By Juliane Judilla
The construction of the Panay-Guimaras section of the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge project is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025, according to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Sanny Boy Oropel.
However, there is no specific date yet for the start of the Guimaras-Negros section.
Oropel revealed that the 33.086-kilometer Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges Project is estimated to cost PHP 167.5 billion.
The Panay-Guimaras Bridge (Section A) will span 13.616 kilometers and is projected to cost PHP 57 billion.
The Guimaras-Negros Bridge (Section B) will cover 19.470 kilometers and is estimated at PHP 109.8 billion.
The detailed engineering study for the Panay-Guimaras Bridge is expected to be completed by December 2024, with civil works procurement to follow in early 2025.
Meanwhile, the detailed engineering study for the Guimaras-Negros Bridge is anticipated to be finished by December 2025, with construction potentially starting in 2026 and completion targeted for June 2028.
“The construction of Section A will start in the second semester of 2025, and we expect to finish the Panay-Guimaras portion by June 2028,” Oropel confirmed.
Former Senator Franklin Drilon, who attended the press conference on September 29, provided a breakdown of the costs, noting that the project will be funded by Korean Eximbank, the same institution financing the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II).
“The total cost, including detailed engineering design and civil works, is PHP 167.5 billion. The Panay-Guimaras portion will cost PHP 57 billion, while the Guimaras-Negros portion is projected at PHP 109.8 billion,” he said.
Drilon expressed mixed emotions, acknowledging both his disappointment over delays and optimism about the project’s future.
“I am sad because I pushed for this project in the Senate and made the initial allocation, but it has been delayed due to design issues. However, I am happy that the director is committed to seeing it through.”
The Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge aims to enhance connectivity between Iloilo, Guimaras, and Negros, boosting economic development and tourism in the region.
