A PROPOSED bridge connecting the island-municipality of President Carlos P. Garcia to the town of Ubay in mainland Bohol is gaining top-level support.

Secretary Rogelio Singson of the Department of Public Works and Highways revealed that the DPWH has approved the request of the provincial government for the preparation of the feasibility study for the construction of a bridge that would boost tourism and productivity in the north end of the province.

The approval was relayed the other day by Singson to Governor Edgar Chatto, during the launching of the KALSADA program at the Dagohoy Hall, Bohol Tropics Resort, Tagbilaran City.

The good news was announced by Gov. Chatto in his speech during this year’s first convocation on Monday sponsored and participated in by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Members, headed by Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim and employees.

If found feasible, the bridge will span some 900 meters to around 1-kilometer, connecting the shortest distance between the two points – Ubay to the island-municipality of Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, which is more commonly known as Pitogo among locals.

Chatto also informed that the DPWH has approved the preparation of the Feasibility Study for the construction of an additional bridge in the town of Dauis.

At the same time, the Governor announced that the seeds of development which the Provincial Government of Bohol planted in the municipality of President Carlos P. Garcia Island, during the 2010 HEAT IT caravan now start bearing fruits as shown by well paved roads, improvement of school buildings and the hospital.

He said the implementation of the various sub projects of the Kalahi-Cidds and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) has shown an unprecedented headway in the life of hundreds of residents in Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, who were experiencing hardships in the previous years.

Chatto recalled that his first HEAT IT caravan was held in Pitogo when he assumed office as Governor, wherein basic services were delivered to the doorsteps of the inhabitants in the island.

He said the town of Pitogo, which is the farthest from Tagbilaran City was suffering from the scanty delivery of basic services, as shown by the poverty index. Because of such reality, he led Provincial Government officials and employees to conduct the first HEAT IT caravan in the island.

He said a barge was used in bringing to the island live stocks, agricultural seeds and seedlings, agricultural tractors, doctors and medical staff, and medicines.

Heavy equipment were also brought to the island through the Provincial Engineers Office which were used to open, improve and rehabilitate roads resulting to the much-improved accessibility and mobility of the residents in the municipality. (NPS)