New bridge connects Aurora, Quezon towns

MANILA, Philippines - A newly constructed bridge now links isolated communities in Aurora and Quezon and is expected to boost economic development in the two provinces as well as in Regions 3 and 4-A, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said yesterday.

The DAR turned over to the local government the P350-million Umiray Bridge that connects Dingalan town in Aurora with General Nakar in Quezon.

DAR Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes said under the agency’s program beneficiaries development, DAR would improve agrarian reform communities (ARCs) access to economic and social services.

“The construction of the Umiray Bridge will change the lives of the people here. The bridge will not only improve their living condition, but will also open opportunities for economic growth and development,” said Delos Reyes.

The DAR chief said more than 30,000 people would benefit from the bridge including some 13,000 farming families living in five agrarian reform communities of Umiray, Poblacion, Ibona, Gen. Nakar and Matawe.

“With this bridge, farmers’ income will improve as they can now cross the river and transport their produce with ease and with minimal expense,” he said.

Before the construction of the bridge, farmers and residents of Dingalan and Gen. Nakar had to ride boats to get to the other side, according to DAR Undersecretary Jerry Pacturan.