NEDA-6 targets PGN Bridge bidding in March

By John Noel E. Herrera

The bidding for the construction of the 32.47-kilometer Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) mega bridge might open in March 2023, according to National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-6 director Arecio Casing Jr.

Previous reports stated that two groups have qualified to submit their bids – Yoshin Co. and Sambo Engineering and Construction Co.

Casing added in an interview with Radyo Pilipinas Iloilo that they are waiting for the detailed engineering design (DED) of the PGN Bridge that will be submitted by the Department of Public Works and Highways’s (DPWH) Project Management Office also in March.

The NEDA-6 chief confirmed that all processes that should be completed before the start of the construction, such as the DED, review of designs, and fund appropriation, would be conducted by the DPWH.

NEDA-6 also urged the DPWH to conduct strict investigations related to the project and check its pre-engineering procedures before starting the construction to avoid problems, just like what happened to the P680-million Ungka II Flyover.

Casing stressed that big infrastructure projects, like the PGN Bridge, should undergo quality control checking, and make sure to follow geotechnical engineering and conservative designs, and civil engineering principles.

Meanwhile, the DPWH previously confirmed that the South Korean Government, through its Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM), would fund the Panay-Guimaras (Segment A) portion of the PGN Bridge project, after the Korean and Philippine governments signed a loan agreement last May 4, 2022.

The $56.6-million loan financed by KEXIM’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) would be utilized for the Engineering Services of the PGN Bridge project, which would include the Preliminary Design and Feasibility Study Review, Detailed Engineering Design and Procurement Assistance.

Reports stated that the Korean government only considered financing the 13-kilometer Panay-Guimaras segment as the Guimaras-Negros (Segment B) portion is longer at 19.47 kilometers and requires bigger funding.

Initial information revealed that Segment A of the project would only cost about P58 billion, while Segment B would cost more than double or up to P120 billion.

DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan said that they had already started with the DED of the project after the Korean government committed to the Segment A funding.

Bonoan added that they continue to look for investors for the Guimaras-Negros segment, as connecting the three islands – Panay, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental – would be beneficial for the region in terms of public, and goods and service transportation.

The construction of the PGN Bridge, which is one of the priority programs that the DPWH intends to implement in the current administration, has also been pushed since the presidency of Gloria Arroyo, the late Benigno Aquino III, and Rodrigo Duterte.