Hanging bridge now connects 23 sub-villages in Paquibato

The 23 sub-villages in the remote Mapula, Paquibato District are now connected to the main barangay following the installation of a 50-meter cable suspended steel bridge.

Called “the bridge of hope”, the hanging bridge is situated in Purok Alanyag, Barangay Mapula, connecting 23 more areas where an estimated 400 families are residing.

The project was made possible through the initiative of the GMA Kapuso Foundation and sponsors MX3, The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Cemex, Local Peace 911, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Barangay Mapula officials.

AFP Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Noel Clement, who was also around during the groundbreaking of the project in July 2019, congratulated the barangay, the GMA Kapuso Foundation and the donors of the project.

He also advised the residents of Mapula to take good care of the hanging bridge.

“Itong tulay na ito, nahitabo because of the bayanihan spirit nga atong giingon ‘no, ang pagtinabangay sa atong tanan nga mga sector para mahimo ug mapadayon atong mga project (This bridge was made possible because of our bayanihan spirit. This project is materialized because of the cooperation of the different sectors),” Clement said.

GMA Kapuso Foundation Founder and Ambassador Mel Tiangco graced the inauguration and told the residents of Mapula to take care of the bridge as it is a blessing from God.

Mapula Baranggay Captain Flora Manyawron recalled how difficult it was for the people without a bridge there.

“Sa wala pa ang tulay, stranded gyud ang mga tao didto, unya actually mangaanod pa gyud ang mga tawo— ilang mga karga kay mutabok man gyud sila, muuli gyud sa ilang lugar. Maningkamot sila ug uli pero ang ilang mga karga murag maapsan gyud sila sa baha (When we do not have this bridge, the people were stranded here or carried away by the water when they cross the river just to go home),” Manyawron recalled.

Manyawron was grateful that the bridge is finally installed because it is for the safety of the people and ease in transporting their products.

She also thanked the AFP and the Local Peace 911 for actively maintaining peace in their area, even helping in the construction of the bridge and giving their resources and other materials.

She remembered how the people of Mapula feared the soldiers, but today, they have built friendships and developed a bonding. Mapula, which is one of the 13 barangays of Paquibato District, used to be a strong communist rebels lair.

Local Peace 911 focal person Roger Baay said the basic services provided in the areas is the mandate of Mayor Inday Sara Duterte.

Baay also thanked all the stakeholders and the City Mayor’s Office for the support. Without them, he said, the bridge would not be materialized. CIO