Philippines, Japan exchangenotes on bridge improvement

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Japan yesterday signed and exchanged notes on improving the resilience of two major bridges in the country and providing an additional P2-billion funding.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu signed and exchanged notes on additional funding for the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project.

Through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Japan will provide a supplemental loan of 4.409 billion yen or around P2 billion for the rehabilitation of the Guadalupe Bridge in Makati and the Lambingan Bridge in Manila.

The original loan agreement amounting to 9.783 billion yen or around P4.5 billion was signed on Aug. 25, 2015.

“Recently, several large-scale earthquakes struck various places in the Philippines such as Manila and Mindanao, and I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their lives, the victims and their families,” Locsin said.

The project will improve the resilience of Lambingan Bridge and Guadalupe Bridge, through the incorporation of improved seismic bridge design specifications.

The project supports the integrity of arterial road network, contributes to secure and more sustainable economic and social development in Metro Manila and enhances resilience in case of large-scale earthquakes in the National Capital Region.

“Secretary Locsin and I have just signed and exchanged diplomatic notes on additional yen credit for the reinforcement of major bridges in Metro Manila against earthquakes,” Motegi said in Japanese.

The current project responds to an increase in the project cost and the extension of the project implementation period by one year and eight months until August 2023, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The cost increase is due to changes in construction technology to be applied onto Guadalupe Bridge, the need for temporary detour bridges in Guadalupe and the need for additional work shifts to the construction period, among others.

Locsin and his counterpart also reviewed and charted the direction of the Philippine-Japan defense and security engagement.

The foreign affairs chief thanked Japan for supporting the Philippines’ acquisition of new air and maritime assets and equipment to enhance its maritime domain awareness and capability, law enforcement and humanitarian responses.

The officials also discussed future acquisitions in aid of the modernization of the Philippine armed forces and maritime forces.

Locsin had exchanges with Motegi on issues such as rule of law in the maritime commons and the situation in the West Philippine Sea.

“We committed to continue our cooperation – bilaterally and in all possible forums – to maintain peace and security, stability and the rule of law in our region,” Locsin said.