SADANGA, Mt. Province – The Malanas Bridge connecting two major provinces in the Cordillera, Mountain Province and Kalinga was finally inaugurated last Monday with the presence of Kalinga Representative and Mountain Province legislative caretaker representative Allen Jesse Mangaoang.
The blessing and inauguration of the bridge are very significant in symbolizing Mangaoang’s start of office as the legislative caretaker of Mountain Province.
During the inauguration, the legislator stressed the idea of “Building bridges, connecting people”. He said that the bridge is very significant as it physically links Kalinga and the Mountain Province.
The representative stressed that the bridge is a symbol of unity and harmony among our peoples and our communities. It shall also strengthen ties and connection as peoples, joining the rest of the provinces and cities in the Cordillera in the common pursuit towards regional development.
Mangaoang also emphasized that the completion of the bridge was made possible through the initiative of the late Rep. Maximo Dalog whose dedication to public service is undisputed especially on infrastructure development.
Mangoang commended the Mountain Province First Engineering District together with the contractor Felix Diaz III for the completion of the bridge. He also commended District Engineer Alex Castaneda for his prompt action especially in the construction of the detour bridge in Sabangan and the completion of the Malanas Bridge.
Further, Mangaoang reiterated his idealism of one Cordillera through an autonomous system of government – the symbol of the bridge being inaugurated as the channel of unity.
The bridge was blessed by the Rev. Father Marcial Castaneda. In his homily, Father Marcial challenged the Sadanga people to close monitor the new bridge since it belongs to their area of responsibility.
“Let the bridge serve its purpose. Bridges are built to connect places and people. Bridges are not meant for parking and for other activities that may weaken its foundation,” he said.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Mangaoang was warmly welcomed by the officials and employees of the province, municipalities, and provincial and national line agencies in the province during the flag raising program at the Provincial Plaza.
He also visited the only government tertiary school at the capital town where he expressed his desire to continue the legacy of the late Dalog of advocating for the universityhood of the school.
He asked the officials and employees of the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) to prepare the supporting documents needed to justify the ultimate conversion of the school into a university.
By Wabilyn Lomong-oy
