Batangas farmers benefit from P13.39 million Tulay ng Pangulo project

Agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and residents of Barangay Cahilan II, Lemery, Batangas can now safely cross a dead river to transport their agricultural products to the nearest market with the completion of the Php13.39 million bridge of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) implemented under the Tulay ng Pangulo Para sa Kaunlarang Pang-Agraryo (TPKP) Project.

Benito Tolentino, Barangay Captain of Cahilan II, thanked the DAR, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and representatives from the local government of Lemery for providing them with the TPKP project.

“We are all very happy that we can now cross the other side of the road even through heavy rains,” Tolentino said, disclosing that the river used to overflow during the rainy season so that people could not cross the other side of the road.

He said the bridge would be a big help not only in bringing their products to the market but also during emergency disaster evacuation cases.

“Thank you very much. You can expect that we would take care of this bridge so we can benefit from it for a much longer period,” he added.

Engr. Marilou C. Baslan, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, led the turnover ceremony with Lemery Municipal Mayor Ian Kenneth Alilio, representatives from the LGUs, DPWH and DAR regional and provincial officials and personnel.

Baslan said the “Cahilan II Bridge” will link barangay Cahilan II to the economic mainstream and open opportunities for the ARBs and other farmers to enhance their agricultural productivity and household income.

“Congratulations to all of you. This bridge is a symbol of love of the DAR, DPWH and LGU of Lemery for the farmers and residents of Cahilan II and other neighboring barangays,” she said.

She disclosed that the 22.8 linear-meter two-lane bridge will benefit twenty-three (23) ARB households and 3,250 community members of barangays Cahilan II, Cahilan I, Bucal, Dita and Tubigan.