TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Lucog’s Sitio Balatoc has been designated as a priority for 2022, with a P10 million budget allocation for road improvement connecting Upper Lucog and Sitios Asin and Balatoc.
Part of the project is the renovation of the hanging bridge which connects the two sitios to the mainland, another vital infrastructure for the residents of Lucog.
According to Brgy. Kagawad Charlene Malaga, the hanging bridge was entirely destroyed by a storm, forcing residents to utilize rescue boats to cross the river. She expressed appreciation to the city government led by City Mayor Darwin Estrañero for addressing their issues by prioritising this project for the barangay.
Now that the hanging bridge is undergoing its renovation, widening and strengthening, motorcycles will be able to use it and movement of people will be a lot easier, safer and faster.
This project will not only aid growth but will also raise environmental consciousness, as regular and continued use of the river, which appears to be practically pristine, can degrade its natural environment.
Kagawad Malaga led the team to various Lucog sitios seen to benefit from the 2021 water system project where 20 percent of the funding came from the city’s Development Fund.
The water system had a number of pipelines and hoses for water delivery to different locations, as well as a tank at Lower Lucog that was connected to the primary source at Upper Lucog that allowed the barangay to have a constant supply of water.
Other initiatives from last year included FMR enhancements and openings with a P2.5 million budget from Sitio Babbayaba to the mainland via Daddalao, riprapping, gravelling, and concreting as part of the whole process.
Furthermore, more or less 250 meters drainage system with P300,000.00 allocation was also prioritised at Lower Pinagan, Malaga further said. By Rio Dongcayan Bassong