Due to their huge positive impact on economic and social development, uplifting the quality of life in our metropolis and the goal of helping ease traffic congestion, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. said it supports the new projects of the Philippines and China to construct the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in Manila and the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge connecting the cities of Mandaluyong and Makati.
“We support the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge project, since it shall contribute to Manila’s urban renewal. It shall enhance our capital city’s tourism and cultural attractions, by making pedestrian and transport access to these two most historic districts much easier, more efficient,” the FFCCCII said in a statement.
We have full confidence in our Philippine government’s proper heritage, environmental, engineering, socio-economic and archaeological impact evaluations behind these bridge projects, it added.
The FFCCCII also urged said that on concerns about the public to make “short-term sacrifices and adjustment” on the possible noise, fumes, blocked views and other inconveniences caused by construction activities for these two new bridges, for the sake of the city’s long-term beautification and upliftment.
In our democracy, it is natural to have some criticisms of public projects, in the same way there were criticisms of architect I. M. Pei's 1980s modernist pyramid inside the historic Louvre in Paris and also some criticisms of the 19th century Eiffel Tower before it was erected, but afterwards, both projects have since then become proud landmarks of Paris City and of France.
The FFCCCII said the two new Metro Manila bridges with construction costs of P5.27 billion—generous gifts to us the Philippines by the people and government of China—are also symbols of the over 1,000 years of uninterrupted friendship, cultural exchanges and economic partnership between our two countries.
The FFCCCII also congratulated the governments of the Philippines and China for successful cooperation on these new bridges and looks forward to more similar joint efforts for infrastructure projects to support inclusive economic growth and social.
