DPWH, ADB boost tie up

To prioritize key infrastructure projects

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is strengthening its partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to prioritize the country’s key infrastructure projects.

DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain said the agency is intensifying efforts to advance the “Build Better More” agenda of President Marcos by accelerating infrastructure development with continued support from the ADB.

Sadain and ADB country director Pavit Ramachandran led the consultation meeting focusing the discussions on infrastructure projects designed to drive the country’s economic growth.

The primary agenda of the meeting, according to Sadain, was to fast track the implementation of priority infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with the country’s long-term economic objectives.

Key topics included funding strategies, project timelines and addressing potential challenges through coordinated efforts.

Sadain acknowledged ADB’s steadfast support, emphasizing its crucial role in advancing Philippine infrastructure development.

“On behalf of DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, we are deeply grateful for ADB’s consistent support which is instrumental in delivering critical projects, particularly in highly prioritized regions across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Their assistance ensures that these infrastructures meet the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency,” Sadain said.

Among the discussed projects is the multi-tranche financing facility for the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) Project Phase 1, a new expressway connecting Laguna to Metro Manila via Laguna Lake.

The LLRN Phase I covers a 37.5-kilometer mainline, featuring seven interchanges located in Lower Bicutan in Taguig, Sucat, Alabang and Tunasan in Muntinlupa, as well as San Pedro, Biñan, Cabuyao and Calamba in Laguna.

The meeting also covered other significant projects supported by the ADB Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility including the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) Project.

The construction of the BCIB project is structured into seven contract packages, with procurement currently underway for the first tranche, focusing on the on-land components under packages 1 and 2. Tranche 1 includes the five-kilometer Bataan Land Approach under package 1, the 1.35-kilometer Cavite Land Approach under package 2 and component of other remaining five packages to be procured starting this fourth quarter.

Sadain said Tranche 2 in the 2026 budget program and other subsequent tranches will cover the 20.65-kilometer Marine Viaducts in the North and South under packages 3 and 4; the 2.15-kilometer North Channel Bridge under package 5, and the 3.15-kilometer South Channel Bridge under package 6. The seventh package encompasses project-wide ancillary works, with a separate package 8 planned for Operations and Maintenance.

Other projects include the Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project, Phase 2 (InFRA2) for feasibility study (FS) and detailed engineering design (DED) including technical assistance on land acquisition between 2024 to 2026 to be followed with civil works implementation; and Central Mindanao High-Standard Highway Construction Project for DED and construction in 2027.

Also tackled are the 62-kilometer Central Luzon-Pampanga River Flood Control with DED to start in 2025 and construction in 2027; Urgent Bridges Construction Project for Rural Development for FS in 2025, DED in 2026 towards 2028 construction; and the 300-kilometer Samar and Agusan Daang Maharlika Road Improvement Project for 2026 to 2028 FS and DED with right of way to civil works implementation by 2028 and beyond.

The Central Luzon-Pampanga River Flood Control Project is a crucial initiative designed to provide lasting protection against severe flooding in the region.