Bridging Visayas: Lessons from Ungka

The Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges Project, touted as one of the most significant infrastructure developments in the country, has taken a crucial step forward with the signing of a financing agreement between the Philippine and South Korean governments. As the project moves closer to realization, it promises to enhance connectivity across the Visayan islands, reducing travel time and fostering economic growth in Western Visayas.

But while the prospect of this project is exciting, it’s essential that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) takes the necessary steps to avoid the missteps of previous infrastructure projects, particularly the ill-fated Ungka flyover. That flyover, a legacy project of then-Senator Franklin M. Drilon, remains a painful reminder of how public works can go awry and leave a lasting impact on both the public and political landscapes.

The Ungka flyover, built by International Builders Corp., the construction firm owned by businessman Alfonso Tan—uncle of Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr.—was meant to alleviate traffic congestion but ended up sparking widespread frustration due to its numerous design and structural failures. What could have been a triumph of modern infrastructure has instead become synonymous with inefficiency and alleged corruption, casting a dark shadow on its backers.

It’s ironic that Drilon, who once fiercely called for accountability and transparency during his investigation into the Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. scandal at the height of the pandemic, has been conspicuously gentle, even docile to some, when it comes to the shortcomings of the Ungka flyover. Pharmally was at the center of a controversy involving overpriced medical supplies provided to the government, yet no parallel sense of urgency for accountability has emerged regarding the questionable state of the flyover—another public interest issue.

As DPWH embarks on the Panay-Guimaras-Negros project, it must heed the lessons learned from the Ungka debacle. The public can no longer afford to watch as vital infrastructure deteriorates or fails due to substandard materials, poor design, or corruption. It’s crucial that this new bridge project, which will serve as a vital link for the people of Iloilo, Guimaras, and Negros, is built with the highest level of oversight and integrity.

The involvement of South Korea in the project offers hope for a better outcome. South Korea is known for its advanced engineering and infrastructure expertise, and its partnership with DPWH could bring a level of technical precision that was sorely lacking in the Ungka project. However, this should not be a reason for complacency. The Philippine government, especially DPWH, must ensure that stringent monitoring and quality checks are in place throughout the project’s lifecycle. The Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridge must not become another Ungka—a costly symbol of failure that only benefits contractors and political backers while leaving the public in peril.

Ilonggos have learned that they cannot solely rely on their political leaders to safeguard their interests. In an era where flashy ribbon-cuttings often take precedence over actual service delivery, it’s the people who bear the brunt of failed infrastructure. The promise of faster travel and economic benefits will be meaningless if these bridges are not built to last.

The Panay-Guimaras-Negros project represents a monumental opportunity to improve the lives of millions, but only if the mistakes of the past are not repeated. If the DPWH, together with the South Korean government, can guarantee that these bridges are structurally sound and free of corruption, they will truly become a cornerstone of progress for Western Visayas. However, the consequences of failure are far too grave for Ilonggos to risk. The bridges must not buckle under their own weight—physically or metaphorically.