BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday backed the recommendation of National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to use Pulupandan as the entry and exit points into the island for the Iloilo-Guimaras-Negros bridge.
NEDA representatives recently met with Lacson to seek the endorsement of Negros Occidental officials on the original plan, which is the Iloilo-Guimaras-Negros bridge via Pulupandan.
In 2019, the Provincial Development Council (PDC) of Negros Occidental came up with a resolution asking NEDA to consider areas other than Pulupandan, as the entry/exit points of the proposed bridge, which was then supported by Lacson, while Vice Gov. Ferrer pushed for Valladolid as the alternate route.
But in his latest discussion with Ferrer, Lacson said he was told that the 4th district is now supporting the original NEDA proposal.
We will need a PDC resolution supporting it, he added.
Lacson, who is now supporting the original project proposal, said “what is important is that we have it.”
Regarding the question if it will be built simultaneously, Lacson, is not aware of the specifics of the plan. He however said that it will be definitely be constructed.
A P2.96 billion loan agreement had been signed between the Philippine and South Korean governments for the pre-construction work of the 32.5 kilometer Iloilo-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.*
