Laguna Lakeshore Road Network project seeks funding from ADB

MANILA: Funding for Phase 1 of the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) project is being requested by the government from international financial institutions.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently met to plan and evaluate the implementation of the major infrastructure project.

The multi-billion-peso project's comprehensive engineering design is almost finished, according to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan.

The LLRN project was discussed at the three-day reconnaissance mission workshop that took place from February 27 to March 1.

The meeting was attended by ADB Country Director Kelly Bird, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Transport Sector Leader Andres Pizarro, DPWH Project Director Sharif Madsmo Hasim, and DPWH Project Manager Zenaida Mauhay.

A 21.5km viaduct and a 15.9km embankment are being built as part of the project's first phase, which would cost P174.3 billion, along the west shoreline of Laguna Lake, from Barangay Lower Bicutan, Taguig to Calamba City, Laguna.

It will also include construction of eight interchanges that are expected to link municipal boundaries with the nearest public road in Lower Bicutan, Sucat, Alabang, Tunasan, San Pedro/Biñan, Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, and Calamba.

The framework for the fact-finding mission, a crucial step in the processing and approval of the proposed funding for LLRN, was also presented during the discussion.

Discussions also covered funding strategies, the loan application process, construction techniques, resettlement plan preparation, gender action plan, and environmental impact analysis in order to promote the economic development of the areas near Laguna de Bay.

DPWH Senior Undersecretary and LLRN Team Head Emil Sadain asserted that the development of LLRN Project Phase 1 will create a safer and faster transportation link.

He said that the proposed third highway heading south will relieve traffic congestion, especially during rush hour at the Manila South Road and South Luzon Expressway. He added that the project supports the economic growth potential of the provinces of Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, and Rizal.

The DPWH also stated that the detailed engineering design is going to be part of the civil works loan for LLRN Phase 1 and that the feasibility study for LLRN Phase 2 through the northern to southern coastline via an eastern route is almost complete.

The National Economic and Development Authority has already received the planned LLRN Project for approval, and the Department of Finance has received the endorsement for a loan application.

Additionally, the DPWH is recommending a multi-tranche financing facility for the civil works associated with LLRN Phase 1 under which the budget program for the entire project will be divided into three tranches.

Photo from Department of Public Works and Highways

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