Capitol gives nod on 'Task Force Songsongon'
Songsongon overflow
A team of local government officials will supervise and oversee the planned construction of a multi-million bridge in Igbaras, Iloilo.
Located at Sitio Songsongon, Barangay Barasan, said construction was pushed following the tragic vehicular accident here that took the lives of over 40 mourners, the bodies of at least 20 were never recovered.
Members of the team were chosen by Mayor James Esmeralda with Capitol's nod sought on Executive Order No. 2006-23 issued, the group officially formed now the town's "Task Force Songsongon."
Members of the Iloilo Provincial Board approved the mayor's move with the corresponding adoption of Committee Report No. 168 of the Committee on Ordinances, Legal Matters and Inter-Government Relations chaired by Senior Board Member Domingo Oso.
To recall, the bridge construction became the town's battle cry as provincial and national attention was sought in the aftermath of the dreadful accident. The victims on board a passenger jeepney were hurled into the raging waters of the Songsongon river minutes after the driver tried to cross the 'overflow bridge' here. Accounts of locals disclosed of yet more deaths in the past as similar failed attempts to cross the river expanse were made particularly at the height of a storm.
The bridge construction likewise caused a 'rift' between the mayor and First District Janette Loreto-Garin following the controversial mass funeral that saw hundreds of municipal employees in black shirts demanding for the immediate realization of said project.