P117-M footbridge ends decades of isolation for Surigao Sur island village

BUTUAN CITY (August 7)  — After years of relying on boats to reach the mainland, residents of Barangay Tag-angonan in Cortes, Surigao del Sur can now walk across the province’s longest footbridge, ending decades of isolation and opening faster access to markets, schools, health services, and government offices.

The 1.6-kilometer bridge, completed at a cost of P117.38 million, was formally turned over Tuesday, linking the island barangay directly to mainland Cortes.

For the fishing community, the bridge is expected to cut travel time and make it easier to transport fresh marine products to buyers, reducing dependence on sea travel that is often disrupted by rough weather.

Barangay Captain Antioco Siona Sr. said the infrastructure will provide immediate benefits to fisherfolk while allowing residents to travel more safely for work, education, medical needs, and other essential services.

Beyond improving mobility, the bridge is also expected to strengthen the delivery of government programs to the island community by making it easier for public workers and service providers to reach residents.

Surigao del Sur First District Rep. Romeo Momo Sr., together with Cortes Mayor Frederick Yu, led the turnover of the project to the barangay on Tuesday.

Momo credited the national government and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for funding the project, describing it as part of efforts to improve connectivity in geographically isolated communities.

Construction of the bridge was completed in three phases over three years. The first phase, worth P39.2 million, was finished in May 2024, followed by a second P39.2-million phase in October 2025. The final P38.9-million segment was completed last month, bringing the total investment to P117.38 million.

For Tag-angonan residents, the bridge represents more than new infrastructure—it provides a permanent land link that could improve livelihoods, expand access to essential services, and connect the island community more closely with opportunities on the mainland.