ILOILO CITY — Senate minority leader Franklin Drilon is pushing for the construction of the proposed bridges that will connect the islands of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros.
“The project is still in the feasibility-study stage. We are not optimistic that construction can start during this administration. This is unfortunate as it is included in the'Build, Build, Build' projects of this administration,” said Drilon
“Last we heard, the Chinese government withdrew from funding the project for what reason, I am not informed,” said the Ilonggo senator in his keynote address at the Iloilo Investment Forum on Wednesday, December 9.
Drilon told officials of the Iloilo City government, Iloilo provincial government, and members of the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation Inc. (ILEDF) that there is an “urgent need to fund and commence” the construction of the bridges.
As the Chinese government is no longer funding the projects, Drilon disclosed that the government is talking to the government of South Korea.
“We will continue to work on this and emphasize to our policy makers the importance of these bridges,” Drilon added.
He said the linkages to the three major islands that comprise the Western Visayas region are necessary to improve the transport of agricultural products that can lead to inclusive growth.