P85M Poswoy Bridge in Balbalan 90% complete - Kalinga OPE ’engineer IV Eugenio

Balbalan, Kalinga – Residents of isolated communities in Balbalan, Kalinga will soon enjoy more convenient travel as the Poswoy Bridge project in Barangay Poswoy is now 90 percent complete, according to the Office of the Provincial Engineer (OPE).

Construction of the Poswoy Bridge started in 2024 with a total funding of P85 million provided by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program.

PAMANA is the national government’s flagship peace and development program aimed at improving infrastructure and basic services in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities across the country.

During the Kapihan sa Kapitolyo of the Provincial Government of Kalinga on Monday, January 5, Governor James Edduba informed the body that the bridge is nearing completion, and that a turnover ceremony will be conducted later this year once the project is fully finished.

“Maysa nga important activities tayo this year ket diay turnover ceremony ti Poswoy Bridge. Asidegen nga malpas didjay,” Edduba said while discussing the upcoming activities of the PLGU for 2026.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera on January 7, OPE Engineer IV Froilan L. Eugenio confirmed the governor’s update, stating that the project is already in its final stage, with only minor but essential components remaining to ensure the bridge’s safety and durability before it is opened to the public.

“Diay composite bridge tayo diay Balbalan, ti accomplishment nan ket naka-90 percent en. So kasla adda pay ti remaining works na diay ayan ti concreting, installation of street lights, ken diay thermoplastic paint, ken bassit nga protection na diay baba,” Eugenio said.

Eugenio emphasized that these remaining works are crucial to ensure the safety of both motorists and pedestrians.

“Diay thermoplastic paint isu ti markings or guide dagitoy motorist tayo—helping them maintain their lanes and reducing the risk of collisions on narrow bridge spans. Dagitoy streetlights diay ayan ti bridge tapno nalawag nga pagnaan. Maysa pay nga safety feature na diay bridge ket diay barriers diay igid,” he added.

According to Eugenio, the bridge has a total length of 45 meters, a 17-ton load limit, and an expected life span of 50 years, making it a long-term solution to the accessibility problems of the communities it will serve, particularly Barangays Poswoy, Ab-abaan, and Dao-angan.

The OPE official also appealed for public understanding, explaining that although the project was initially expected to be completed within one year, delays were caused by adverse weather conditions in the area.

“Medyo adda bassit delay due to weather conditions. Dagitoy trabahador tayo nu maminsan haan unay makatrabaho nu agtudo. Kapilitan nga agsardeng for their safety met iman,” he clarified.

Once fully completed, the bridge is expected to significantly improve mobility and economic opportunities for residents of the said barangays, who for many years have relied on a hanging footbridge to cross the area.