Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar yesterday called the proposed Negros-Guimaras-Panay Bridge a “reality,” but said construction of the Negros-Guimaras portion may take longer.

“The [Negros] portion would probably take longer to finish,” he stated.

Villar noted, the project will likely be undergoing preparatory work next year, with construction likely to begin towards the end of 2018.

He explained, construction would begin in Negros and Iloilo at the same time, with Iloilo-Guimaras portion of the bridge being the shorter than its counterpart.

Earlier this month, Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao affirmed during the Regional Development Council-Region VI (RDC-6) meeting in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, bidding for the proposed structure will commence towards the middle of 2018.

In terms of a budget, the DPWH chief did not provide any specifics, besides speculating a cost in the “billions of dollars.”

Once completed, Villar said the structure will span 19 kilometers and would surpass the San Juanico Bridge as the longest bridge in the country./DGB, WDJ