When I read on Facebook the supposed plan to build bridges linking Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of curiosity and skepticism. If true, it sounds like a dream come to life—imagine driving seamlessly from one island to another without waiting for a ferry or the mercy of the weather. But let’s not kid ourselves: in a country where potholes multiply faster than campaign posters, can we seriously expect such a monumental undertaking to go off without a hitch? My gut says this is either another round of fake news or a political pipe dream meant to distract us from more pressing issues.
To begin with, let’s talk about technology—or the lack of it. We’ve all seen the footage of those majestic bridges in other countries, their engineering feats standing tall against the forces of nature. But here? I doubt we even have the right tools or know-how to start such a massive project. Do you remember those viral photos of footbridges in Manila collapsing even before the ribbon-cutting ceremony? Now imagine that multiplied by kilometers of open sea. We’re talking about connecting islands prone to typhoons, earthquakes, and even volcanic activity. Unless we plan to make these bridges out of carabao hide and prayers, I don’t see how we can pull it off.
Then there’s the matter of funding. Let’s not sugarcoat this: the Philippines isn’t exactly swimming in cash. With inflation choking our budgets and international debts piling up like laundry in a college dorm, where exactly do we expect to get the funds needed for this project? Sure, the government can talk about loans and public-private partnerships, but let’s be real: we’re already struggling to fund our basic infrastructure. How can we prioritize a vanity project over much-needed hospitals, schools, and roads that won’t swallow half your car during the rainy season?
And don’t even get me started on corruption. If this project ever takes off, you can bet your last peso that shady politicians and contractors will sniff out the budget faster than termites finding fresh wood. They’ll carve out their “standard operating procedures” like vultures on a carcass, leaving us with substandard materials and bridges that might crumble before they even see their first sunrise. Picture this: you’re crossing one of these billion-peso marvels, and it starts to wobble like a drunk man on a tightrope. It’s not just your wallet that will suffer; it’s your life on the line.
Let’s not overlook the environmental impact either. Building these bridges would mean dredging up the ocean floor, destroying marine habitats, and disrupting ecosystems that fishermen depend on. Do we want to trade fresh seafood for steel and concrete monstrosities that might not even stand the test of time? It’s like swapping your Lola’s ancestral recipe for adobo with some fast-food chain’s soggy version—it’s just not worth it.
And here’s the kicker: even if by some miracle this project does materialize, will it be accessible to ordinary Filipinos? Or will toll fees be so exorbitant that only the rich can afford to use it? I can already hear the complaints: “Libre naman ang magluto ng kanin sa kaldero, pero kailangan mong mangutang para makatawid sa tulay.” The whole thing feels more like a luxury than a necessity—a shiny bauble for those who already have too much.
What frustrates me most is that there are so many other ways to improve transportation and boost the economy without resorting to wild schemes. Fix the existing roads and bridges, improve public transportation, and invest in safer, faster ferries. Sure, these aren’t glamorous solutions, but they’re practical and achievable. Why aim for the stars when we haven’t lit a proper lamp in our backyard?
These bridge projects—if real—feel less like a plan and more like a symptom of our government’s chronic short-sightedness. It’s as if they’re trying to build castles in the air while ignoring the cracks in the ground beneath us. Instead of dreaming big but hollow dreams, we should focus on achievable goals that genuinely improve people’s lives. After all, what’s the use of building bridges if they lead to nowhere—or worse if they collapse before anyone can cross?
