The final washing out of the sinking portion of Halsema Highway in Pilando, Bakun, Benguet has given rise to ambitious dream of constructing a cable-stayed bridge, an idea from Benguet Congressman Eric Yap. Many are questioning if it is possible. The short answer is: The proposed Cable-stayed Bridge is as possible as a non-Benguet person becoming a Benguet Congressman. It is very Possible. How?
National Road Priority Project– This is a national road serving Cordillera Provinces such as Benguet, Mt Province, Ifugao, and other provinces. The congressmen of all these provinces can combine their political influence to pressure the DPWH to prioritise this project, if not use their own office funds and source out other funds from their networks.
Contractors- This big project is very possible, and will be constructed with quality and spot-on schedule, if constructed by an international contractors and not settled by networks of contractors and subcontractors attached to politicians and the DPWH.
Funding- Funding is not a problem since Philippines is wealthy, evidently seen on the billions of pesos spent on undamaged roads and infrastructures being repeatedly demolished and reconstructed plus the billions of confidential and intelligence funds, the country has a lot of money.
Flyover Versus Cable-Stayed Bridge- The Marcos Highways Flyover is one of the most successful mega-infrastructure project in the Cordilleras. Since its construction, after the 1990 earthquake, the project has been beneficial to motorists going in and out Baguio City, thanks to its robust built that it is still intact for almost three decades. If the same has been implemented along the stretch of Halsema Highway, there could have been lesser washed-out portions of the road. Unfortunately, we have chosen to do small kabites or rip rap which easily collapses and being eroded and rebuilt over the years. The wasted monies which were used on reconstructions could have built similar flyover projects. Obviously, considering the altitude and geographical make-up of halsema highway, fly-over projects will be more practical, sturdy and cost-effective approach than an ambitious cable-stayed bridges. We also need to consider the the accessibility of the local communities most especially farmers that will be affected by the structures.
As a Cordilleran, what is your opinion?
THE CORDILLERA CONNECTION 