The government of the Republic of Korea has announced its readiness in extending financial support for the proposed Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge, part of the much-awaited inter-island bridges project under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The minutes were signed by DPWH-UPMO Undersecretary Emil Sadain (left) and KEXIM Bank's Jae-jeong Moon
A signing ceremony was held on October 28, 2021 to finalize the minutes of discussions regarding funding assistance for engineering services prior to the bridge’s construction. The agreement was signed by DPWH Undersecretary for Unified Management Office Operations (UPMO) Emil K. Sadain and Korea Export-Import (KEXIM) Bank Country Director Jae-jeong Moon.
According to DPWH Acting Secretary Roger G. Mercado, the funding from the Korean government will be in the form of an official development assistance or ODA loan through the KEXIM Bank-Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF). The loan will be formalized at a separate signing ceremony in December this year.
He said that the Koreans have recently concluded supplemental feasibility studies, which will be followed by a detailed engineering design (DED).
The project is expected to be the longest bridge in Region 6
Touted as the longest bridge in Region 6, the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge project is expected to be the fastest way for travelers to cross the provinces of Iloilo, Guimaras, and Bacolod. This is seen to benefit commerce and tourism in the region.
The infrastructure will span a total of 32 kilometers, divided between two components. Section A connecting Panay and Guimaras will measure 13 kilometers, while Section B linking Guimaras and Negros will be at 19.47 kilometers.
Undersecretary Sadain said that due to the project’s size, it will require comprehensive and high-standard engineering works by consultants specializing in long-span bridges. This will help the DPWH prepare for the bridge’s construction.
Despite the pandemic, KEXIM Bank-EDCF continues to fund the DPWH’s flagship infrastructure projects, including the Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project and Panguil Bay Bridge, apart from disaster resilience projects in low-lying areas of Pampanga.
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