The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) targets to fast-track the implementation of priority infrastructure projects, including the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) and Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) Phase 1.
Last week, DPWH held a consultation meeting with ADB focused on key infrastructure projects, including funding strategies, project timelines and addressing potential challenges through coordinated efforts.
These projects are the multi-tranche financing facility for the LLRN Phase 1, BCIB, Central Luzon-Pampanga River flood control, urgent bridges construction project for rural development, Samar and Agusan Daang Maharlika Road improvement project, among others.
Emil Sadain, DPWH senior undersecretary, said ADB’s consistent support, 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,” said
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 5-kilometer Bataan land approach under package 1, 1.35-kilometer Cavite land approach under package 2 and components of the other five packages to procure starting in the fourth quarter of the year.
Other projects are the Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project, Phase 2 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-km 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 for the construction; and the 300-km 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, DPWH said. Engineered to handle a 100-year flood event, this project will significantly benefit Pampanga, Bulacan and Nueva Ecija.
The flood control system will span from the foothills of Mount Arayat, directing floodwaters from the Upper Pampanga River catchment area straight into Manila Bay.
By efficiently managing these floodwaters, the project aims to safeguard communities, protect agricultural lands and preserve essential infrastructure, offering a robust and sustainable defense against future floods, DPWH said.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to continue working closely to ensure that these critical infrastructure projects are completed on time, contributing to the nation’s economic recovery and growth, it added.
