By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The construction of the proposed Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) Island Bridges Project in Western Visayas is nearing realization following the approval of its detailed engineering design (DED).
The Department of Public Works and Highways has approved the P2.671 billion contract agreement of consulting services for the DED of the 32.47-kilometer inter-island bridge project on Wednesday, December 20.
The consultancy services for the DED will be conducted by the Yooshin Engineering Corporation, in a joint venture with Kyong-Ho Engineering and Architects Co., Ltd., Dohwa Engineering Co., Ltd., Soosung Engineering Co., Ltd., and Dasan Consultants Co., Ltd.
DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan previously said that it will take two years to complete the entire DED process before the 5-year construction, which is set to begin in 2025.
Following the completion of the DED, the project will undergo approval by the National Economic and Development Authority Board and the Investment Coordination Committee for funding and actual implementation.
The DED includes a detailed construction cost, bridge design, program of works, a feasibility study to pinpoint the exact geographic starting point of the project, and an assessment of underwater soil conditions.
The cost of engineering services for the PGN bridge project will be funded by a loan with the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM).
In May 2022, the Korean and Philippine governments signed a loan agreement of $56.6 million under the KEXIM.
The PGN bridge project is one of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s priorities under the Mega Bridge Program, which will see the construction of 12 bridges totaling 90 kilometers.
“We understand the importance and urgency of this project in Region 6 as it promises to revolutionize transportation and connectivity between the three islands, and we remain committed to its successful completion,” Bonoan said.
The PGN bridge is divided into two sections: Section A, connecting Panay Island to Guimaras Island, and Section B, linking Guimaras Island to Negros Island.
Previous reports stated that the Korean government would supposedly finance the 13-kilometer Panay-Guimaras section only since the Guimaras-Negros section is longer at 19.47 kilometers and requires more funding.
Initial information revealed that Section A of the project would only cost about P58 billion, while Segment B would cost more than double or up to P120 billion.
Civil works for the PGN bridge are expected to be completed by 2032.
Once finished, the inter-island bridge is anticipated to significantly reduce travel times between Panay Island and Guimaras, from 45 minutes to 10 minutes, and between Guimaras and Negros, from 60 minutes to 15 minutes.
