THE P210-million Lasicam Bridge was inaugurated on Aug. 28, coinciding with the launch of the Caraga Peace and Development Zones that include the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. The bridge passes through the barangays of Lahi, Sico-Sico, and Camam-onan in Gigaquit town, a known stronghold of local insurgents. Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus G. Dureza, who led the event, said the infrastructure is part of government’s emphasis on working on peace and development simultaneously. “You cannot sustain peace if you do not improve the lives of people. Conversely, you cannot also sustain development without peace. Dapat iyan (It should be) hand-in-hand,” he said. Speaking on behalf of the Mamanwa Tribe in the area, Datu Emilliano Jede said without the bridge, they had to walk a whole day to reach the town proper.
