- GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Panay Guimaras Negros (PGN) island bridges project is among the flagship infrastructure programs eyed by the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to further spur economic vibrance in the country.
In his 2nd State of the Nation Address (SONA) this afternoon, July 24, Marcos reported that inter-island bridges projects, notably the 32-kilometer PGN Island Bridges, are being eyed to be completed under the Mega Bridge program.
Under the program, 12 bridges totaling 90 kilometers will be constructed, connecting islands and areas separated by waters, Marcos said, adding the program notably includes the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges, among other projects.
Composed of two sea-crossing bridges connecting Panay, Guimaras, and Negros Island, the PGN Bridges Project will shorten the travel time of commuters and motorists, as well as the transport of goods from Panay to Negros, through ferries or Roll-On, Roll-Off vessels, from three to four hours to just less than one hour, the Department of Public Works and Highways earlier said.
“Our road network plans must link not only our three major islands, but all prospective sites of economic development,” the President stressed. “One of the keys to continuing economic growth is infrastructure development. So, we will build better, and more. Our 8.3-trillion peso ‘Build Better More’ program is currently in progress and being vigorously implemented.”
He said the flagship projects cover investments in the areas of physical connectivity, water resources, agriculture, health, digital connectivity, and energy. “Physical connectivity infrastructure—such as roads, bridges, seaports, airports, and mass transport—accounts for 83 percent of this program. Our infrastructure spending will stay at five to six percent of our GDP (Gross Domestic Product).”
The underlying logic to our infrastructure development is economic efficiency. “We are opening up all gateways to mobilize goods and services at less cost and in less time, and ultimately, to drive the economy forward.”/GB
