MANILA, Philippines - It may seem like a mere 70-meter hanging bridge that connects Great Love Village in Brgy. San Jose, Palo, Leyte to the town proper, but its significance and impact transcend providing a connection and convenience to the townspeople.
In so many ways, the bridge is a symbol of strength and hope.
Grade six student Mary Ann Rodosa looks back to her experience of going to and fro San Jose Elementary School after their old San Jose Bridge collapsed in the weight of super typhoon Yolanda’s fury.
“It was very difficult. We had to ride in a bamboo-made boat to cross the river and pay P5.00 per ride,” she shared. There were times she had to miss school because her uniform would be soaked during the boat ride, or many times, she would be late for her first subject.
“I’m happy and thankful to Tzu Chi Foundation because through this hanging bridge, I will not be late anymore for school and I will not be scared because the bridge they built is sturdy and safe,” said Rodosa.
Another resident, Venerando Trigerus described that when they were using their old bridge, it would sway from right to left when people traversed it. “It was very dangerous then, but now, even little kids can pass safely because the bridge was well-planned from design to construction,” he said.
Great Love Village is the resettlement housing community that Tzu Chi Foundation developed for typhoon victims in Palo, Leyte. While the relocation was completed early this year, Tzu Chi Foundation continues to care for the villagers, organizing projects to benefit the families who are still in a period of recovery.
Meanwhile, the new hanging bridge was inaugurated in July in the presence of Palo mayor Remedios Petilla, who graced the ceremonies together with Tzu Chi Philippines’ CEO Alfredo Li and Tzu Chi volunteers. Also present were visiting students from Tzu Chi University in Taiwan and village residents.
She expressed deep gratitude to the people she called “blue angels” for continuously lending help to the people of Palo even when almost two years have already passed since the typhoon devastated their town.
“It is always a beautiful sight whenever we see the Tzu Chi people going around; it’s reassuring. We are grateful to the volunteers who spent their time and effort, hearts and minds for the projects here in Palo,” said Petilla in her speech.
The Great Love Village is 20 minutes away from the town proper, following the unobstructed but longer route. When attending to matters at the town proper, the residents had to spend P60 for transportation.
Upon learning of this, Tzu Chi volunteers hastily made plans for the construction of the hanging bridge. Now, with the bridge providing easy access, the residents are able to save their P60 for household expenses.
The hanging bridge doesn’t only benefit elders because most importantly, it connects the children to their future as it provides them a safer route to school.
“During the fact-finding, we found out that some of the students stopped schooling because the old San Jose Bridge, which they formerly used, was destroyed by the typhoon. So it is our hope that through this hanging bridge, they will continue their education,” said Tzu Chi volunteer Wilson Sy, who is part of the design and planning committee of the project.
The hanging bridge is just one of the projects that Tzu Chi Foundation created for the typhoon victims. Livelihood projects and scholarships for out-of-school youth and outstanding students are also ongoing.