SAN FERNANDO CITY, Feb. 24 (PIA) - The rehabilitated bridge in Rosario, La Union is aimed to boost local economic activities in the said town.

On Feb. 23, La Union Governor Francisco Emmanuel Ortega and Rosario Mayor Bellarmin Flores II led the inauguration of the Malicnao Bridge.

The completed project will help farmers in the agricultural barangays of Cadumanian, Carunuan East, Vila and Alipang to have a better access to the town's central business district through Brgy. Poblacion East.

Residents can now transport their primary local products like mango, rice, and vegetables, among others. The infrastructure will also benefit workers in their daily travel to the town's center.

With a total project cost of P38, 947, 267, the bridge is a sub-project under the Philippine Rural Development Plan. It was financed through counterparts by the World Bank amounting to P27,741,600, Department of Agriculture (DA) with P3,467,700, and the provincial government of La Union with P7,737,967.

Prior to its construction, the 63-linear meter bridge was made of wood planks making it impassable during typhoons. Now the bridge has become concrete.

"This bridge is once in a lifetime gift for the people of Rosario. Let us all take good care of it," Mayor Flores said.

Other officials who joined the inauguration were DA Regional Dir. Nestor Domenden, La Union Police Provincial Director PCol. Jonathan G. Calixto, Provincial Engr. Ressie Estrella, Sangguniang Bayan Members of Rosario, and officials of the beneficiary-barangays. (JCR/VHS/JPD, PIA La Union with reports from PGLU)