President Marcos has approved cost and implementation adjustments to the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project (MMPBSIP) that aims to strengthen bridges in the National Capital Region (NCR) in preparation for strong earthquakes.

Marcos said this during the 20th National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting in Malacañan on Wednesday, Aug. 28.

In a Facebook post late Wednesday, the President said he approved the request for the increase in cost and extension of the implementation period and loan validity of the project that aimed to improve the safety and resilience of the Lambingan Bridge and the Guadalupe Bridge.

"I’ve approved the adjustments to the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project, starting with the critical rehabilitation of the Guadalupe Bridge," he wrote.

"This project is vital for our safety as we strengthen our infrastructure to withstand strong earthquakes, such as 'The Big One,'" he added.

With this, Marcos asked for the public's understanding as he assured the people that the government has been working closely with experts to develop a traffic management plan to minimize the project's impact on commuters.

"I commend the NEDA Board for taking these significant steps towards a more progressive Philippines. I ask for your support and cooperation as we Build Better More in every corner of our nation," he said.

The rehabilitation and replacement of the Guadalupe and Lambingan bridges, under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded MMPBSIP, is set to begin this year.

The project ensures the safety of about 365,000 motorists who traverse EDSA through the Guadalupe Bridge, and about 30,257 motorists passing by Lambingan Bridge daily.

Based on the JICA website, the project will strengthen the resilience of the transport network in Metro Manila by replacing the two major bridges with improved seismic bridge design specifications.

It will also contribute to a [more] secure and more sustainable economic and social development of Metro Manila and to realizing the "speedy recovery in case of large-scale earthquakes" in the NCR.

Other projects

Meanwhile, President Marcos said the government is focused on the modernization of Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental in Mindanao.

"This should boost economic growth in the region through easy and efficient air travel," he said.

In February this year, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista led the groundbreaking for the expansion of the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) of the Laguindingan Airport.

Laguindingan Airport is an airport in Northern Mindanao that caters to the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Marawi, as well as the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, and Bukidnon.

The gateway is the second busiest airport in Mindanao and the sixth busiest airport in the country, servicing an estimated two million passengers annually.

According to Bautista, the project is expected to bring socioeconomic benefits in the province and other neighboring areas in Northern Mindanao through better passenger experience.

Once completed, the expansion of the Laguindingan Airport will further increase its pre-departure terminal capacity to 860 passengers daily from its current 500 passengers.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the expanded PTB of the gateway will utilize an innovative modular construction system. Such a strategy combines sustainability and cost-effectiveness, providing flexibility in design, swift construction, cost efficiency, and environmentally conscious choices.