“Protect the Bridge for the Next 50 Years”: OPE-Kalinga urges Balbalan residents to care for P85M Poswoy Bridge

Balbalan, Kalinga – As the Poswoy Bridge in Barangay Poswoy, Balbalan, Kalinga nears completion, officials from the Office of the Provincial Engineer (OPE-Kalinga) urged the public to help take care of the structure to ensure its safety and long-term use.

The 45-meter bridge project, which has an expected lifespan of 50 years, is now 90 percent complete as of January 7, 2026. Construction of the bridge began in 2024.

This was confirmed by OPE-Kalinga Engineer IV Froilan Eugenio, Architect Alejandro Grayson Lopez, Engineer Jefferson Alicudo, and Office of the Provincial Governor (OPG) consultant and retired Provincial Engineer Proceso Mario Bayubay in an interview with GURU Press Cordillera on the same date.

As of reporting time, the remaining works include concreting, installation of street lights, and the application of thermoplastic road markings.

“Ti accomplishment na ket naka-90 percent. Adda pay ti remaining works na kas ti concreting, installation of street lights, ken thermoplastic paint, ken bassit pay a protection diay baba,” Eugenio reported.

Once completed, the bridge will benefit residents of Barangays Poswoy, Ab-abaan, and Dao-angan, as well as nearby communities that have long relied on a hanging footbridge to cross the river.

With the project nearing completion, Eugenio appealed to residents and future users to help maintain the bridge by preventing damage to road markings and street lights, which are essential to the safety of both motorists and pedestrians.

“We appeal to the people nga tumulong da koma mang-maintain ti bridge. Kitaan da koma dagiti ubbing nga dadduma nga mangdadael ti road markings ken street lights, tapno mamaintain ti napintas ken nabayag a panagusar, gapu ta ti life span ti bridge ket 50 years,” he added.

Funded with P85 million from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), the Poswoy Bridge project aims to improve mobility and connectivity for residents of previously isolated barangays.