DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte led the inauguration Thursday of the P1.4 billion Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge Project, an important infrastructure project aimed at decongesting Metro Manila’s major thoroughfare.
Speaking during the inauguration rites in Makati City, President Duterte expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for financing the project.
“The P1.46-billion funding that they have extended highlights the goodwill of the Chinese people and its government and further cement the good relations between our two countries,” he said.
He also commended the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its partners for completing the project, adding it is a testament to the administration’s strong commitment to improve mobility and promote ease of travel among motorists and commuters in Metro Manila and its adjacent communities.
The new bridge will help ease traffic congestion along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila and will improve the mobility of people and goods between Makati and Mandaluyong.
The newly built infrastructure is also seen to support the Duterte administration’s efforts for the gradual reopening of the economy, and improve the resilience of roads and bridges in Metro Manila against natural disasters.
The President assured the Filipino public that his government will remain faithful in realizing a safer and more convenient travel experience for everyone.
“We believe that part of achieving a more comfortable life for all Filipinos involves the completion of sustainable, safe, and reliable infrastructure projects under our Build, Build, Build Program,” the chief executive said.
“The new Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge is now open to pave the way for greater progress.”
Designed to withstand natural disasters, the four-lane, 500-meter concrete girder bridge connects the cities of Makati and Mandaluyong and can accommodate 50,000 motorists daily.
The Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge is one of the 25 infrastructure projects under the EDSA Decongestion Program.
Also, present Thursday were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, China’s Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Public Works, and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr., and Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita Abalos.
