BANGUED, Abra – The completion of the Calaba Bridge is a dream-come-true to the people of Abra and brings hope for development as it opens its door to the world.

Using an Austrian modular steel bridge structure, the 900 linear meter long Calaba Bridge along the Abra-Ilocos Norte National Road connects the three municipalities across the Abra River namely La Paz , Danglas and Lagayan to Bangued and the other parts of the province.

Engr. Enrico Guilas, regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Cordillera, cited the early completion of the vital bridge project will serve as a legacy of President Arroyo in the province since it will surely enhance the conduct of economic activities in the remote towns as well as improve the accessibility for better potentials of growth.

Guilas said the infrastructure development project has been one of the priorities of the President in order to enhance economic activities in far flung communities in different parts of the country to help improve the lives of poor people.

More importantly, said bridge serves as a primary link to the provinces of Ilocos Norte and Cagayan and other urban centers in the Northern Luzon area where farm produce to the rural areas could be transported. Travel time to Laoag City where the international airport in Northern Luzon is located, will be cut by one hour with the usual route via the province of Ilocos Sur.