GMA Kapuso Foundation inaugurates new bridge in Oriental Mindoro

GMA Kapuso Foundation has officially inaugurated a new bridge in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, as part of its “Kapuso Tulay Para Sa Kaunlaran Project.”

According to “24 Oras,” Wednesday, the concrete Kapuso Tulay measures 70 meters in length and was built using approximately 1,300 bags of cement to ensure its durability.

The project addresses the dangers previously faced by residents when crossing the river.

One Hanunuo Mangyan indigenous resident, Ferrer Banda, recounted the fear he experiences every time he crosses the river, which stems from a past incident during rain and rushing water where he nearly drowned and was almost swept away by the current.

“Halos mamatay na ako. Nakakainom na nga ako ng tubig eh,” Ferrer said.

The traumatic incident was witnessed by his wife, Didang.

The Kapuso Tulay is also equipped with a sideway restraint cable underneath to prevent movement. For added safety, especially during calamities, solar lights were installed to provide illumination. 

“Sa lahat ng ating donors and sponsors, without which, hindi po natin maitatayo itong kritikal na tulay na ito,” GMA Kapuso Foundation EVP & COO Rikki Escudero Catibog said.

“Ang contribution ng armed forces dito sa ginawa nating tulay ay ‘yung technical skills ng ating mga engineers, nag-provide din tayo security,” LTGEN Facundo Palafox said.

The bridge will make crossing easier from Mansalay to Bulalacao, where residents sell their crops.

Motorcycles can cross the bridge, which can support a weight of up to four tons.

“Malaking tulong po ito, lalo po sa labing anim na sitio na malapit dito sa lugar,” community development assistant Marilou Lozano said.

For those who wish to support GMA Kapuso Foundation’s projects, donations may be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, and Shopee. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation/donate  —Carby Basina/LDF, GMA Integrated News