PRESIDENT Marcos wants to fast-track the completion of the P27.7-billion Farm-to-Market Bridges Development Program (FMBDP) within his term, Malacañang said.
The project, which was approved by the Economy and Development Council in June, aims to build at least 300 bridges from 2026 to 2029.
‘Of course, before he ends his term; he wants it to be completed before the end of his term,’ Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in Filipino on Tuesday.
When asked when the FMDBP would be rolled out, she said, ‘before the end of Christmas season.’
The said bridges will be located in 52 provinces with ‘strong agricultural potential but limited road connectivity, the Department of Agriculture said.
Marcos included the FMBDP in his presentation to farmers during the inauguration of the P500-million Union Water Impounding Dam in Cagayan on Tuesday.
He also discussed the implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) mechanization program as well as the completion of the new dam as part of the efforts of his administration to boost the country’s agricultural productivity.
The President said the Union Water Impounding Dam, he said, was proof that the government can complete a flood control infrastructure, which also provides irrigation, within a short period.
‘This means we have proven that it is possible to create good flood control that is effective. As long as the construction is done properly, the design is done properly, and the implementation is done properly, we will not see any problems,’ Marcos said in Filipino in his speech during the opening of the dam.
The dam, which was completed in 14 months by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), features a sluice gate system to regulate river flow.
It is expected to irrigate up to 3,600 hectares, and benefit more than 1,000 farmers in seven barangay.
While in Cagayan, Marcos also inspected the almost complete Camalaniugan Bridge linking Aparri and Camalaniugan town-the longest cable-stayed bridge in Cagayan Valley.
Upon its completion, the travel time between two towns will be reduced from one hour to 20 minutes and benefit 6,000 travelers a day.
The construction of the bridge started in May 2020 and is expected to be completed by September 30, 2025 but construction was stopped during the Covid 19 shutdown.
‘We are looking at one of the most beautiful bridges that we have created in the Philippines. And I’m happy to note that it was done as well in time and it was done properly,’ Marcos said when he inspected the bridge.
‘The design was done locally. Kahit parang ginaya ‘iyong mga tulay sa ibang bansa, talagang ito lahat galing sa atin [It may look like the bridges in other countries but this is really ours],’ he added, emphasizing that Filipino engineers are capable of world-class design and execution.
The President also highlighted the bridge’s integrated flood control systems, saying it reflects what proper infrastructure should look like.
He commended local officials, led by Cagayan Gov. Edgar Aglipay, for vigilantly monitoring the project to ensure it did not fall into the trap of incomplete or ghost infrastructure.
An additional P260.2 million is still needed to complete the remaining works, with full completion expected by January 2026.
Marcos, however, expressed hope that the bridge could be opened to the public ‘by Christmas.’
Once operational, the bridge will serve as an alternate route to the old Magapit Suspension Bridge and cut travel time between Aparri and Ballesteros from one hour to just 20 minutes, benefiting over 6,000 commuters daily