Sibugay's First-Ever Pedestrian Overpass Officially Turned Over to LGU Ipil
Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Province of Zamboanga Sibugay marked another milestone in its infrastructure development on Friday, July 24, with the formal turnover of its first-ever pedestrian overpass, a project expected to enhance road safety and improve pedestrian mobility in the municipality of Ipil.
The turnover ceremony, held at 10:00 a.m. in the waiting shed near the overpass began with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officially handing over the completed structure to Second District Representative Dr. Marly Hofer-Hasim, who, in turn, ceremonially transferred the facility to the Municipal Government of Ipil, represented by Mayor Ramses Troy D. Olegario.
The pedestrian overpass is designed to provide a safer and more convenient crossing for residents, particularly students, workers, senior citizens, and other pedestrians who traverse one of Ipil's busiest road intersections each day.
In her message, Rep. Hofer-Hasim explained that the project was initiated before she assumed office as district representative in 2023 and carried a project cost of nearly ₱20 million. However, she noted that when she took office in 2025, the structure remained unfinished.
Rather than simply completing the original design, Hofer-Hasim said her office introduced several modifications to improve both the appearance and functionality of the overpass.
Among the changes was the removal of the originally planned roof covering the walkway. Instead, a pedestrian waiting shed was constructed beneath the overpass.
ADVERTISEMENTAccording to the congresswoman, the redesign was intended to preserve the unobstructed view of the iconic Ipil Rotunda, whose monument depicts the history and heritage of Zamboanga Sibugay. She said an open-air design also enhances visibility, making the structure more aesthetically pleasing while helping deter criminal activity.
"A roofed overpass could create concealed areas that may be exploited by lawless elements. By keeping the structure open, it becomes more visible, safer, and more inviting for the public to use," she explained.
Accepting the facility on behalf of the municipality, Mayor Olegario expressed appreciation to the DPWH and the Office of the Second District Representative for completing the landmark project.
He said the local government has already begun discussing measures to ensure the overpass is properly protected and maintained. The municipal government plans to craft the necessary resolutions and policies to preserve the cleanliness, safety, and overall appearance of the structure, ensuring that it remains a valuable public asset for years to come.
Hofer-Hasim also emphasized that the project reflects Ipil's continuing progress toward cityhood.
She noted that as the municipality continues to expand, infrastructure investments such as the pedestrian overpass will become increasingly important in addressing the growing demands of urban development, traffic management, and pedestrian safety.
The congresswoman encouraged residents to make full use of the facility and help safeguard it, stressing that public infrastructure can only achieve its intended purpose through responsible use and shared community stewardship.
Witnessing the ceremonial turnover were Board Member Atty. Eldwin Alibutdan, SB Member Jong Alcoriza, SB Member Elias Dangpalan, SB Member Dianne Cataluna, and SB Member Iric Alibutdan, together with officials and personnel from the DPWH, the Municipal Government of Ipil, and other guests.
Now officially under the care of the Municipal Government of Ipil, the province's first pedestrian overpass stands not only as a vital road safety facility but also as a symbol of the municipality's continuing modernization and its readiness for future growth.
