By VEN C. ARIGO
In the face of misinformation, the Panglao Island-Tagbilaran City Offshore Bridge Connector (PTCOBC) Project has been under scrutiny.
Reports have circulated that the project, which was allocated a budget of PHP6.9 billion, has only completed two approaches on the seaside of Dauis and Tagbilaran, despite allegedly exceeding its implementation timeframe.
However, the project summary from the National Government through the DPWH Central Office clarifies that the entire project is scheduled from 2018 to 2028.
The total project cost is PHP7.057 billion, and the project is divided into two phases: the Locally-Funded Project (LFP) funded by the Government of the Philippines (GOP) and the Foreign-Assisted Project (FAP).
The FAP involves the second/final phase, which is the main offshore bridge connector that will cross over the sea from Dauis to the entrance of the Tagbilaran tourism port. This is through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) from a foreign financing source.
The LFP for the first phase involves the construction of two offshore bridges (each 120 meters), three short-span bridges, and approach roads.
According to the DPWH, PHP801 million in total funds have been released for this phase through the General Appropriations Act or Annual National Budget in 2018, 2020, and 2023.
The second and final phase of the project through the ODA is the construction of the main four-lane bridge connector, which the DPWH describes as an “iconic cable-stayed bridge.”
The indicative cost of this is PHP6.389 billion, coming from the PHP 5.838 billion ODA and PHP551 million GOP counterpart.
In 2022 under the Duterte administration, the NEDA Board approved the second/final phase for a possible Chinese grant along with the sure counterpart from the GOP or the government of the Philippines.
However, due to the ongoing tension related to the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines has a ready option for other reliable foreign financing using the ODA through the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The entire 2.71-kilometer four-lane bridge project will serve as an alternative route to the Jacinto Borja Bridge (Mansasa-Dauis junction) and Ambassador Suarez Bridge (causeway).
This will facilitate travel, especially during peak periods, from the Tagbilaran port to Panglao, especially to the international airport, from 45 minutes to just 15 minutes.
The project is being closely monitored by Congressman Edgar Chatto, who has also officially requested President Bongbong Marcos to support the final phase of the project, which is significant and beneficial for the future of Bohol.