Manila: The national government has allotted PHP3.97 billion for the construction of the Tacloban causeway project, aiming to provide a shorter route from the city's downtown to the airport, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on Monday. DPWH-Eastern Visayas Director Edgar Tabacon stated that the majority of the PHP4.77-billion budget requirement has been allocated under the 2022, 2024, and 2025 national budgets.

According to Philippines News Agency, PHP880 million was allocated in 2022, PHP1.92 billion in 2024, and PHP1.17 billion this year. Of the allocated budget, PHP2.68 billion has been obligated, while PHP528.6 million has been disbursed, based on documents shared by DPWH.

The project's civil works have an accomplishment rate of 20.42 percent as of this month, utilizing the appropriations from 2022 and 2024. The structure will extend from the city's Magsaysay Boulevard to the airport complex, crossing the Cancabato Bay. As the first of its kind in Eastern Visayas, the causeway will serve as an alternate route for motorists traveling from the city's commercial district to the airport, reducing distance, travel time, and vehicle operating costs.

The causeway involves the construction of a four-lane road embankment spanning approximately 2.56 kilometers, with a bridge at the center. It will feature separate bike lanes, concrete canals, sidewalks, and wave deflectors on both sides. It is designed to complement the future new airport terminal building, which will accommodate international flights.

In addition to serving as an alternative highway, the causeway will shield communities from destructive waves. 'This project aims to reduce travel time from the city proper to the airport from approximately 45 minutes to 10 minutes. The vision is not just to build infrastructure, but to build structures that will draw tourists and investments to the city,' Tabacon said in a statement.