MANILA, Philippines — Economic activity in two provinces of Panay Island is expected to perk up following the completion of 14 major bridge projects with a total cost of P674.9 million.

Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson said the completion of the bridge projects in the provinces of Antique and Iloilo would boost the movement of goods and services and hopefully, improve the economic conditions there.

He said the infrastructure projects are in line with the DPWH’s target to achieve 100-percent permanent bridges along national highways by 2016.

The completed bridges were financed under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funded Urgent Bridges Construction Project for Rural Development implemented by the DPWH President’s Bridge Program Office.

In Antique, nine single span reinforced concrete deck girder bridges along Anini-y-Tobias Fornier-Hamtic Road were constructed, namely: the 12.90 linear meter Igdalaguit Bridge costing P15.9 million; 15.90 linear meter Bayo Bridge costing nearly P25 million; and 12.80 linear meter Butuan Bridge costing P22.8 million.

Others were the 15.90 linear meter Siraan Bridge costing P28.9 million; 18.90 linear meter Dapog Bridge costing P21.7 million; 25.70 linear meter Panabigan Bridge costing P24.3 million; 20.90 linear meter Iba Bridge costing P29.5 million, 15.80 linear meter Bongalonan Bridge costing P30.4 million, and 18.70 linear meter Dapdap Bridge costing P27.7 million.

Also completed in the province were the Bongol Bridge along Valderama-Bugasong Road and Bia-an Bridge along Hamtic-Bia-an-Egaña-Sibalom Road.

In Iloilo, among the finished projects were the 150.30 linear meter Nichols Bridge along Alimodian-Sinamay-Sta. Cruz-San Miguel Road. This replaces the old bridge that collapsed at the height of typhoon Frank in June 2008.

Costing P383.2 million, the project also involves the concrete paving of 114.683 lineal meters approach road “A” and 104.517 lineal meters approach road “B”.

Also finished was the 54.80 lineal meter Culasi Bridge along Ajuy-Barotac Road (Iloilo) at a cost of P59.6 million, replacing the old weakened bridge.

Also completed was the 12.80 lineal meter Balua Bridge constructed to the tune of P33.7 million. The new bridge is expected to ensure smoother travel along Manduriao-San Miguel-Alimodian-Maasin-Cabatuan Road.