Bridges linking 3 islands a go, says Neda exec

ILOILO CITY — The Duterte administration would surely implement a project to connect three Visayan islands — Panay, Negros and Guimaras — through a bridge network  estimated to cost at least P27 billion, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

The bridge network was among three major projects for implementation in Western Visayas, which would cost a total of P77 billion, according to Ro-Ann Bacal, Neda Western Visayas director.

The other projects include the improvement of Iloilo International Airport (estimated cost at P30 billion) and Panay River Basin Integrated Development (estimated cost at P19 billion).

The detailed engineering study of the bridge project is expected to be completed within the year.

“This will definitely push through,” Bacal told the Inquirer.

China and Japan  expressed interest in funding the project through the official development assistance.

Funding details would be determined by the Department of Finance, according to Bacal.

P28 billion for 13.2 km

Proposals to connect the three island through a bridge network have been pushed since the administration of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In a study by the Department of Public Works and Highways in 2010, the cost of the project was estimated to reach P28 billion covering 13.2 km.

This included 3.6 km for  Panay-Guimaras Bridge worth P9.4 billion and a 9.56-km bridge to connect Guimaras and Negros, costing P19 billion.

Improve islands’ economy

The bridge network is expected to improve the economy of the three islands through faster and more efficient transport of people and goods.

Among the improvements at Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan town were rehabilitation of its terminal building and baggage carousel.

The Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project in Capiz province involved the construction of a multipurpose dam designed to stop perennial flooding and generate more electricity.

Bacal said road projects were also in the pipeline.

The Duterte administration has launched an ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program to spur economic development but concerns were raised that this would push the country deeper in debt.

But Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the concerns were unwarranted.

“Economic conditions have changed for the better and we have learned from the mistakes of the past,” Diokno said in a previous report.

He said prevailing economic conditions were different from that which had led to the economic crisis that gripped the country during the Marcos dictatorship.

“We will finance the bold infrastructure program through a combination of taxes, nontax revenues, borrowings—both external and domestic,” Diokno said.