PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reiterated his commitment to vigorously push his infrastructure development program as he led the inauguration of three road projects in Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay on Friday.
“We will continue to build roads, bridges, ports, and airports all over the country so we can bring Filipinos closer together,” the President said in his opening address.
The three road projects with a total of 69 kilometers were part of the P25.26-billion Improving Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP) designed to spur the region’s economy.
“After four years since it started finally, we are here to open the three core projects that originally formed the backbone of the IGCMRSP. I’d like to note that these projects have expanded from their original scope to include additional road and bridge developments across the Zamboanga Peninsula out to Tawi-Tawi,” the Chief Executive said.
Marcos said his administration is determined to push for more infrastructure projects to boost the interconnectivity in the country.
The three newly opened projects were the Alicia-Malangas Road with eight bridges and the Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road, both in Zamboanga Sibugay, and the Tampilisan-Sandayong Road with three bridges in Zamboanga del Norte.
Stronger connectivity has been a huge part of the administration’s Philippine Development Plan- 2023-2028 and the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda.
The IGMRSP, with a total length of 154.96 kilometers (km), centered on the construction and improvement of 151.60 km of roads and 34 bridges spanning 3,374.87 linear meters (lm) in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Tawi-Tawi.
The project was divided into three core projects, five non-core projects, and three bridge projects.
The IGCMRSP was funded through the Official Development Assistance loan from the Asian Development Bank.
The President was accompanied in the inauguration rites by Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Dulce Ann Hofer, and Asian Development Bank (ADB) – Philippine Country Office Director Pavit Ramachandran.
The President said improved physical connectivity will always be a vital facet of the nation’s development efforts, as outlined in his administration’s Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the eight-point socio-economic agenda.
“So, let us build upon this achievement as we continue the unending work of building structures that will bring a better life and an invigorating future for all our fellow Filipinos,” Marcos added.
In a briefing, Bonoan said that the improvement of road network in Western Mindanao will support the economic growth and development by reducing travel time, providing safe and efficient travel, improve peace and order situation, and provide more livelihood opportunities to the locals.”
“Indeed, the President’s program to accelerate poverty reduction, establish livable and sustainable communities, and promote agriculture and ensure food security is now turning into reality in Zamboanga Peninsula through the collective efforts, collaborations, and a shared commitment to progress under Bagong Pilipinas,” Bonoan said.