GMA inaugurates Friendship Bridge

ANGELES CITY — President Arroyo inaugurated the P152-million concrete Friendship Bridge measuring 240 linear meters near Clark zone in Barangay Cauayan here, yesterday afternoon. The original bridge was destroyed by lahar flows during the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991.

The newly completed Friendship Bridge is a vital link between Clark zone and the rest of Central Luzon and Metro Manila.

The bridge project was funded with P67 million released by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Clark Development Corp. (CDC). The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Angeles City government also released P65 million and P20 million, respectively.

Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin and DPWH Sec. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. joined the President in inaugurating the Friendship Bridge.

After the inauguration of the bridge, the President proceeded to Sutherland where she officiated the ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the newly established Sutherland Global Professional Services inside the Clark zone.

The President commended Sutherland for its expansion projects at Clark zone which she described as real boost to the local and a vote of confidence to the talent pool available in the Philippines.

The Chief Executive is also scheduled to confer at Clark zone with local Pampanga officials in the evening. She will stay overnight at Clark zone.

This morning, President Arroyo is scheduled to attend an early morning Mass at the City of San Fernando Cathedral before officiating in the inauguration of the south section of the permanent flyover along the Gapan-Olongapo Expressway here and the ribbon cutting rites in inaugurating the new wet section of the San Fernando wet market.