The Philippine government is eyeing a new grant from China to finance a proposed iconic bridge connecting Panglao Island and mainland Tagbilaran City in Bohol province.
“We are looking forward at the approval of official development assistance through a grant from China for the proposed Panglao-Tagbilaran City Offshore Bridge Connector Project,” said Public Works Undersecretary Emil Sadain, who heads the agency’s Unified Project Management Office.
The DPWH earlier secured the nod of the National Economic and Development Authority board for the bridge project and submitted requisite documents to the Department of Finance needed in securing a grant financing.
Sadain said the planned four lane 2.7-kilometer PTCOBC project would incorporate the iconic cable-stayed design. “With the province of Bohol among the top drawer of tourism in the Philippines, travelers looking forward to adventure-filled vacation is expected to benefit from this new bridge as it will cut travel time from Tagbilaran City seaport to Panglao Island to 15 minutes from 45 minutes during peak period and will serve as an alternative route of the Jacinto Borja Bridge and Ambassador Suarez Bridge, “ Sadain said.