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Sevilla plans to build exit “Hanging bridge”

Written by anyajulia on 28 April 2009

SEVILLA local officials have contemplated on making the hanging bridge crossing at Sipatan one way.

That would also imply building another hanging bridge as exit from the display and activity area and back to the parking lot, says town information officer Walter Pondoc.

Many see the logical as it would assure tourist safety by decongesting traffic and lightening the carrying capacity of the bamboo bridge.

With two way traffic in a narrow foot bridge, people meeting at the center of the swaying bridge can be very difficult and make tourists uncomfortable, admits a tourist guide who think something should be done to avoid accidents.

Moreover, the town information officer said “We need to put up more worthwhile activities at the tourist center across the river and that should include cultural presentations, to make the stop more meaningful.

The move came after Sevilla started collecting P10 toll fees for tourists crossing the Sipatan Hanging Bridge since February 27 of this year.

The plan also incorporates a Tourists’ Holding Room where the local government can conduct briefings and activity orientation before letting them do the thrilling activity of crossing the swaying bamboo bridge, adds Pondoc.

The bridge, since the town started collecting toll fees averages P3T on an ordinary day, and has contributed a lot to the town income generation, he admitted.

The bridge, now reinforced with steel cables with the help of the Philippine Australian Community Assistance Program has become a teaser for the Bohol outdoor adventure.

It has also opened up employment opportunities for women and people’s organizations in the town while giving them additional income from selling native crafts, home decors and fashion accessories.

PACAP also helped finance a multi purpose building as display areas the local wares, performance venue and tourists’ resting station.

Wanting to regulate the operations of the tourist destination now, LGU Sevilla would also be building a restroom on the opposite bank to accommodate tourists, says Pondoc. (rachiu/PIA)

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