Chinese firm to do study for Visayas bridge project

• Source: http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/09/07/chinese-firm-to-do-study-for-visayas-bridge-project/
• Sunday, September 10, 2017

By Tara Yap

Iloilo City — A state-owned consultancy firm in China is in Western Visayas to do the pre-feasibility study for first phase of the proposed bridge system that will connect the Visayan islands.

Engr. Al Fruto, assistant regional director of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) told Manila Bulletin that representatives from the CCCC Highway Consultants Co. Ltd. are making initial visits to areas for the bridge that will link the city and province of Iloilo to the island province of Guimaras.

The bridge “will formalize the project partnership between China and the Philippines,” Fruto said.

In between inspections, the Chinese met with Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, Provincial Planning Officer Mario Nillos, and Provincial Engineer Gracianito Lucero. They also met Mayor Adolf Jaen of Leganes town, where the bridge from the Iloilo side will most likely originate.

Fruto said the Chinese representatives are also inspecting sites in Guimaras and Negros Island.

In a visit to Iloilo City late last month, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said the first phase of the project will start during the Duterte administration.

Bridges will also connect Guimaras and Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Cebu, and Cebu and Bohol.