In the bustling region of Western Visayas, where the islands of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros stand separated by vast stretches of water, the dream of seamless connectivity is about to become a reality.
The Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) Link Bridge Project, a P187.54-billion initiative, promises to revolutionize transportation and foster economic growth, providing long-awaited relief and opportunities to millions of Filipinos.
Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., this project is not just about building a bridge; it’s about building a future. As the government works toward completing the project by 2028, it has emerged as a cornerstone of President Marcos’ administration, symbolizing the commitment to infrastructure and regional development.
Connecting Islands, Connecting People
For decades, residents in the islands of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros relied heavily on ferries for transportation. While essential, ferry services often come with limitations—weather disruptions, limited schedules, and unreliable connections.
This has been particularly challenging for local vendors, students, workers, and travelers who depend on regular inter-island movement.
Maria Santos, a small business owner in Iloilo, who sells locally sourced products across the islands. “On a good day, it can take me hours to get from Panay to Guimaras or even to Negros,” she said.
“The ferries are sometimes delayed or canceled, especially when the weather gets bad. This project will save us so much time and reduce the uncertainty we face when moving goods,” she added.
Maria is not alone in her hopes. Lito Perez, a fisherman from Guimaras, sees the bridge as a means to expand his business. “I currently sell my catch at the local market, but the transportation delay often spoils the fish. With the bridge, I will be able to get my goods to the market in less time, and hopefully, the price will improve,” he said.
For Grace Hernandez, a student from Bacolod, shares her excitement for the future the bridge represents. “The bridge will make it easier for me to travel to universities in Iloilo.
“It will be cheaper, faster, and safer than taking the ferry every time,” Grace said, her eyes bright with optimism.
A project years in the making
The Panay-Guimaras-Negros Link Bridge Project is not a sudden initiative—it has been in the planning stages for years, with work beginning under the previous administration.
The detailed engineering design (DED) for the project was undertaken by a consortium of six consulting firms, with the first section, Section A (from Panay to Guimaras), expected to be completed by 2028.
The project is divided into two sections:
- Section A (Panay-Guimaras), spanning 13 kilometers; and
- Section B (Guimaras-Negros), which measures 19.47 kilometers.
As of October 2024, the DED for Section A was at 78.65 percent completion, while Section B stood at 61.65 percent. Although the project has encountered delays due to adverse weather and geotechnical issues in offshore areas, the government remains determined to keep the project on track.
These delays have led to modifications in the span length and type of superstructure on the offshore bridges, but engineers are confident that the changes will ensure the long-term stability and success of the project.
DPWH Regional Director Sanny Boy Oropel confirmed that the design for Section A will be completed by December 2024, and civil works will begin in the second semester of 2025.
The target completion for Segment 1, the Panay-Guimaras section, is June 2028, with Section B (the Guimaras-Negros section) scheduled to be finished by 2030.
“The bridge is a priority project for the [Marcos Jr.] administration,” Oropel said during a recent briefing. “President Marcos has made it clear that infrastructure development is key to improving the quality of life for Filipinos, and this bridge is a perfect example of that commitment.”
Huge boost for development
The impact of the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Link Bridge goes beyond transportation. This massive infrastructure project is poised to become a catalyst for economic growth in the region, bringing benefits that will be felt for generations to come. It promises to stimulate tourism, enhance commerce, and create jobs—all contributing to an overall improvement in the quality of life for millions of people.
Project Manager Antonio Erwin Aranaz emphasized the importance of the project in terms of job creation and social welfare.
“This bridge will not only improve the region’s mobility, but it will also address unemployment and poverty by generating opportunities in construction, trade, and tourism,” he said. “It will provide easier access to government services and foster community empowerment.”
The project also brings positive changes to the local economy. For example, local businesses will benefit from the increased efficiency in transportation, lowering logistics costs and boosting trade.
The tourism industry stands to gain as well, with easier access to the islands’ natural and cultural attractions. The bridge will shorten travel times, making it more convenient for tourists to visit the area and explore the islands.
Connectivity for Filipinos
This bridge is a part of the larger vision for national connectivity championed by President Marcos Jr. His administration has prioritized large-scale infrastructure projects, including the “Build Better More” program, which aims to improve transportation, enhance access to services, and uplift rural and urban communities alike.
“The completion of the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Link Bridge is a key milestone in this program,” said former senator Franklin Drilon, who played a role in securing initial funding for the project when he was still in the Senate.
“While there have been delays due to design issues, I am confident that the bridge will be completed during President Marcos’ term, and it will have a lasting positive impact on the region,” he added.
The bridge’s funding is supported by Korea Eximbank, which also funded the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II, reflecting a strong partnership between the Philippines and South Korea.
This partnership will help ensure that the project is completed to the highest standards, with Korean contractors bringing their expertise in infrastructure development. (PTV)
