The Cebu Bohol Bridge will be the first to connect the provinces of Cebu and Bohol.
In the late 2000s, the Philippine government proposed to build a bridge that would connect Cebu province and Bohol.
Linking the two islands would create better economic opportunities and provide easier access to various tourist attractions between the two provinces.
Despite the number of benefits from this project, the Cebu Bohol bridge has been delayed for several reasons, from budgeting to its effects on biodiversity, and even leadership changes.
It also went so far as getting scrapped completely.
But discussions are still ongoing, as a Sunstar news report (2024) reveals that the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas (RDC 7) had already endorsed the project to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos.
Another report from The Philippine Star (2023) states that Metro Pacific Group, builder and contractor of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), aims to acquire the contract for the infrastructure project.
The bridge will reportedly stretch from Mactan Island to the town of Jetafe via the Olango and Hilutungan islands. The estimated length is around 17 to 22 kilometers, making it even longer than the CCLEX, and may cost as much as Php 90 billion.
The Cebu Bohol Bridge will be the fourth bridge in Cebu following the Sergio Osmeña, the Marcelo Fernan, and the CCLEX, but it will be the first to connect Cebu with another island outside the province.
It is definitely an ambitious project because of its massive scope, and there are many benefits it can offer to both tourists and locals.
ADVANTAGES OF THE CEBU BOHOL BRIDGE
- Better accessibility
Through this bridge, you can travel to Bohol by land, which would be a cheaper alternative. It may, however, take more time to get across.
As of now, you can only go to Bohol through a Cebu Bohol ferry at any of the island’s piers. The trip lasts for two hours, depending on the type of ferry you will be taking.
Going to Bohol through the bridge may take a bit longer since you will be passing by several busy towns along the way. However, many agree that the bridge would be less of a hassle.
Among the most popular Bohol tourist spots include the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Sanctuary, and Panglao Island. Through the bridge, Cebuanos can easily travel to and from Bohol by car.
The same can be said for Boholanos who wish to visit the many beaches, historical sites, and shopping malls in Cebu.
- A structure to boast about
As seen from the warm reception during the opening of the CCLEX, Cebuanos are always excited to see modern infrastructures that aid in the island’s tourism and economy. The Cebu Bohol bridge would definitely be one for the books if it were to be successfully built.
It hasn’t been shared with the public what the bridge would look like, but its reported length is something to take note of. It’s supposed to be longer than the CCLEX and likely to become the newest longest bridge in the country.
Once the bridge is open to the public, it’s expected that residents from both provinces will go to take photos and marvel at the massive infrastructure. With Metro Pacific Group possibly helming the project, there may be special features about the bridge to look forward to.
They may dedicate an entire area specifically for those who want to take photos, and maybe a food park. It’s easy to see that the Cebu Bohol bridge will be an attraction in itself.
WILL IT BE FINISHED?
Even with the advantages that come with the Cebu Bohol bridge, many are asking why it’s still under development.
An article on Esquire Philippines (2023) details the history of the construction, dating all the way back to the late 2000s.
The earliest plans were linked to former Bohol governor Erico Aumentado, who proposed a feasibility study for the project, which was then dubbed the “Cebu-Bohol Friendship Bridge.”
The bridge was a “key area of concern” during Former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino’s term, as he planned to improve Cebu City’s economy through the construction of more infrastructure and improvement of its tourism industry.
In 2009, the project was endorsed for funding, with Aumentado proposing the project to Korean investors and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). However, he was unable to see it fully realized as he passed away in 2012.
His son Erico revived his plans in 2014, with several foreign investors showing interest in funding the project. Unfortunately, it was later shelved in 2019 after it was dropped off the priority list of then President Rodrigo Duterte’s Build, Build, Build program.
The National Economic Development Agency (NEDA) also claimed that the project was “impossible” because of technological limitations and budget constraints.
In 2022, Cebu provincial governor Gwendolyn Garcia asked Metro Pacific Group to look into the project, but the construction company emphasized that the cost may possibly reach around Php 90 billion.
It’s also been a difficult subject since the Cebu Bohol bridge will directly affect the Danajon Bank Double Barrier Reef on Camotes Island.
Danajon is a key biodiversity area in the Philippines, with many environmental groups in the country looking to preserve its abundance of marine resources.
In the same article on The Philippine Star (2023), Allan Alfon of the CCLEX Corporation (CCLEC), mentioned that the bridge will only be feasible if it floats. The water in that area may be too deep, while the strong undercurrent may post a grave threat.
CCLEC has admitted that they will struggle to build the structure, especially around the area that connects Cordova with Olango Island, and they will have it consulted before moving forward.
With all these concerns, do you think the Cebu Bohol bridge will ever be finished?
There’s no doubt that the project will be a big help to the tourism and commercial sectors of both islands, and it can pave the way for greener pastures and better career opportunities.
However, there are a lot of concerns that the government has to look into. Only time will tell if the bridge will ever be constructed.
What do you think? Are you in favor of this infrastructure project?
REFERENCES:
Padronia, Earl Kim. 2024. “BBM okay sought for bridge linking Negros, Cebu, Bohol.” Sunstar Cebu.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/bbm-okay-sought-for-bridge-linking-negros-cebu-bohol
Rosales, Elijah Felice. 2023. “Metro Pacific eyes Cebu expressway, Bohol bridge.” The Philippine Star.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2023/06/19/2274780/metro-pacific-eyes-cebu-expressway-bohol-bridge
Aguila, Nick. 2023. “Is the Cebu-Bohol Bridge Still Happening?” Esquire Philippines.
https://www.esquiremag.ph/money/industry/cebu-bohol-bridge-history-a2512-20230619