By Rick P. Quiambao
BALANGA CITY (PIA) — Key officials in Bataan expressed strong support and optimism following the renewed commitment of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the construction of the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB), which he highlighted in his 4th State of the Nation Address.
In his address, the President underscored the administration’s continued pursuit of infrastructure projects that promote regional connectivity and development.
“Bago matapos ang taon, magsisimula na ang Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge. Ang tulay na ito ay tatlumpu’t dalawang kilometro ang haba, na tumatawid ng Manila Bay. Kung ang biyahe ngayon mula Mariveles hanggang Naic ay umaabot ng limang oras, balang araw ito ay magiging apatnapu’t limang minuto na lamang(Before the end of the year, the construction of the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge will begin. This bridge is 32 kilometers long and will span Manila Bay. If the travel time from Mariveles to Naic currently takes five hours, one day it will take only 45 minutes),” President Marcos said.
Bataan 2nd District Representative Albert Garcia welcomed the President’s reaffirmation of support, calling it a big win for the province.
He said the project, once a bold dream, is now becoming a reality that will unlock opportunities in trade, tourism, and development.
“I thank the President for pushing this forward, and I remain committed to ensuring that every milestone benefits our people,” he added.
Meanwhile, Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III also expressed gratitude to the President for his strong support for the BCIB, describing it as a significant milestone that brings Bataan closer to its vision of becoming a key hub of opportunity, connectivity, and progress for every Bataeño family.
“The start of construction before the year ends is a promise of better days ahead. Isang makasaysayang hakbang ito tungo sa mas matatag na pamilyang Bataeño,” he said.
The BCIB is among the national government’s flagship infrastructure projects under the “Build Better More” program.
It is a 32.15-kilometer, four-lane bridge project that will connect Barangay Alas-asin in Mariveles, Bataan to Barangay Timalan in Naic, Cavite—cutting travel time between the two provinces from five hours to just 30 to 45 minutes.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to boost trade, logistics, tourism, and investment between Central Luzon and CALABARZON.
In Bataan, stakeholders view the project as a key catalyst for expanding economic activity in the Freeport Area of Bataan and nearby municipalities, with over 20,000 jobs projected during construction and post-construction phases.
The BCIB stands as a testament to the national government’s commitment to building transformative infrastructure that fosters inclusive growth and regional development across the country. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)
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