Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura joined President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the inauguration of the Cavinti Bridge in Barangay Tibatib, Cavinti, Laguna last Monday, October 13 th . The Cavinti Bridge is part of the Japan-funded Urgent Bridges Construction Project for Rural Development which will replace old bridges and construct new bridges on national roads that lead to urban centers all over the country.
The project was made possible by the 18.5 billion yen (approximately 8 billion pesos) loan provided by the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). With an interest rate of 0.95% per annum (0.75% for consulting services) and a 40-year repayment period with a 10-year grace period, this yen loan provides the most concessional terms among various funding sources.
The 40-meter long Cavinti Bridge crosses the Bumbungan River and connects Cavinti Proper with Caliraya Lake site. The completion of the Cavinti Bridge ensures the viability of the Caliraya Lake Eco-Tourism Project, contributing to the safe and efficient flow of goods and people, especially during heavy rains and typhoons. The project is in line with Japan ‘s ongoing commitment to help develop the infrastructure as a basis for further economic growth of the Philippines .
The completion of the Cavinti Bridge , together with the other 152 bridges included in the project, will improve the transportation network in Luzon and other areas all over the Philippines , enhancing the growth of regional economies. The Japanese Government’s assistance supports the development of the Philippine transportation sector in line with President Arroyo’s 10-point agenda. Japan is the Philippines ‘ largest source of ODA and has been a long-time partner in the construction and rehabilitation of national highways, particularly in the improvement of road networks and reduction of traffic congestion.
Maan R. Reyes
Office of the Municipal Mayor
Cavinti, Laguna
Wow!this has been my dream for a long time, since that incident back in 1972 when a big flash flood occured in daytime and many people died? Now we can think of a housing project,etc. in Tibatib and other baranggays, hopefully the government will not excercise the power of eminent domain in our 20 plus hectares of land which we inherited from our forefathers, they did part of our land already during the height of construction of feeder(not sure of spelling) roads in 60?when hundreds of coconut trees were cut as part of Cavinti development plan.
Thank you Ms. Maan Reyes for posting this.