Iloilo city: Major infrastructure projects are still being pushed forward for Western Visayas, an official of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) in the region said on Tuesday. At a media forum, Engr. Arecio Casing Jr., DEPDev's regional director for Western Visayas, highlighted the progress on these significant developments.

According to Philippines News Agency, the final detailed engineering design (DED) for the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridges was signed on August 28. Engr. Casing noted that this will be presented to the Economic Development Council (EDC), led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The project's cost has nearly doubled, now estimated at PHP320 billion, up from the previous budget of PHP150 billion. The EDC will evaluate the project, and if approved, the Department of Finance will seek funding sources. The Korean Government has initially committed to funding the Panay-Guimaras phase and is looking to secure funding for the Guimaras to Negros segment.

Another significant project is the Iloilo-Capiz-Aklan Expressway (ICAEX), which is set to be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP). Procurement has commenced for the Feasibility Study (FS) and the DED of the ICAEX, which is anticipated to be completed within the year with the assistance of the PPP Center. The expressway is expected to span approximately 210 kilometers, connecting two cities and 20 municipalities in Aklan, Capiz, and Iloilo. The project aims to reduce travel time, alleviate congestion on national roads, enhance the logistics network, and boost tourism.

In other developments, the previous unsolicited proposal to rehabilitate the Iloilo International Airport has been withdrawn. The Department of Transportation is considering a solicited version, opening the airport to interested operators. Engr. Casing emphasized the ongoing collaboration with the Regional Development Council to maintain a connection between the region and national offices in all activities.