President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura led the inauguration of the Agas-Agas Bridge in Southern Leyte last Sunday, August 9th. The Agas-Agas Bridge is part of the Japan-funded Arterial Road Links Development Project Phase VI which will rehabilitate the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway in the Visayas Region.
The project was made possible by approximately 6.7 billion yen (around 3 billion pesos) loan provided by the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). With an interest rate of 2.2% per annum (0.75% for consulting services) and a 30-year repayment period (40-year term for consulting services) with a 10-year grace period, this yen loan provides concessional terms among various funding sources.
With 350-meter length and 75-meter pier, the highest in the Philippines, Agas-Agas Bridge will serve as a vital link connecting Luzon and Mindanao through the ferry terminals in Southern Leyte. The completion of Agas-Agas Bridge along the mountainous terrain of the Mahaplag-Sogod Road Section of the Maharlika Highway will make this road section passable to all vehicular traffic at all times. In the past, this area has been closed to traffic due to heavy landslides. Now, motorists can expect continuous travel even during heavy rains. Thus, transport of merchandise and goods from North to South and vice versa will be faster and continuous, contributing to regional economic growth and improved living standards, particularly for the local residents.
Ease of traffic and improved road conditions, together with the panoramic view surrounding the Agas-Agas Bridge, is also expected to improve tourism volume in this part of the Philippines, and will encourage more travelers and visitors to explore what Southern Leyte and the nearby provinces have to offer.
This project is in line with Japan's ongoing commitment to help develop the infrastructure as a basis for further economic growth of the Philippines. The completion of the Agas-Agas Bridge, together with the other road sections to be rehabilitated under this project, will improve the transportation network in Leyte, Samar and other areas all over the Philippines, enhancing the growth of regional economies.
The Japanese Government's assistance supports the development of the Philippine transportation sector in line with President Arroyo's 10-point agenda. Japan is the Philippines' largest source of ODA and has been a long-time partner in the construction and rehabilitation of national highways, particularly in the improvement of road networks and reduction of traffic congestion.
Speech of Ambassador Makoto Katsura
Japanese Version
