Signing the MOA are PBR vice president Allister Go, Mayor Nelson David, and Mia Delos Reyes of Petron Foundation. Photo by Ernie Esconde
LIMAY, Bataan — Petron Corp. on Wednesday released P56 million for the construction of a pedestrian bridge here where the leading Filipino-owned oil company operates the country’s only remaining refinery, the Petron Bataan Refinery (PBR).
PBR vice president Allister Go and Mia Delos Reyes of Petron Foundation turned over the check to Limay Mayor Nelson David witnessed by Vice Mayor Richie David and some members of the sangguniang bayan.
The project is part of the corporate social responsibility arm of Petron Foundation in line with the oil giant’s mission to promote safer communities.
The Limay pedestrian bridge is a reinforced concrete bridge spanning 82 meters at 6.3 meters wide along the by-pass road project that covers Barangay Luz up to Barangay San Francisco de Asis.
“After more than many decades, the growth of Limay has become tightly woven into Petron history, malalim na ang aming pinagsamahan. Limay is our home and we take our commitment to the community seriously.” Go said.
He noted that the occasion Wednesday marked another milestone in their collaboration with the local government as they further strengthen their commitment to safety through their support for the construction of the pedestrian bridge.
“This project is aligned with our advocacy for safety on the road motorists, pedestrians and even cyclists. It will help encourage a healthier lifestyle, a better lifestyle na hindi lang ang kaligtasan ngunit maging ang kalusugan ng ating mga mamamayan ang nasa isip ng ating pamahalaan ng Limay at PBR sa pagbuo ng project na ito,” Go said.
Go thanked the Limay government for its trust in them with the partnership as part of their vision to build a better future for all as they continue to create positive change with the LGU and local partners.
“Petron is not just a business entity in Bataan. As a resident of Limay for over half a century, the company is already an integral part of the province, helping encourage economic growth, generating employment, and this time fueling safety in the community,” Petron president and COO Ramon Ang said in a message.
Mayor David said Petron is their partner in the development of Limay for its many contributions and assistance: “Napakalaking tulong ng Petron hindi lang sa kaunlaran ng aming bayan kundi kaunlaran din ng aming mamamayan.”
Vice Mayor David said the pedestrian bridge will supplement their by-pass road project that will avoid congestion in the town that he said has a short national road: “Ang isang maganda pa dito ay proteksyon na din sa mga residente na nandoon sa eastside town kasi malapit sa dagat na kapag medyo may bagyo at maalon ay medyo malayo sila. Three birds in one stone na since magawa ang bypass road ay inimprove na din namin ang mga parks.”
“Sa tingin naman namin ay maganda ang feedback ng mga tao kaya lalagyan din namin ng theme park na may track and field at baka ibang sports amenities. Dalawang taon na-trap sa pandemic at ang mga tao ay mahilig talagang mag-exercise and even walang pandemic ay kailangan i-promote natin ang leisure at the same time ang recreational outlet ng mga tao,” he enthused.
“Pangarap namin and in God’s will at maingat na pag-construct ay mapaganda ito kaya we are hoping na this will build economic activities gaya ng sabi ni mayor na baka it will promote small businesses and at the same time baka mayroong mga iba pang investors na gustong mag-invest dito. Gusto talaga namin kasi ang bayan namin ay medyo nahuhuli na sa turismo at sana this will be kumbaga pilot project para magkaroon kami ng point of tourism,” he said.
The young David added that they planned also to construct a statue of Dr. Jose Rizal in the park, a parola and wharf for fishermen.
He said the by-pass road is about two kilometers with project cost of P380 million that will connect barangays Barrio Luz, Landing, Wawa, Kitang, Poblacion, Reformista, Saint Francis 1, and Saint Francis 2.
