Allen-Matnog proposed bridge project
DOLORES, Eastern Samar– A proposed bridge linking Eastern Visayas to the rest of the country via the Bicol region might soon be realized, with Congress set to fund an initial P100 million for a feasibility study.
This was disclosed by Rep. Marcelino Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group, who said that Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, chair of the committee on accounts at the House of Representatives, committed to fund the feasibility study in next year’s national budget.
“On the Allen-Matnog Bridge project, Rep. Yedda Romualdez has committed to help by allocating P100 million under the 2025 budget to fund the feasibility study,” Libanan said in an interview Sunday (June 23) on the sidelines of a groundbreaking of a road linking the island town of Maslog across the Eastern Samar province via the municipality of Dolores.
Libanan, who is also the minority floor leader of the Lower House, added that he and Romualdez of the Tingog party-list group would author a measure for the Allen-Matnog Bridge project once regular sessions resume next month.
He also disclosed that Bicol congressmen like Luis Raymund Villafuerte, along with lawmakers from Eastern Visayas and Mindanao, have vowed to support the proposed project.
“I believe we can have a home run on this Allen-Matnog Bridge project, especially since Senate President Francis Chiz Escudero is also from Bicol and will benefit from this project too,” Libanan said.
Libanan emphasized that the construction of the Allen-Matnog Bridge would ensure uninterrupted travel between Luzon and Mindanao, even during typhoons.
Currently, sea travel is halted during storm signals, affecting travelers and causing delays in the transport of supplies and goods.
“It will also become a tourist attraction,” he noted.
According to Libanan, the proposed Allen-Matnog Bridge will be 27 kilometers long, with an estimated cost of about P270 billion, likely requiring international funding.
At present, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ferries serve the route, crossing the San Bernardino Strait with a sea travel time of more than an hour.
“We hope to start this project during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez,” he said.
JOEY A. GABIETA
