BATAAN, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. affirmed in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) that construction of the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) will finally break ground before the end of 2025—marking a transformative milestone for the Province of Bataan.

Spanning 32.15 kilometers across Manila Bay, the bridge will directly connect Barangay Alas-asin in Mariveles, Bataan to Barangay Timalan Concepcion in Naic, Cavite, slashing travel time from five hours to just 45 minutes. This long-anticipated megastructure is expected to redefine economic activity, regional mobility, and tourism potential—not just in Bataan but across Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog.

This development was lauded by Bataan 2nd District Rep. Albert S. Garcia, who has long envisioned the bridge as a “gamechanger” for the people of Bataan. “The construction of the BCIB is a definite win for Bataeños. Imagine Manila Bay being ranked among the greatest bays in the world in terms of commerce, trade, and industry? Bataan will no longer be a dead end, as she opens herself up to the rest of the world in this way,” he said.

For his part, Bataan Governor Joet Garcia welcomed the announcement, saying: “This bridge is more than steel and concrete—more than a physical connection between the provinces of Bataan and Cavite. It is a declaration of our province’s role in shaping the future of national progress, income generation, and a brighter future for our people. Ito ay simula pa lamang ng pagtupad sa ating mithiing patatagin ang bawat pamilyang Bataeño sa pamamagitan ng pagbubukas ng mas maraming oportunidad para sa kanilang pag-asenso.”

Funded through a multi-tranche financing scheme, the bridge will receive $2.1 billion from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and an additional $1.14 billion in co-financing from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

Construction will be implemented in seven contract packages, the first of which is of particular importance to Bataan residents—Package 1: the Bataan Land Approach. This phase is expected to generate local jobs and stimulate supporting industries in preparation for increased connectivity.

BCIB’s Seven Contract Packages:
• Package 1: 5-kilometer Bataan Land Approach – set to begin construction first
• Package 2: 1.35-kilometer Cavite Land Approach
• Packages 3 & 4: Marine Viaducts (North and South), totaling 20.65 kilometers
• Package 5: 2.15-kilometer North Channel Bridge
• Package 6: 3.15-kilometer South Channel Bridge
• Package 7: Ancillary works across the entire project site

The BCIB will also pass near historic Corregidor Island, with its design featuring two major navigational bridges: the 400-meter North Channel Bridge and the 900-meter South Channel Bridge. Approximately 80% of the total structure will be built over water.

As anticipation builds, Bataan braces not just for construction—but for transformation—ushering in an era where the province stands not only as a historical stronghold, but as a modern gateway to inter-island progress.

The post Bataan braces for historic infrastructure leap as PBBM confirms Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge to Begin Construction Before 2025 Ends appeared first on 1Bataan.