BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer is optimistic that the proposed Iloilo-Guimaras-Negros bridge will push through under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Ferrer, the personal adviser for Western Visayas of President Marcos Jr., also disclosed he will support whatever site is recommended for the entry or exit points of the proposed bridge, be it in Pulupandan or Valladolid.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson gave his support to 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 order for the project to push through, Ferrer said it needs the endorsement of the Provincial Development Council, which will be forwarded to the Regional Development Council for its concurrence.
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.*
