The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Mimaropa shed light on the significant challenges delaying the construction of the highly anticipated Mindoro-Batangas “super bridge” project, a 15-kilometer super bridge that is set to link Mindoro Island with mainland Luzon through Batangas province.
DPWH Mimaropa Regional Director Gerald Pacanan, during the pilot episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on May 28, emphasized the project's technical and financial complexities, citing the substantial amount of funding required and the formidable engineering challenges posed by the Verde Island Passage.
“There are many reasons why the [super bridge] has not started yet, including technical and financial aspects, as it would really require a large amount of money,” Pacanan explained.
He highlighted that extensive studies have already been conducted to determine the type of bridge needed. However, the project faces significant hurdles due to the deep waters and strong currents of the Verde Island Passage.
Pacanan also pointed out that the design phase alone is fraught with challenges, which contributes to the delay in the project's initiation.
He likewise noted that the absence of a finalized design has made it difficult to determine the necessary government funding.
He said that since the project's cost would likely be too high for the government to fund independently, it would be better to have a public-private partnership (PPP) to move forward.
Pacanan revealed that preliminary discussions have already taken place between the DPWH, San Miguel Corporation, and the provincial government of Oriental Mindoro regarding the bridge. This aims to explore potential solutions and partnerships to address the financial and technical challenges of the project.
Marcos administration also included the “super bridge” to the top 10 programs of the aministration for PPP.
If constructed, the Mindoro-Batangas “super bridge” project is seen to result in faster and more efficient transport of people and goods, spurring local economic growth through job generation, higher investments, and the optimization of basic services such as water, power, and telecommunications, among others. (PJF/PIA Mimaropa-Romblon)
