PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved the proposed repair of the Guadalupe Bridge to make it earthquake-resistant and able to withstand magnitude 8.
Marcos announced in a Facebook post late Wednesday night that he gave his approval during the 20th National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board meeting at Malacañan Palace in Manila.
The rehabilitation of the Guadalupe bridge is part of the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project, which aims to strengthen the resilience of the transport network in the country’s metropolis by replacing Lambingan and Guadalupe bridges.
“I’ve approved the adjustments to the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project, starting with the critical rehabilitation of the Guadalupe Bridge to withstand magnitude 8 earthquakes,” he said.
“We have also been working closely with experts to develop a traffic management plan to minimize the impact on commuters,” Marcos added.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency-funded Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project has been tagged by NEDA as among the 45 projects with official development assistance (ODA) funding that are problematic because of delays in the implementation.
In an interview with Palace reporters on Wednesday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director General Arsenio Balisacan said the NEDA Board discussed the request for the increase in cost and extension of the implementation period and loan validity for the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project to improve the safety and resilience of the Lambingan and Guadalupe bridges.
The Department of Public Works and Highways in April announced that the rehabilitation and replacement of both the Guadalupe Bridge and Lambingan Bridge under the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project would begin this year.
Guadalupe and Lambingan bridges have been identified as high-priority for replacement or seismic strengthening due to several factors such as their location on high-traffic and important routes.
The project aims to ensure the safety of about 365,000 motorists who traverse the Epifanio de Llos Santos Avenue (EDSA) through the Guadalupe Bridge, and about 30,257 motorists that pass by Lambingan Bridge daily.
Marcos said the NEDA Board is also focused on modernizing the Laguindingan International Airport to boost economic growth in Mindanao through easy and efficient air travel.
The board has confirmed the referendum decisions for upgrade, expansion, and operation and maintenance of the Laguindingan International Airport.
“I commend the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board for these significant steps in strengthening our country’s infrastructure. I ask for your support and cooperation as we ‘Build Better More’ in every corner of our nation. Para sa Bagong Pilipinas(for the New Philippines),” Marcos said. (PNA)
