Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 28) — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Saturday said it is hoping to secure a grant from China to finance a proposed bridge connecting Panglao Island and Tagbilaran City.
The department in a statement said it has received the go signal from the National Economic and Development Authority to push through with the ₱6.95 billion project, adding it already submitted the documents needed to get the funding.
“We are looking forward [to] the approval of official development assistance through a grant from China for the proposed Panglao-Tagbilaran City Offshore Bridge Connector (PTCOBC) Project,” said DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain.
The planned four-lane, 2.7-kilometer bridge is expected to cut travel time between the two locations from the current 45 minutes to 15 minutes.
Sadain noted that the link, to be constructed in cable-stayed design, will serve as an alternative route to the Jacinto Borja Bridge and the Ambassador Suarez Bridge.
According to DPWH, the Department of Finance already confirmed in 2020 that the project will be “under China grant by the Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy.”
However, it also mentioned the possibility getting financing support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
