President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday inaugurated the Camalaniugan Bridge in Cagayan province, describing the 2.16-kilometer structure as a model infrastructure project that will cut travel time and boost economic activity in northern Luzon.
Marcos said the bridge ended the long and costly detours residents previously endured just to cross the river, calling it a practical investment with immediate benefits for local communities.
He also praised the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for completing the project on time and within budget despite government challenges.
“This will serve as a model for many of the other bridge projects that we will be seeing around the country,” Marcos said, stressing that the project’s quality and timely delivery should be replicated nationwide.
The President emphasized that beyond convenience, the bridge would open new economic opportunities, including job generation and business growth in nearby towns.
“I am sure that the economic effects will be felt in a very short time,” he said.
Capable of carrying loads of up to 45 tons, the Camalaniugan Bridge is expected to improve the flow of goods and people between Cagayan’s first and second districts, supporting trade, agriculture, and tourism.
Marcos had inspected the bridge last year, citing it as an example of the administration’s push for infrastructure projects with clear, on-the-ground impact for Filipinos.