Governor Rodolfo del Rosario led a 15-vehicle convoy to Valencia City, Bukidnon last January 26 to check on the progress of the “missing link” that will make the Kapalong-Talaingod Bukidnon road passable.
The governor and his eight mayors were received by the Valencia City mayor, Leandro Jose H. Catarata, who, in their November 30 Malacañang tete-a-tete, sought the support of Del Rosario as CONFED president to persuade Bukidnon Governor Alex P. Calisangan and DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson to finish the project.
The delegation was surprised to note that there are three bridges over the Pulangi River connecting the approaches to the newly-created component city. One is a bailey bridge for small vehicles, the other one a secondary bridge with a six-kilometer road component built during the Ramos administration, while the third, which will connect Talaingod, is under construction.
Stretching 180 linear meters long, with a seven-kilometer road component, the third bridge worth P250-million is expected to be finished in June this year.
Answering to the query of Governor del Rosario as to the so-called “triplication” of the project, Mayor Catarata lamented the decision of the DPWH region 10 based in Cagayan de Oro City.
“I think the situation here does not reflect sound planning. The funds currently used in constructing this third bridge should have been used to widen and rehabilitate the road towards San Fernando on to Talaingod and opening the project traffic,” the governor echoed Catarata’s dismay.
The Kapalong-Talaingod side was completed a year ago and is waiting for the Bukidnon counterpart for a functional rendezvous. A rough estimate puts the Tagum City-Valencia City direct route at 155 kilometers compared to the 260 kilometer-long Tagum City-Buda-Valencia loop.
The governor said he relay his sentiment to the provincial executives of Bukidnon and the DPWH secretary. Mayor Catarata has also sought the support of his fellows in the Mayors League to lobby the same with the DPWH.
In Del Rosario’s delegation were mayors Rey T. Uy (Tagum City), Aniano Antalan (Igacos), Jose L. Silvosa (Panabo City), Nestor Alcoran (New Corella), Maximo Estela (Sto. Tomas), Joseph Nilo F. Parrenas (Asuncion), Rosebella Abelita-Nana (San Isdiro) and Edgardo L. Timbol. Also ith them were Kapalong councilor Ma. Teresa Timbol, provincial planning officer Engr. Josie Jean Rabanoz, along with other LGU planning officers.
