THE controversial bridge project in barangay Hilayagan, Trinidad town costing the government Php52 million has been issued a special tree cutting permit No. 07-06022025-08 on June 2, 2025.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources thru the Talibon-based Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) issued the said permit.
The purpose of the project as printed Commission On Audit region 7 tarp infront of the project site nearby the bridge is “to ensure safe and reliable road systems-bridge program replacement of permanent weak bridges” in barangay Hinlayagan, Trinidad, Bohol.
This dispels speculation that the said project has no permit as applied by the Ubay based 2nd Engineering district office of the Department of Public Works (DPWH), said to be the implementing agency.
The construction of said bridge by the contractor Leda Construction company worth Php52,987,414.66, is supposedly to start on March 13, 2025 and target date is on September 30, 2025.
It was not known how its status was but that tarp being posted showed no update of the project but zero accomplishment in terms of “as of the date” and “cash incurred.”
Meanwhile the Php96 million flood control work in barangay Hinlayagan, Trinidad town will continue to finish the project by LEDA construction, report said.
This came after the Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reportedly allowed it to continue.
It may be recalled that DENR halted the said project work for lack of environmental documents after the cutting the naturally-grown trees in the area.
But the contractor, Leda Construction, said that it proceeded to work the said project after DPWH issued the so-called Notice To Proceed (NTP).
When the contractor work for it, the DENR found it lack support after the former cut trees without permit. But now DENR reportedly issued a certificate of non-coverage (CNC) to the contractor. (rvo)
