Friday, March 6, 2015

San Juanico Bridge: The Longest Bridge in the Philippines


This is another first time for me!!!

I always wanted to visit the LONGEST bridge in the Philippines LONG time ago...

The realization of that dream was highly possible because of my assignment at the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing as a pilot...but since majority of my stint in that unit was spent at the Headquarters, serving the Philippine Air Force for other equally important tasks, I was limited to performing flying operations within the vicinity of Cebu...

This particular visit was actually unexpected, since I was just an alternate member of the Inspection Team for the PAF Model Base and Commanding General's Streamer Awards for the Philippine Air Force Anniversary for 2015...but just like an answered prayer, I was sent to perform the task!!!

My first time at SAN JUANICO BRIDGE, and also in the province of LEYTE finally came!!!

Before, I just used to view the beautiful pictures of this historical bridge from the internet and different publications admiring the genius concept behind... 

This is another remarkable JOURNEY for me to this amazing structure and famous landmark in the country...

SAN JUANICO BRIDGE is the longest bridge in the PHILIPPINES spanning over body of seawater, the San Juanico Strait, the narrowest strait in the Philippines. It is 2.16 kilometers long connecting the province of SAMAR from the town of SANTA RITA to TACLOBAN CITY in the province of LEYTE.

 It was constructed from 1969 to 1973 during the term of President Ferdinand Marcos. It was dubbed as "THE BRIDGE OF LOVE" because the President dedicated it to his wife, IMELDA, who was known as "ROSE OF TACLOBAN". 


It served as a birthday gift to the first lady because it was inaugurated during her birthday. President Marcos considered it as the most important gift to his wife.

As viewed from above, the bridge formed two letters, "L" and "S". The letter L is the part near Leyte while the letter S is the part near Samar.

In 1981, Actor Dante Varona jumped off from San Juanico Bridge during the filming of "HARI NG STUNT" directed by CARLO J. CAPARAS.

The super typhoon YOLANDA claimed many lives and damaged countless properties more than a year ago. This bridge is a witness to that horrible phenomenon that withstood the punishing strong winds and incredible storm surges. In essence, this REMARKABLE LANDMARK can serve  as a SYMBOL of HOPE and SPARK of INSPIRATION not only to the people of LEYTE and SAMAR but for all of us. That we can still recover and bring back the beauty and success in our life if we can properly LEARN from this unfortunate event to prepare for the uncertainties in LIFE and move on to BUILD NEW BRIDGES towards PROGRESS.

Just like how SAN JUANICO BRIDGE was conceptualized and built, LOVE can build something amazing beyond what we can conceive!!!










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