SAN SIMON -- A brand new concrete bridge in Barangay Sta. Monica here was inaugurated and reopened to the public on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, after more than a year of closure.
The newly constructed infrastructure replaced the old steel and one-way bridge that was used by residents and motorists for around a decade.
Mayor Abundio Punsalan, Jr. said that the project was funded through a joint effort between the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the municipality.
He disclosed that DILG provided P10 million under the Assistance to Municipalities Program while the local government allocated P16 million for the project.
"This bridge was realized because of the unity of the national, provincial, local government and the people of San Simon," Punsalan said.
Located at the boundary of Barangays Sta. Monica and Sto. Niño, the mayor said that the bridge is one of the most vital infrastructures in San Simon as it connects 14 villages from two sides of the municipality.
He added that it also serves as an alternate route from the MacArthur Highway when heavy traffic or other instances occur at the main thoroughfare.
"With the new bridge, the motoring public not only from San Simon are assured of more convenient and safer travel in our municipality," Punsalan said.
Also present during the inauguration are DILG Pampanga Provincial Director Myrvi Fabia, Board Member Pol Balingit and other local officials.
