abattoir will soon rise in Oton, Iloilo.

Project stakeholders and beneficiaries gather for a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, February 01, 2023, to kickstart the construction of an abattoir that will serve as a facility where animals for human consumption are slaughtered to sustain the balance of food security in the province.

Provincial Engineer Romeo C. Andig said in his speech that the abattoir will include the construction of a holding pen, boiler room, drying area, weighing scale shed, and a 294 sq. meter slaughterhouse.

Rainwater harvesters, drainage systems, and wastewater facilities are also included as support facilities to mitigate the impact of waste disposal following compliance with environmental impact assessment and regulations.

Meanwhile, Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. also graces the occasion wherein he expressed the potential of the abattoir to increase the value chain that could spur economic development and generate local employment for self-employed meat processors and butchers.

The 52.099 Million project was funded by the World Bank through the Department of Agriculture's Philippine Rural Development Program in partnership with the Iloilo Provincial Government.

The abattoir is categorized and accredited by the DA-NMIS as “double-A,” having been equipped with appropriate equipment and employing procedures that can slaughter livestock animals into quality, hygienic meat suitable for sale in any local or national market. The facility can slaughter up to 16 heads per hour for swine and 12 heads per day for cattle and other small ruminants.

Gov. Defensor and Engr. Andig was joined by local officials of Oton led by Mayor Sofronio L. Fusin, Jr. Congresswoman Janette Garin, Vice Governor Christine S. Garin, representatives from the PPDO led by PPDC Mario Nillos, representatives from the DA-PRDP led by Engr. Antonio Ronel Trino, Punong Barangay Axel Haro, and teachers from the Lambuyao Elementary School. cbg/PEO

Water system "a dream come true" for the residents of Mambiranan Pequeño, Passi City

Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. on Friday, January 27, 2023 graces another inauguration of a water system project at Barangay Mambiranan Pequeño, Passi City.

In his message during the activity, Gov. Defensor, Jr. centered his public address on the importance of people's participation in ensuring the successful implementation of the projects. He encourages the residents to participate in the development activities of the barangay and motivated the Mambiranan Water System and Sanitation Association to lead in the implementation of the operation and maintenance program for the sustainability of their water system project, and ended his message with "Padayon naton nga pululihan" which invite stakeholders to collaborate for a common cause.

Before establishing the water system project, the residents of Mambiranan Pequeno used to get water from dug wells, which consumed cost, time, and effort.

The activity was joined by local functionaries from Passi City LGU led by Vice Mayor Elyzer Chavez, Members of the Sanguniang Panlungsod Mario Hidalgo and Paul Panes, Representatives from the Provincial Engineer's Office led by Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project Head Engr. Rene A. Margarico and Punong Barangay Fernando Pagayon, Jr. and council.

Mambiranan's level III water system currently serves 34 households with individual meter connections. The Governor also administered the oath of taking to the officials of the BAWASA responsible for the management, operation, and maintenance of the water facilities. cbg/PEO

Two Barangays of Miagao, Iloilo enjoy adequate water supply

A spring water source brought sufficient supply to Barangay Tigbagacay and Tig-apog-apog Miagao, Iloilo. This came after the Iloilo Provincial Government through its Provincial Engineer's Office implemented and completed the Construction of a Level III Water System to respond to the demand and need of the people for a steady supply of water for their everyday access.

The 1.425 Million project has benefited 45 households through the water facilities installed in the two barangays including the 3-kilometer transmission line from the source to the two water tanks, and the 360-meter distribution line from the water tanks to the household consumers.

Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. on Wednesday, January 26, 2023, during the project inauguration, expressed his appreciation for the effort of the Barangay Officials and stakeholders for the realization of the water system project.

"Nagapasalamat gid ako kay ang proyekto aton gina pulihan, kun nagadugang ang ribbon cutting sa barangay, naga kahulugan nga sige ang progreso para sa tawo" Gov. Defensor, Jr. said.

Meanwhile, PEO's Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project Head Engr. Rene A. Margarico encourages the local functionaries and the Barangay Water System and Sanitation Association (TIGWASA) to safeguard their project with the establishment of sound policies on operation and maintenance to attain the sustainability of the project so that it will survive in the long term.

The inauguration ceremony was participated by Punong Barangay Rodrigo Familangco, Jr. along with the twelve Punong Barangays who welcomed the presence of Governor Defensor, Jr., Vice Mayor Macario Napulan, Sanguniang Bayan members Richard Esposo, Japeth Grace Moleta, and Cesar Florece, and the residents from the Barangays of Tigbagacay and Tig-apog-apog, Miagao. cbg/PEO

The long wait is over! Bridge to improve agriculture economy and tourism in 'Seven Cities', Alimodian

Grateful and ecstatic. These are the reactions and emotions of the residents of Seven Cities in Alimodian, Iloilo as their dream of having a sturdy bridge now came to fruition.

Stakeholders gathered on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Brgy. Cabacanan, Alimodian for a groundbreaking ceremony that signals the start of the Construction of a 60 linear meter Pre-Stressed Concrete Girder Bridge funded by the Department of Agriculture's Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Alimodian and Iloilo Provincial Government.

Gov. Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. led the activity wherein he recognized the collective effort of the different inter-agency offices who collaboratively worked in cohesion to realize the need for better access and delivery of agricultural products by the people and farmers from the seven cities composed of Brgys. Dao, Lico, Manasa, Tabug, Tarug, Umingan, and Cabacanan in Alimodian, Iloilo.

