The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is intensifying its efforts to advance the “Build Better More” agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration to accelerate infrastructure development, with continued support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
During a consultation meeting held on August 15, 2024, at ADB Headquarters in Mandaluyong City, DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain and ADB Country Director Pavit Ramachandran led discussions focused on key infrastructure projects designed to drive the Philippines economic growth and development.
The primary agenda of the meeting was to fast-track the implementation of priority infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with the country’s long-term economic objectives. Key topics included funding strategies, project timelines, and addressing potential challenges through coordinated efforts.
Senior Undersecretary Sadain acknowledged ADB’s steadfast support, emphasizing its crucial role in advancing Philippine infrastructure development.
“On behalf of DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, we are deeply grateful for ADB’s consistent support, which 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 Senior Undersecretary Sadain.
Among the discussed projects is the multi-tranche financing facility for the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) Project Phase 1. This project will create a new expressway connecting Laguna Province to Metro Manila via Laguna Lake.
The LLRN Phase I covers a 37.5-kilometer mainline, featuring seven interchanges located in Lower Bicutan (Taguig), Sucat, Alabang, and Tunasan (Muntinlupa City), as well as San Pedro/Biñan, Cabuyao, and Calamba (Laguna Province).
The meeting also covered other significant projects supported by the ADB Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility (IPIF) including the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) Project.
The construction of the BCIB project is structured into seven (7) 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, the 1.35-kilometer Cavite Land Approach under package 2, and component of other remaining five (5) packages to be procured starting this fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, Tranche 2 in the 2026 budget program and other subsequent tranches will cover the 20.65-kilometer Marine Viaducts in the North and South under packages 3 and 4; the 2.15-kilometer North Channel Bridge under package 5, and the 3.15-kilometer South Channel Bridge under package 6. The 7th package encompasses project-wide ancillary works, with a separate package 8 planned for Operations and Maintenance.
Other projects include the Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project, Phase 2 (InFRA2) 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 kilometer 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 construction; and the 300 kilometer 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. Engineered to handle a 100-year flood event, this project will deliver significant benefits to the provinces of 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.
Senior Undersecretary Sadain stressed the importance of these projects in realizing “Bagong Pilipinas” vision. He noted that successful completion relies on close collaboration with key agencies like the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Finance (DOF), and ADB.
DPWH officials present at the meeting included Project Directors Teresita V. Bauzon, Ramon A. Arriola III, Benjamin A. Bautista, and Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes. The NEDA delegation was led by OIC Director Joseph Norley Y. Capistrano, with OIC Assistant Director Calixto M. Mangilin, Jr. The DOF was represented by Atty. Ryan Omar Ching, Ms. Jenevive Lontok, Ms. Joanna Marie Torres, and Ms. Cindy Nuguit.
ADB Country Director Ramachandran reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to supporting the Philippines’ infrastructure goals, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and resilient development.
NEDA and DOF officials echoed this sentiment, underscoring the necessity for timely project execution and proper resource allocation.
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.
