President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura led the inauguration of the Amburayan Bridge, which is located between the borders of La Union and Ilocos Sur provinces on Wednesday, December 30th. The President also inaugurated the Quirino Bridge, which is situated near Vigan City. The Quirino and Amburayan Bridges are components of the Japan-funded Urgent Bridges Construction Project for Rural Development which plans to replace old bridges with new bridges, on national roads that lead to urban centers all over the country.
The project was made possible by the provision of 18.5 billion yen (approximately 8 billion pesos) loan from the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). With an interest rate of 0.95% per annum (0.75% for consulting services) and a 40-year repayment period with a 10-year grace period, this yen loan provides the most concessional terms among various funding sources.
The 456-meter Quirino Bridge and the 535-meter Amburayan Bridge are parts of the Manila North Road which connects Manila to Northern Luzon provinces of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. A portion of the old Quirino Bridge was carried away by the recent typhoon and a temporary bridge has been built. However, should another big flood hit, this bridge may be washed away, too. The Amburayan Bridge, on the other hand, has been too narrow to allow for two-lane traffic of heavy vehicles. After the completion of these bridges, these bottle necks will be resolved and this will contribute to the safe and efficient transportation of goods and people.
The project is in line with Japan's ongoing commitment to develop the infrastructure sector as a basis for further economic growth in the Philippines . The completion of the Quirino and Amburayan Bridges, together with the other 151 bridges included in the project, will improve the transportation network in Luzon and other areas all over the Philippines thus enhancing economic development in the regions.
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.
Japanese Version
