Residents of Brgy. Cabacanan Proper and nearby barangays in the ‘Seven Cities’ in Alimodian welcomed a brighter future today, August 26, 2025, as the Provincial Government of Iloilo formally turned over and inaugurated two vital infrastructures: the 60-linear meter pre-stressed concrete girder Cabacanan Bridge and a newly completed multi-purpose covered gym.
The projects, undertaken through the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) in partnership with the Iloilo Provincial Government and the Municipality of Alimodian, promise to significantly improve mobility, access, and quality of life for over 3,500 residents living within the area, including Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities.
For Alimodian, known as the “Vegetable Capital of Iloilo,” the ₱52.7-million Cabacanan Bridge is more than a structure. It is a lifeline that will connect farmers, including IP growers, to wider markets, ensuring their fresh produce reaches consumers faster and in better condition.
The bridge spans 60 meters with concrete carriageways, linking barangays across agricultural zones totaling 345 hectares.
Mayor Ian Kenneth Alfeche of Alimodian underscored the bridge’s deeper meaning for the community.
“Ining taytay simbolo sang paghigugma kag kooperasyon sang tagsa-tagsa ka mga pumuluyo kag sang mga lider nga nag-agi sa probinsya kag sa banwa sang Alimodian,” said Mayor Alfeche, who recalled that this is a dream come true for many residents of the Seven Cities.
Provincial Engineer Romeo Andig revealed that although the bridge was completed in December 2024, revisions and corrections in the finishing phase extended construction until May 2025.
But the impact of the bridge is already felt by local residents.
“Duro gid ka hanggod nabulig na eh (sa taytay) tungod nga indi run mabudlayan ang mga pumuluyo. Mas tawhay rugid ang pag agi nanda kay human dun ang taytay compare mo sang una nga matabok ka pa sa suba pwerte ang hirap gid, subong tawhay run,” said Roger, a volunteer and resident of Brgy. Cabacanan.
“Hanggod nga pasalamat namon kay nakataytay kami kay sang una nga way it taytay hindi kami kakadto sa banwa kang Alimodian kay way kami ti sarakyan, way it taytay, indi kami kapanindahan sa Alimodian,” added 59-year-old resident Natividad Mirante.
Meanwhile, the ₱3.3-million multi-purpose covered gym provides a safe, spacious venue for community gatherings, sports, and disaster response operations. It is expected to serve as a central hub for civic activities and emergency shelter during calamities, further strengthening community resilience.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., together with Vice Governor Lee Ann Debuque, 2nd District Representative Chief of Staff Mike Gorriceta, Mayor Ian Kenneth Alfeche, Vice Mayor Geefre Alonsabe, and local officials, led the ceremonies attended by provincial government department heads and employees, PRDP representatives, and beneficiaries.
Governor Defensor thanked the local government and residents for helping in the realization of the projects. He also noted that the “Seven Cities” is an attractive place, highlighting its tourism and agricultural potential for further development.
The term “Seven Cities” refers to a cluster of mountainous barangays in Alimodian – Brgy. Cabacanan Proper, Tabug, Uminggan, Dao, Lico, Manasa and Cabacanan Rizal – that are known for their production of organic vegetables, lush vegetation, and waterfalls.
Cabacanan Barangay Captain Jonel Calambro, speaking on behalf of the community, expressed gratitude for the projects.
“Gapasalamat gid ako nga nakabaton kami sang mga proyekto diri sa seven cities,” said Brgy. Capt. Calambro, emphasizing how these infrastructures uplift daily life in the barangay and the entire town.
With these new facilities, Alimodian strengthens its position as Iloilo’s prime vegetable hub, ensuring that the hard work of its farmers, including IP communities, translates into greater income, more opportunities, and sustained growth for generations to come.
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