Feasibility study on Visayas’ bridges underway

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The feasibility study for the construction of bridges to connect the islands in the Visayas is now being undertaken by the Korean EximBank, an export-credit agency providing loans and funds for huge projects.

Ro-ann Bacal, regional director of National Economic Development Authority-6, said initial talks were also conducted with Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson “to resurrect the studies of the (proposed) bridges because there had been separate studies on Panay-Negros, Guimaras-Negros and Bohol-Cebu bridges.”

Bacal said, “There is a process with the Korean EximBank to study. It’s really up to them. They are going to allocate funds for the study. It’s a grant,” with the government approving the terms of reference for the feasibility study.

“There is going to be a procurement process. We are looking at the Eastern, Western, Central and Negros Island Region — the whole Visayas; the study of the connectivity of the Visayas through bridges,” she said. “The study will determine the viability, feasibility, importance and do-ability of bridges, everything.”

Bacal served as acting chairperson of Regional Development Council-6 after Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. relinquished his post due to the creation of NIR, separating the province from Western Visayas. —Marchel P. Espina (FREEMAN)