The bridge linking the islands of Panay and Guimaras is targeted to be operational before the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term in 2028.

The proposed Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) Island Bridges Project is made up of two segments. Segment 1 spans from Panay to Guimaras and Segment 2 runs from Guimaras to the island of Negros.

According to engineer Sanny Boy O. Oropel, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-6) director, the completion of the detailed engineering design (DED) for Segment 1 is scheduled in December this year.

“Right after Dec. 2024, the turnover and start of civil works will immediately begin. Hopefully, the civil works for the Panay-Guimaras Segment 1 will start maybe the second semester of 2025,” he said in a media interview.

“The Panay-Guimaras Bridge is promised to be completed before the term of President Marcos, so that time, maybe before June of 2028, the bridge will be operational.”

Meanwhile, the DED for the Guimaras – Negros Segment 2 is set to end in December next year.

The 189-billion PGN Bridges Project is among the 12 bridges under the government’s Mega-Bridge Program that will link the island and areas that are separated by water.IMT