Imee inaugurates new Sarrat bridge

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee R. Marcos formally opens the newly constructed Sta. Magdalena Bridge in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte on July 18, 2014. Constructed with steel from France, the bridge will serve residents of at least four barangays in this side of Sarrat as well as travelers heading to Batac City. (Alaric A. Yanos)

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

SARRAT, Ilocos Norte—People of this municipality were in a joyful mood after Ilocos Norte Gov. Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos inaugurated the Sta. Magdalena Bridge here on July 18.

The 40-meter bridge will benefit Sarrat residents from Brgys. 13, 14, 15 and 16 as it will now also connect them to Brgy. Camandingan in Batac City.

The project was worth at least P40 million and was implemented by the Dept. of Public Works and Highways’ Ilocos Norte Second Engineering District with Engr. Elmer Alfaras as project engineer.

Ms. Marcos praised the beauty of the bridge as she disclosed that the steel materials used were from Paris, France and as such are very strong.

Sarrat Mayor Edito Alberto Balintona thanked the governor saying that without her they would not have the “beautiful bridge”.

Jonathan Basilio, Nelson Ballesteros and Evangelina Ucol for their part said the bridge is big help to them as this would now connect their barangays and Batac.

They added that the bridge would now also cut their travel time when they deliver their products.

“No saan a gapu iti gobernador, nalabit nga awan pay ti rangtay ditoy,” they said.