LEGAZPI CITY — Six bridges in Albay worth P212 million have been approved for funding under the French Protocol.

Albay Gov. Jose Salceda said the implementation of the projects will boost business prospects in the Guicadel (Guinobatan-Camalig-Daraga-Legazpi) area.

He said the bridges will interconnect roads surrounding the South Luzon International Airport in Barangay Alobo in Daraga town. The airport project is expected to be completed before the end of 2010.

Salceda said the bridges will link Albay with Donsol, Sorsogon, now a tourist destination thanks to the presence of the “Butanding” or whale sharks in the area.

According to the governor, construction of the six bridges will start this October.

The Provincial Government of Albay, the Provincial Engineer’s Office and the Department of Public Works and Highways represented by Undersecretary Emil Sadain had signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the joint undertaking.

Through persistent follow-ups and the persuasive power of the governor who is the concurrent Regional Development Council (RDC) chairman, Albay was able to secure funding for the following bridges: Cagbacong Bridge (Legazpi City); Gabawan-Kiwalo Bridge (Daraga); Ligban Bridge (Camalig); Rawis-Tamaoyan Bridge (Legazpi); Homapon-Mariawa Bridge (Legazpi); Taysan-Malangka Bridge (Legazpi); and Donsol-Pio Duran Bridge.