Near where she was found, Grace Poe vows to build bridge

Sen. Grace Poe. RICHARD A. REYES/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

ILOILO CITY—Sen. Grace Poe has voiced support for the construction of a bridge that will connect Guimaras Island to Iloilo.

Speaking at a campaign rally at the Jaro public plaza here recently, Poe said the bridge would hasten economic development, improve the transport of products and create more opportunities for Western Visayas.

There have been previous plans to put up bridges connecting Iloilo and Guimaras and Guimaras and Negros Occidental but these have remained studies and proposals due mainly to the cost of the projects.

Senate President Franklin Drilon, an Ilonggo, earlier announced that the Department of Public Works and Highways is seeking assistance from the Korean government to conduct a feasibility study on the construction of a 2.6-kilometer bridge connecting Iloilo City and Guimaras.

The proposed project, estimated to cost P3.5 billion, is also being supported by the Regional Development Council.

Most residents in Guimaras either work or study in Iloilo City. They travel to and from Guimaras by outrigger motorboats.

Boat trips, however, are suspended during bad weather.