Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed optimism that the newly inaugurated Camalaniugan Bridge would stimulate economic growth in Cagayan province. Marcos is expecting new job and business opportunities following the inauguration of the 1,580-meter cable-stayed bridge in Alcala, Cagayan.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos led the inauguration of the Camalaniugan Bridge, which connects Camalaniugan and Aparri towns, providing a crucial new transportation link in the province. He conveyed his confidence that the bridge would bring economic change to the areas it connects. "Congratulations, everyone. And I am sure na itong tulay na ito, ako'y nakakasiguro na (sa pamamagitan ng) tulay na ito, magbabago ang ekonomiya sa magkabila ng tulay na ito," he remarked, emphasizing the potential for new jobs and businesses.
The Camalaniugan Bridge Project aims to provide an alternative route to the Magapit Suspension Bridge, the only bridge that crosses the Cagayan River in the northernmost part of the province. The new route enhances accessibility, strengthens economic linkage, and reduces travel and costs, enabling more efficient and continuous movement of goods and people.
Marcos lauded the Department of Public Works and Highways and local officials led by Cagayan Governor Edgar Aglipay for the project's timely completion and the prudent use of public funds in its construction. "I think this will serve as a model for many of the other bridge projects that we will be seeing around the country. At nakakatuwa dahil napakalaking bagay ang paglagay ng ganitong klaseng tulay dahil," he stated, referring to the significant achievement of the bridge in reducing travel time.
On Oct. 14 last year, Marcos inspected the bridge and called it one of the most 'beautiful' and well-executed infrastructure projects undertaken by the government. With the opening of the Camalaniugan Bridge, travel time between Aparri and Ballesteros is expected to decrease from one hour to 20 minutes, easing congestion, reducing transportation costs, and making daily commutes easier for residents and transport operators.
The bridge is expected to serve approximately 6,000 travelers daily, supporting regional trade, agriculture, logistics, and tourism, while reinforcing the government's commitment to modern, resilient, and people-centered infrastructure development.
