Pasay: Up to 15 bridges connecting four artificial islands in Pasay City are expected to help unlock at least 500,000 jobs under a proposed 655-hectare Manila Bay development plan, the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) said Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PRA Acting Department Manager for Environmental Management, Ynna Margarita Yalong-Gelomina, stated in an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon that a study by a House of Representatives panel estimated the businesses established on the reclaimed lands could generate no fewer than half a million jobs. "Hindi po bababa sa kalahating milyong trabaho ang maibibigay po ng reclaimed lands (The reclaimed lands could provide no fewer than half a million jobs)," Gelomina said.

PRA Director Eligio Ildefonso elaborated that 12 to 15 bridges would connect the four islands encompassed by the Pasay 265 and Pasay 360 reclamation projects. These bridges are expected to facilitate the movement of workers, residents, and businesses across the planned development. Designed with arched and navigable features, the bridges will allow vessels and water to pass underneath. "Ito iyong 12 to 15 bridges to connect all the four islands (These are the 12 to 15 bridges that will connect all four islands)," Ildefonso added.

PRA Chairperson Alexander Lopez mentioned that the temporary land bridges currently in use by construction vehicles would be replaced with permanent structures. These new bridges are designed to maintain a free flow of water between the islands, adhering to environmentally resilient and modern engineering standards. "Kailangan iyong tubig free-flowing (The water needs to flow freely)," Lopez emphasized.

Gelomina highlighted that employment opportunities are already being created through green and blue jobs under the social development and environmental programs of reclamation proponents. Green jobs aim to support environmental sustainability, while blue jobs focus on the protection and enhancement of marine biodiversity.

The Manila Bay master plan, which covers reclamation developments in Manila, Pasay, and Para±aque, is envisioned to host commercial establishments, residential communities, and public facilities. The PRA stated that the new districts and their connecting infrastructure would provide more employment opportunities while supporting environmentally sustainable urban development.