- BERT BAYORAN
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he supports the recommendation of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to use Pulupandan as the entry and exit points in the proposed Iloilo-Guimaras-Negros Bridge.
NEDA representatives recently met with Lacson to seek an endorsement from Negros Occidental officials on the original plan, which is Iloilo-Guimaras-Negros Bridge via Pulupandan.
In 2019, the Provincial Development Council of Negros Occidental came up with a resolution asking NEDA to consider areas other than Pulupandan, as the entry-exit point of the proposed bridge, which Lacson supports. However, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer wanted Valladolid as the other alternate route.
But in his latest discussion with Ferrer, Lacson said he was told that the Fourth District now supports the original proposal of NEDA.
“We will need a PDC resolution supporting it,” the governor said, adding that what is important is for the bridge project to push through.
As to the question if the Negros-Guimaras and Guimaras-Iloilo bridges will be built simultaneously, Lacson said he is not aware of the specific plans but the bridge will definitely be constructed.
A P2.96 billion loan agreement had been signed between the Philippine and South Korean governments for the pre-construction works of the 32.5 kilometer Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge project.
The loan will finance engineering services, including preliminary design, detailed engineering design, and procurement assistance that are required prior to the construction of the bridges./GPB
