The Domalandan Bridge in Lingayen, easily one of Luzon’s longest (more than 600 meters in length), is doomed to suffer an equally long reconstruction period because of lack of funds. Rebuilding of  the bridge which started in 2001 right after it was devastated by  typhoon in August, has reached its sixth year today, further fanning the anguish of commuters from Lingayen going westward who find the Domalandan road a convenient  short-cut to Alaminos City and other towns in the west. 

This new year, however, will hopefully see the promise of completion of reconstruction work on the bridge coming sooner than expected. President Gloria Arroyo, who was Lingayen’s special guest during its January fiesta, announced the release of P100 million to resume work on the bridge, also vowing to give the remaining P120 million “as soon as possible”. Total cost of reconstructing the Domalandan Bridge was estimated by Regional DPWH office at P720 million and with the release already of P540 million, the new Domalandan Bridge will expectedly be in place within a few months. 

The promise of President Arroyo to see to the completion of the bridge is certainly most welcome. In fact, any promise of action to complete any infrastructure project should be heartily welcomed. But all these only point to how infrastructure development projects continue to be pursued and prioritized. It all comes down to the same old political patronage. Releases of funds for these projects are discretionary on the part of those who hold the power over the purse, – in this case, either the legislators or the President.  

The interminable delay in the completion of the Domalandan project is but another classic example of how the national government prioritizes its infrastructure projects. One can only conclude that the reason why it has taken this long to complete it is because our politicos cannot or have not ascertained the amount of goodwill that the completion can generate, and in whose favor.   

The President’s own statement in announcing the release of P100 million says it all. The readiness on her part to help fast-track reconstruction of the bridge comes as a gesture of gratitude for her being constantly asked to be coronation guest in the town’s every fiesta since she became senator, vice-president  and now president of the Republic. 

Perhaps, the provincial board should adopt   a policy directing all towns to invite only national officials who can promise the release of funds for the province’s crowning guests in all fiestas. 

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