• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The construction of the P189.5 billion Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) Island Bridges Project will commence in 2025, as soon as the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) is completed on schedule, with approval for funding and implementation by the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) and the National Economic Development Authority board.
In a statement, NEDA reported that the Island Bridges Project have received all the required local endorsements of the provincial, municipal, and city councils of all affected areas.
It was also endorsed by the Western Visayas Regional Development Council, including the funding and implementation of the project.
As the project’s implementing agency, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) started the bidding process for its DED with the submission and receipt of proposals scheduled this month, and the Notice to Proceed by May this year, NEDA said
The duration set for DED preparation is 18 months.
The proposed PGN Island Bridges Project is one of the priority projects under the Build, Build, Build Program of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte. It covers an entire route of 32.47 kilometers, composed of two sections: Section A (13 km Panay-Guimaras) and Section B (19.47 km Guimaras-Negros).*
