32-kilometer Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge project launched on March 31, 2023.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led on March 31, 2023 a milestone ceremony for the detailed engineering design of the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) Project at the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) in Mariveles, Bataan.

The ceremony marked the official launching of DPWH’s biggest infrastructure project to be implemented under his administration.

The BCIB aims to directly connect the provinces of Cavite and Bataan in just about 45 minutes from the current 5 1⁄2 hours, saving more than 4 hours travel time and benefitting thousands of commuters.

The project will further enhance inter-island linkages and connectivity and reduce transport logistic costs.

Actual construction of Bataan-Cavite bridge may start early 2024.

The President was joined by Senator Mark A. Villar, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Bataan Governor Jose Enrique S. Garcia III, Cavite Vice Gov. Athena Bryana D. Tolentino, and MAAP President Eduardo Ma. R. Santos (AFP retire).

Other key officials present at the bridge milestone ceremony are Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual, Department of Tourism Secretary Maria Esperanza Christina Frasco, Department of Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, and PAGCOR Chairperson and CEO Alejandro Tengco.

Earlier that day, President Marcos with Secretary Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Kelly Bird, and Design Joint Venture Team Leader Mr. Marwan Nader experienced navigating the seawaters and crossing the BCIB with a unique ship handling bridge simulator on a full motion platform.