Surigao City opens new P36.5-M bridge connecting island communities
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The newly completed San Pedro-Cantiasay Bridge is opened, offering a safer, faster, and more reliable land route for everyone.
The 470-meter structure eliminates the residents’ total reliance on boat transportation. The modern infrastructure combines a durable and reinforced-concrete footbridge with a 45-meter hanging bridge designed to serve as a daily pedestrian and for light vehicles.
The project is funded under the city government’s 20% Development Fund with a total amount of P36.5 million, implemented in phases from FY 2023 to 2026.
Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves L. Dumlao II led the inaugural ribbon-cutting ceremony. In his message, he said “This bridge is more than just concrete, rebar, and asphalt but it is a lifeline to our fishermen, farmers, and local vendors because they can now transport their goods to the market faster, safer, and with less cost. Our students and workers can cross daily without fear, no matter the weather, and by seamlessly connecting the barangays of San Pedro and Cantiasay, we are opening the doors to tourism, economic growth, and unity like never before.”
Meanwhile, one of the residents of Barangay Cantiasay, Nanay Rosalina Lago, expressed deep gratitude to the city government. “Thank you for not just promising change, but actually building it. By replacing our fragile wooden walkway with this sturdy concrete bridge, you gave us more than just a road; you provided safety, dignity, and hope to our communities.”
Beyond improving daily commutes, the bridge, which opened to the public on May 27, is expected to stimulate the local economy by streamlining the movement of goods, strengthening social ties between the two island communities, and boosting local tourism.
Supporting the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on countryside development, the project underscores the city government’s ongoing commitment to sustainable and high-quality infrastructure for all Surigaonons. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)
