2 North Cotabato bridges attract local tourists

MANILA — Motorists are not the only ones who benefit from the two LED (light-emitting diode)-lighted bridge projects in North Cotabato as the structures also attract local tourists, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on Friday.

District Engineer Eliseo Otoc, DPWH North Cotabato Second District Engineering Office, said the Ugalingan Bridge in Carmen town, and Lumayong Bridge in the municipality of Kabakan, glow at night after they incorporated lighting components on the structures.

“These LED lights have added the aesthetic appeal of Ugalingan and Lumayong Bridges, enhancing structures’ beauty and character even at night,” he said in a statement.

“This improvement eventually impressed locals hence the increased number of visitors,” Otoc said.

The LED-lighted bridges conform to DPWH Department Order No. 49, series of 2018, which directed the inclusion of aesthetics in all bridge plans and designs.

Otoc noted that the bridges were retrofitted with the purpose of conforming to seismic design specifications.

“Aside from ensuring the structural integrity of these bridges, we also incorporated lighting components to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians crossing our bridges,” he said.

The enhancement and strengthening works of Ugalingan and Lumayong bridges was completed in December 2018 by DPWH North Cotabato Second District Engineering Office.