NEDA VI raises concerns over Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) raised several points of consideration regarding the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) of the Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) Inter-Island Link Bridge Project during a meeting with key stakeholders on February 7.

Participants included representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Unified Project Management Office (UPMO), DPWH VI, and consultants responsible for the DED.

NEDA VI, headed by Regional Director Arecio A. Casing Jr., highlighted the need to integrate essential utilities such as water, electricity, and internet transmission lines into the bridge’s design.

Concerns about the availability and sourcing of construction materials and aggregates were raised, as well as the necessity of establishing a Regional Steering Committee (RSC) to ensure effective coordination and the timely resolution of implementation issues, which have yet to be addressed.

The PGN Inter-Island Link Bridge Project, a major Infrastructure Flagship Project (IFP) in Western Visayas, has an estimated cost of PHP 187.54 billion.

Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel, DPWH Western Visayas Regional Director, stated that Segment 1 of the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges Project is expected to be operational before the end of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s term.

A consortium of five consultants has been commissioned to undertake the DED for Segments 1 and 2.

The DED for Segment 1 is scheduled for completion in December 2024, with civil works anticipated to begin immediately after.

While the alignment for the Panay-Guimaras side has been finalized, the precise locations of the approaches are still pending a decision by the consultants.

Oropel expressed optimism that civil works for Panay-Guimaras Segment 1 might begin in the second half of 2025, with the aim of the bridge being operational before the conclusion of President Marcos’ term, potentially by June 2028.

Meanwhile, the DED for the Guimaras-Negros Segment 2 will proceed until December 2025. This 19.47-kilometer segment will complement the 13-kilometer segment connecting Panay and Guimaras.

With a total length of 32.47 kilometers, the project aims to cut travel time between Panay and Negros from three to four hours to under an hour, enhancing regional connectivity and spurring socioeconomic growth.

Funded through official development assistance and executed by the DPWH, the project’s consultancy services are currently being led by the Yooshin Engineering Corporation, in partnership with various firms. (With reports from NEDA VI and PNA)