A significant milestone has been achieved with the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge project as the Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has provided a hefty financing of P64 billion. This flagship infrastructure project is set to commence construction this year and aims to enhance connectivity across the country.
The 32-kilometer bridge will feature energy-efficient street lights and climate-resilient bridge alert systems. Starting from Barangay Alas-asin in Mariveles, Bataan, the bridge will span Manila Bay and end at Barangay Timalan in Naic, Cavite. The project is expected to reduce travel time between the two provinces from 5.5 hours to just 45 minutes.
Rajat Misra, AIIB acting vice president for investment operations in South Asia (except Afghanistan and Pakistan), Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asia, emphasized the importance of this funding in realizing the vision of fostering inclusive and sustainable growth within the Greater Manila Area. By prioritizing climate-resilient infrastructure and leveraging technology, the project aims to not only improve connectivity but also contribute to economic development while addressing environmental impacts.
Part of the government’s Inter-Island Linkage Bridge program, the Bataan-Cavite bridge is a key infrastructure flagship project of the current administration. It is also part of the extensive infrastructure developments in Cavite, which includes the Cavite-Batangas Expressway and Nasugbu-Bauan Expressway projects.
The province of Cavite is also gearing up for a busway system linking Naic to Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway and a bulk water supply project. With an estimated P2 trillion worth of public-private partnership projects in the pipeline, Cavite is poised for substantial growth and development in the coming years.
