Kalibo Bakhaw hanging bridge opens

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Every day, residents of the small island barangay of Bakhaw Norte have to cross the Aklan River using makeshift boats. 

Worst, the island barangay is isolated during typhoons and swelling of Aklan River. With the opening of a hanging bridge, they don’t have to worry of the safety of their children and elderly. 

The new bridge measuring 160 lineal meters now connects Bakhaw Norte from bangkerohan to Bakhaw Sur and the town proper. 

On November 3, Kalibo mayor William Lachica said the opening of Bakhaw hanging bridge was a dream come true for the residents for it would make it easier and safer to transport goods and services even during rainy season. 

The tourism potentials also of the secluded barangay will improve with the opening of bridge to the public, the mayor added. 

The hanging bridge is fully passable to motorcycles, bikes and pedestrians only. It was funded costing P16.885 million by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistance for Disadvantaged Municipalities (formerly Bottom-Up-Budgeting program). 

The municipal government of Kalibo also allocated P15 million for the Phase II construction.

Bakhaw Norte barangay captain Maribeth Cual also thanked the municipal officials for the hanging bridge that will benefit around 2,500 residents. 

“Malaki ang maitutulong itong tulay lalo na sa gabi pag umuuwi ang mga estudyante at workers natin at pag may baha at bagyo. Salamat sa pagtupad ng isang pangako,” she stressed.