The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office III inaugurated a new bridge, built parallel to Barangobong Bridge 1 along Paniqui-Camiling-Wawa Road in Brgy. Rang-ayan, Paniqui, Tarlac on August 31, 2023.
Tarlac 1st District Engineer Neil C. Farala, representing Region 3 Director Roseller Tolentino, was joined by Tarlac 1st District Representative Jaime Eduardo Marc D. Cojuangco and Paniqui Mayor Leonardo ‘Max’ Roxas, for the bridge’s blessing officiated by Fr. Macario Ramos of St. Rose of Lima Parish.
Farala, speaking on behalf of Tolentino, stated, “The significance of the Barangobong Bridge lies in its role in enhancing access to goods and services, streamlining the delivery of agricultural products to market centers, and its potential to attract more tourists to northern Luzon, primarily as the Paniqui-Camiling-Wawa Road serves as an alternative route to Pangasinan.”
Meanwhile, Cojuangco emphasized the importance of proactive problem-solving for unexpected connectivity and accessibility challenges, underscoring the newly inaugurated bridge’s role as a significant solution, further enhancing transportation and accessibility in Tarlac and neighboring areas, thereby ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability.
On the other hand, Engr. Jayson Jauco, OIC-Chief of the Regional Construction Division, explained that the project, funded over three fiscal years from 2020 to 2022, involved the construction of a 324.8-meter, 2-lane parallel bridge and was undertaken under the DPWH Bridge Program initiative with the aim of supporting Tarlac’s transportation needs and enhancing inter-province connectivity.
Jauco added that the project’s scope of work includes the construction of 32 bored piles, 16 coping beams, 60 Type IV – Pre-Stressed Concrete Girders, and three (3) five (5)-span continuous deck slabs, along with a total of 429.24 meters of roadway approaches for both sides, as well as asphalt overlay covering the bridge deck and extending 60 meters along both approaches.
Also gracing the event with their presence were Paniqui Vice Mayor Aida Bien Roxas, Brgy. Rang-Ayan Chairman Crispulo C. Delos Reyes, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, and key officials from Tarlac 1st DEO.