ANGARA INAUGURATES BAZAL BRIDGE IN AURORA; HOPEFUL
FOR STRONGER RP-JAPAN PARTNERSHIP

Senator Edgardo J. Angara, along with the leaders of the province of Aurora graced the inauguration ceremonies of the Bazal Bridge in the town of Ma. Aurora, a Php317 million project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

"This bridge gives access to the residents of Bgy. Bazal to the rest of the town in Ma. Aurora--including the market, educational and medical facilities. The Bazal bridge is especially precious in the rainy months of the year when the rivers flood the street, making it virtually impassable," he explained.

The 110-meter bridge connects 2 large barangays in Ma. Aurora: Bazal, named after the powerful river that crosses it, and Malasin, which is closer to the town proper. The project construction began in November 2009 and was completed within a year, led by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) with the cooperation of the Provincial Government of Aurora, the Municipal Government of Ma. Aurora and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Angara expressed his gratitude to his distinguished guests, including Ambassador Makoto Katsura of Japan and JICA Chief Representative Mr. Norio Matsuda for their unequaled generosity to the entire province of Aurora.

He also thanked the Cabinet members who all played important roles in the implementation of this project: DAR Secretary Virgilio Delos Reyes, DOH Secretary Enrique Ona and DOTC Secretary Jose de Jesus.

"Words cannot express my appreciation, on behalf of all the residents of Aurora, to these people who have greatly improved the lives of the people here. We only hope that they continue to extend their resources towards our country," he said.