Opportunities to improve the economy and mobility of Santiago Island in Bolinao town, Pangasinan are expected to get a boost with the construction of a bridge that will connect the island to the mainland.
This major infrastructure project, set to commence this year, will provide a reliable link, facilitating easier transportation of goods and people, and opening up new economic opportunities for the island’s inhabitants.
Project Overview
Bridge Construction Details
The Department of Public Works and Highways Ilocos Region director, Engineer Ronnel Tan, announced that preliminary works for the bridge will begin this year, targeting completion by 2028. The project, costing PHP1.95 billion, includes the construction of a 600-meter bridge along with its approaches and access roads, connecting Barangay Luciente 2nd on the mainland to Barangay Salud on Santiago Island.
Enhancing Mobility and Accessibility
Current Transportation Challenges
Currently, transportation between Santiago Island and the mainland is challenging, especially during the rainy season. Precious Cayaon, owner of Kawayan Nature PH, highlighted the difficulties in transporting products due to the dependency on scheduled boat trips and landing barges.
“The weather should be okay before we transport the bags. The use of the landing barge is by schedule, so we bring items by batch if we have bulk orders,”
she explained.
Impact of the Bridge
The new bridge will eliminate these transportation challenges, allowing residents and businesses to move goods and people anytime without being restricted by boat schedules or weather conditions. This improved accessibility will make commuting for work, education, healthcare, and other essential services much more convenient.
Economic Benefits
Boosting Local Businesses
Local businesses stand to benefit significantly from the bridge. Kawayan Nature PH, which supplies eco-friendly products made from buri and handcrafted by islanders, will find it easier to transport their goods to the mainland.
“If there will be a bridge, we could go to Santiago Island anytime, unlike right now when we rely on the schedule of the boat and the landing barge,”
Cayaon said, emphasizing the potential for increased productivity and timely deliveries.
New Economic Opportunities
The bridge is expected to attract new businesses and investments to Santiago Island, creating more employment opportunities for residents. The integration of the island’s economy with the mainland will also foster a more vibrant local economy, benefiting all inhabitants.
Community and Social Impact
Improved Quality of Life
Residents will have better access to services and amenities available on the mainland, such as healthcare facilities, educational institutions, markets, and recreational activities. This improved access will enhance the overall quality of life for islanders, who previously had to contend with the challenges of limited transportation options.
Tourism Boost
The bridge is also expected to boost tourism on Santiago Island, making it more accessible to visitors. This influx of tourism can create new job opportunities in the hospitality and service industries and provide a market for locally produced goods and handicrafts.
Government and Community Support
Local Government’s Role
Municipal Administrator Blesilda Ramirez enthusiastically welcomed the allocation of funds for the bridge project. She pointed out that the current travel from Picucubuan Port to Binabalian takes 20 minutes and costs PHP20 to PHP25 per person, with only three to four daily boat trips.
“The rainy weather and typhoon season pose challenges and risks for sea travel,”
added Senior Tourism Operations officer Mary De Guzman.
Future Prospects
Sustainable Development
The bridge project, first requested for funding in 2005 and approved in 2020, is consequently a long-awaited development. With a population of 18,690 (based on the 2020 Census), Santiago Island’s seven villages—Binabalian, Goyoden, Lucero, Pilar, Salud, Dewey, and Victory—will greatly benefit from this transformative infrastructure.
To Sum Up
The construction of the bridge connecting Santiago Island to the mainland in Bolinao, Pangasinan, furthermore will have a profound impact on the daily lives of its residents. By improving mobility, boosting the local economy, and providing better access to services, this bridge will consequently pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for Santiago Island.
Sources: THX News, Inquirer & Philippine News Agency.
