Lacierda: Proposed Panay-Negros Bridge needs in-depth study

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge, proposed by officials in Western Visayas, must undergo a feasibility study first before it can be lined up as a priority project under President Benigno Aquino III’s Public Private Partnership program.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said all PPP projects should go through a study and once it is done, the projects will be launched.

The secretary, who was with Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte, explained that there are several PPP projects lined up right now, some of which are being handled by the DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas.

In a PIA radio interview here, aired over DyKB- RPN 8, Lacierda said he will take up the matter with PPP Center Executive Director Cosette Canilao and, once the center gives the go signal, the project will be placed on the pipeline.

Lacierda and Valte were in the city for a roadshow showcasing the president’s accomplishments and programs through radio and tv appearances and media interaction.

Earlier, PGN-LGU designated coordinator Vladi Gonzalez was quoted in a local paper here saying the proposed bridge project would cost about P28.5 billion, and that government officials in Panay are now negotiating with Japanese representatives for a possible funding from the Official Development Assistance and Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Former Bacolod councilor Wilson Gamboa said the bridge will be beneficial to the region. “In terms of economy, it will provide efficiency in the mobility of the exchange of goods of every province and island, lower transportation cost, a 24/7 service and movement regardless of weather, people movement or inter-island tourism and easy marketability to foreign tourism,” he said.

It will also encourage more sea vessels because of economic growth, connect six provinces and make the Western Visayas a mega-region next to the National Capital Region, he added.