Seven Cities is a group of clustered barangays with unexploited natural beauty located in the hinterlands of Alimodian, a part of the central mountainous area of Panay Island. These barangays produce high-yielding crops such as cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and others. It is also known for its lush vegetation, thick jungle forest, caves, cliffs, waterfalls, and rice terraces.

The ₱50.312 Million project will connect the seven cities to increase their economy, particularly in the timely delivery of agricultural produce to the market, and potentially increase the tourism industry in the area. An equity of ₱9.142 Million was shared by the Iloilo Provincial Government for the realization of the said project.

Gov. Defensor, Jr. was joined by the staff from the Provincial Engineer's Office headed by Engr. Romeo C. Andig, representatives from the Provincial Planning and Development Office, staff from the DA-PRDP-PSO Visayas led by Engr. Jose Albert A. Barrogo, 2nd District Board Members Rolito C. Cahilig and June S. Mondejar, representatives from the congressional office of Rep. Michael B. Gorriceta, local officials from LGU Alimodian headed by Mayor Ian Kenneth A. Alfeche, Vice Mayor Geefre "Kalay" A. Alonsabe, members of the Sanguniang Bayan, and Punong Barangay Danny Calambro with other village chiefs from the seven barangays. cbg/PEO

EARLIER. Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. leads the groundbreaking ceremony at Brgy. Cabacanan Alimodian, Iloilo for the Construction of 60 linear meter Pre-Stressed Concrete Girder Bridge.

Full story up ahead.

LOOK: Barangay Officials, residents, and PEO-RWSSD staff gather in Barangay Corot-on Lambunao, Iloilo for the blessing ceremony of a recently completed level II water system project.

The ₱850,000 project covers the installation of a distribution line, elevated water tank, tapstands, blowoff, and 1 horsepower submersible pump.

Level II Water System is usually, a faucet or a tapstand that serves four to six households within a radius of 25 meters. It is generally suited for rural and urban fringe areas where houses are clustered in sufficient density to justify a simple piped system. The consumers still go to the supply point (communal faucet) to fetch the water. cbg/PEO

📸Eugene Resano, Christelle Somes, Alejandro Suarez

IPG and DA-PRDP to establish double "A" slaughterhouse in Oton, Iloilo

In the aim to improve the quality of meat handling and to combat the highly contagious African Swine Fever that has affected the swine industry and economy in the Province of Iloilo, a double A abattoir will be established at Brgy. Lambuyao, Oton Iloilo.

The project is under the supervision of the Iloilo Provincial Government through its Provincial Engineer's Office headed by Engr. Romeo Andig is set to start operations by February 2024 with component structures including the holding pen, waste treatment facilities, boiler room, elevated water tank, rainwater harvester, concrete pavement, drying area, and others.

In a pre-construction conference held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, the project has a contract amount of P52,099,978.56 awarded to F. Gurrea Construction, Inc. The project is funded by the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) under its I-BUILD component aimed to put in place strategic and climate-resilient rural infrastructures along the priority value chain.

As an initiative and to meet the funding requirement, Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. approved an amount of 8.758 million pesos or 17% of the total project cost as the Province's share for the construction of the said project.

Following this development, the establishment of Oton Abattoir is expected to support the swine and meat industry of the Province wherein the facility is capable of butchering 16 heads per hour for swine and 12 heads per day for cattle. The realization of this project will ensure safe and quality meat, taking into consideration the social, environmental, and sanitation safeguards, amidst a pandemic setback. cbg/PEO

Bridge connects "Seven Cities" to progress

For several years, farmers and traders of organic vegetables and crops in the Seven Cities of Alimodian, Iloilo brought their produce to the market by passing a bamboo footbridge that connects to the barangay proper of Cabacanan. One can only imagine how they walked on foot on a slippery bamboo bridge with no posts or handles to hold them. When the river overflows, it creates an atmosphere of fear among the residents.

Until a welcome development came for the people of Alimodian, Iloilo as the hanging bridge in Brgy. Cabacanan that connects to Seven Cities will be rehabilitated through the initiative of the Iloilo Provincial Government with the support of the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

In a pre-construction conference held on Thursday, January 05, 2023, at the Alimodian Municipal Hall, Provincial Engineer Romeo C. Andig with Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Mario N. Nillos disclosed that the construction of 60 linear meter pre-stressed concrete girder with a contract amount of P50,312,032.32 has already been awarded to the contractor F. Gurrea Construction Inc. to implement the said project.

The infrastructure is expected to complete on October 2, 2023, which will provide a safe passageway among the residents of "Seven Cities" composed of seven barangays known for organic vegetable farming that contributes to the supply of agricultural products in the Province of Iloilo.

Officials from the LGU of Alimodian led by Mayor Ian Kenneth A. Alfeche, Vice Mayor Geefre A. Alonsabe, representatives from the DA-PRDP led by Engr. Antonio Ronel Trino, representatives from the Provincial Engineer and Planning Development Offices attended the activity.

Engr. Trino expressed that the PRDP program ensures complementation among the Provincial Government's plans, programs, and activities. It aims to establish a modern, inclusive, value chain-oriented, and climate-smart infrastructure that will benefit the agricultural sector of the economy. cbg/PEO