The Korean government agreed to help finance the construction of the 32-kilometer Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge Project which is envisioned to be the longest in the country, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Public Works Undersecretary Emil Sadain said the Korean government committed an official development assistance loan to the Philippines through the KEXIM Bank-Economic Development Cooperation Fund to finance the detailed engineering design of the immense bridge project.
The loan will be formalized with the signing ceremony scheduled next month.
The proposed island bridges, connecting Panay Island, Guimaras Island and Negros Island, would have two components. These are the 13-kilometer Panay-Guimaras or Section A that will have a sea-crossing bridge length of 4.97 kilometers; and Guimaras-Negros or Section B or with a total length of 19.47 kilometers including sea-crossing bridge length of 13.11 kilometers.
The supplementary feasibility study report and engineering service provision for the project was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee in August 2021.
Sadain said the bridge is a large and complex project which requires comprehensive and high-standard engineering works that service by consultants who have extensive experience in long-span bridge will help DPWH prepare the construction in an efficient and timely manner.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Korean government-funded flagship infrastructure projects in the Philippines are steadily moving forward.
KEXIM Bank is supporting civil works on the Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Measures in Low-Lying Areas of Pampanga to boost disaster resilience; Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project connecting the Pacific towns in Northern and Eastern Samar and bolster the agricultural and fishing industry in Eastern Visayas; and Panguil Bay Bridge connecting Tangub, Misamis Occidental and Tubod, Lanao Del Norte.