The Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) project over Manila Bay had undergone thorough study, the Department of Finance (DOF) said on Saturday, assuring it would not turn into a “white elephant” and instead spur economic growth by connecting Southern Luzon to Central Luzon in less than an hour.
Responding to the concern raised about the viability and potential drawbacks of the upcoming ADB-funded bridge project, Finance Undersecretary Edita Tan said the government has invested in the extensive preparation for the project, particularly on the limitation of the design of the project to Cavite alone.
“There’s no way because they thoroughly studied it, we actually invested in the preparation of the project and iyong pag-design niyan,” Tan said.
The bridge is among the Philippine government’s 197 priority Infrastructure Flagship Projects that will advance the socioeconomic agenda of President Marcos, Jr.
The Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge will materialize the construction of a 32-kilometer climate-resilient bridge across Manila Bay connecting Bataan and Cavite, reducing travel time between the two provinces from 5 hours to just 45 minutes.
The improved transport connectivity will promote deeper regional economic integration and spur economic activity within NCR, CALABARZON and Central Luzon.
Tan denied allegations that the BCIB project will turn into a white elephant or a burdensome property or investment whose cost of upkeep is not in line with its usefulness or value.
“(Y)ou take into consideration you’re not just limiting it to Cavite, you are connecting the southern part of Luzon which is iyong sa Batangas, Cavite, Laguna and Quezon to this – so, that’s the main goal – is to connect those areas,” she said.
“So, there’s no way that it’s gonna be limited or it will be limited to Cavite or even a portion of Cavite.”
Tan also emphasized the environmentally friendly aspects of the 32-kilometer project using low carbon technologies and materials.
The BCIB project is part of the Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) under the Marcos administration’s Build Better More program, with estimated total cost of $3.91 billion. PND
