YOUR EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO,
HONORABLE SECRETARY HERMOGENES EBDANE JR.,
Department of Public Works and Highways
HONORABLE GOVERNOR DAMIAN MERCADO,
Province of Southern Leyte
HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVE ROGER MERCADO,
Lone District of Southern Leyte
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS,
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
It is a great honor for me to join you all in the inauguration of a very important infrastructure, the Agas-Agas Bridge. This project is a part of the Arterial Road Links Development Project Phase VI, to which the Government of Japan provided approximately 3 billion pesos funding assistance for the rehabilitation of the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway.
The Government of Japan recognizes the role and importance of improvement of roads in achieving economic development and raising the living standards of the Filipino people, and we understand that it is of utmost importance to develop a network of bridges crossing many rivers and valleys.
Located along the Mahaplag-Sogod Road Section, the completion of this bridge will make this road section passable at all times even during heavy rains. In the past, this area has been closed to traffic due to heavy landslides.
This bridge, together with the panoramic view will also become additional tourism attraction in this region.
More importantly, this bridge will serve as a vital link connecting Luzon and Mindanao through the ferry terminals here in Leyte, contributing to regional economic growth and improved living standards, particularly for the local residents.
In closing, I would like to reaffirm the Government of Japan's commitment to assist the Philippines in its nation-building efforts. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my Government's high appreciation for the Philippine Government's unwavering stance in promoting Japan-Philippine relations, as we jointly foster a strategic partnership for the future between our two countries, in accordance with the Joint Statement issued by Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Prime Minister Taro Aso in Tokyo in June.
Thank you for your attention.
Embassy of Japan in the Philippines