PHILIPPINES AND JAPAN INK JPY 33.7 BILLION loan to support BYPASS CONSTRUCTION AND BRIDGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
The Governments of the Republic of the Philippines and Japan signed two (2) Loan Agreements to support the implementation of the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project and Davao City Bypass Construction Project (South and Center Sections) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima signed the Loan Agreements on behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines while Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Akihiko Tanaka signed on behalf of the Government of Japan.
The JPY9.783 billion loan for the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project will finance the replacement, retrofitting, and reinforcement of the Lambingan Bridge in Malate, Manila City (98.10 meters, 6 lanes) and Guadalupe Bridge in Mandaluyong and Makati Cities [outer section and inner sections (114.44 meters each, 4 and 6 lanes, respectively)] including the improvement of approach roads and intersections. It is aimed at strengthening resilience of Metro Manila’s transport network from large-scale earthquakes, thereby contributing to a more secure and sustainable economic and social development of Metro Manila.
Noting that the Philippines and Japan face similar challenges being highly-prone to natural disasters, Secretary Purisima pointed out the importance of ensuring the functionality and reliability of public structures and facilities after a disaster. Once completed, Lambingan and Guadalupe bridges are expected to be able to withstand strong earthquakes.
On the other hand, the JPY23.906 billion loan for the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (South and Center Sections) will finance the construction of the 11.8km South and 17km Center sections (including the construction of the longest tunnel in the Philippines of about 2.28km) and improvement of existing access roads. The project seeks to improve accessibility to main infrastructure facilities and mitigate congestion in Davao City, contributing to economic development and sound urban development of the City.
With the construction of the Davao City bypass, Secretary Purisima underscored that it will improve logistics connectivity between and among economic centers of Mindanao, further enhance the region’s role in the BIMP-EAGA economic corridor, and contribute in transforming the economic potential of Bangsamoro areas.
The implementation of the two (2) strategic infrastructure projects will expand access to vital services and stimulate economic opportunities thereby contributing to the Philippines’ growth and overall development. The projects are also seen to help Metro Manila and Davao City not only in strengthening connectivity in the country but also in providing quality and resilient infrastructures.
“We would like to thank the Japanese Government for its continued support in the infrastructure development in the country. Throughout the years, Japan has supported our initiatives in enhancing regional and national connectivity as we try to build infrastructures that not only improve the Philippines’ investment climate but also ensure safety of our countrymen from natural disasters”, Secretary Purisima added.
As of date, Japan remains to be the Philippines’ top bilateral source of ODA loans. JICA presently supports the loan financing of projects in the sectors of agriculture and agrarian reform, infrastructure, flood control, environment, climate change, and disaster rehabilitation.
