LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines–President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be in this historic and capital town of Pangasinan today around 10:00 a.m. to fulfill her promise last year that she will come back to inaugurate the almost P800 million Domalandan Bridge.

District Engineer Rodolfo Dion of the Second Pangasinan Engineering District
based here told this writer that all is set for the inauguration which coincides with the town fiesta celebration.

To accompany the President are Pangasinan leaders led by House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr, second district Rep. Amado Espino Jr, Governor Victor Agbayani, Mayor Ernesto Castañeda Jr, Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr, among others.

Dion said after six years of construction starting in 2001, the 600.46 lineal meter long Domalandan Bridge located within the boundary of barangays Baay and Domalandan that connects this town to the rest of the towns in western Pangasinan is now ready for inauguration as its contractor, Ciriaco Construction, beat early its deadline for construction completion.

The 18-span bridge has a width of 7.2 meters plus a sidewalk of .90 meter on
each side.

It was washed out by a typhoon sometime in 1998. Since then, due to government financial shortage, the release of its fund was made on a staggered basis.

Castañeda thanked Mrs. Arroyo for fulfilling her promise to have this project completed when she came here during last year’s fiesta celebration.

"This is the most memorable Christmas gift coming from President Arroyo for the people of Lingayen," he said.

He also thanked de Venecia for ensuring that funds were allocated yearly for its completion.

“This is another important project made under the Arroyo administration. A big number of Pangasinenses especially those from the first and second districts will be greatly benefited,” Espino said.

He said when the bridge collapsed, people from western Pangasinan who come here and in the central business district of Dagupan and vice versa had to make a detour to Labrador which takes longer travel time.

“This is truly a merry Christmas and happy fiesta celebration for Lingayen,” Espino said.