Korean Gov’t Reaffirms Its Support For Philippines’ Build, Better, More Projects

Philippine and Korean government officials convened to bolster their support for the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) Project – Phase I and other key infrastructure initiatives under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s ambitious “Build Better More” program. 

The meeting, held on June 20 at the Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, Manila, was attended by Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Director Jiyoung Choi from Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, marked a pivotal step towards securing strategic cooperation and funding support from Korea’s Export–Import Bank (KEXIM) for the LLRN Project – Phase I.

Image from DPWH

According to Senior Undersecretary Sadain in his report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, the meeting also highlighted imperative projects being financed by Korea. 

These imperative projects under the Feasibility Studies or project proposal stage include:

• Samar Pacific Coastal Road – Phase II (SPCR-II)
• Consolacion-Liloan Bypass Road
• Philippines-Korea Project Preparation Facility (Roads & Bridges Output)
• Lapu-Lapu Coastal Road; New Liloan Bridge
• Maasin City Coastal Bypass Bridge
• Bohol-Leyte Bridge
• Philippines-Korea Project Preparation Facility (Flood Control Output)
• Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (IDRR-CCA) Measures in Low Lying Areas of Pampanga Bay, Stage II.

Korean Gov’t Reaffirms Its Support To Philippines’ Build, Better, More Projects

The LLRN Project – Phase I aims to construct a vital expressway linking Laguna to Metro Manila via the Laguna Lake. Spanning 37.6 kilometers of mainline road, it will consist of a viaduct and an embankment and will have eight (8) interchanges, namely: Sucat, Alabang, Tunasan, San Pedro/Biñan, Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, and Calamba. The infrastructure endeavor promises to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration.

Financial backing for LLRN Project – Phase I includes KEXIM’s support for the 7.94-kilometer Contract Package I, while the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) jointly finance other segments of the project.

As of now, detailed engineering design for LLRN Project – Phase I stands at 97% completion, with final preparations underway for the procurement of civil works.

Looking ahead, both nations are exploring future collaborations such as the Samar Pacific Coastal Road Phase II and several bridge projects across the Philippines, indicative of a robust partnership aimed at fostering sustainable development.

Reflecting on the discussions, Senior Undersecretary Sadain emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue with Korean counterparts, underscoring the mutual benefits of infrastructure cooperation. Director Choi reaffirmed Korea’s unwavering support, emphasizing the practical significance of these projects for both countries.

“Further discussions with Korean counterparts are vital as we strive for infrastructure cooperation to enhance transport links and foster regional development”, said Senior Undersecretary Sadain.