China friendship lauded as Manila bridge opens

MANILA－Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte unveiled on Tuesday an iconic China-gifted bridge that connects two busy districts in Manila.

"I thank, and with gratitude, the People's Republic of China for the confidence and for being a partner in enhancing key infrastructure projects in our country," Duterte said during the official launch ceremony.

Despite the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Duterte said China remained devoted to connecting people and places by completing the bridge.

"In doing so, our people are given the chance to experience economic growth and enhance productivity. In doing so, our nations are likewise working together toward greener, more sustainable and climate change resistant infrastructure," Duterte said.

As a modern state-of-the-art bridge connecting two busy districts in Manila city, the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is one of two China-gifted bridges under the Duterte administration's "Build, Build, Build" program. With a total length of 680 meters, the project involved the construction of a four-lane, 70-meter-long and 21.65-meter-wide basket-handle tied steel arch bridge connecting Metro Manila's busiest districts.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said the new bridge is the 16th government-to-government project completed between China and the Philippines since Duterte came to power in 2016.

Huang said the bridge is another milestone for the synergy between China's Belt and Road Initiative and the "Build, Build, Build" program.

"In time to come, surely more cooperation projects will emerge, bringing more benefits to the people," Huang added. He stressed the need to "further cherish regional peace and stability, and value the hard-earned momentum of our relations" amid the turbulent global situation.

"China and the Philippines are good neighbors and close friends. From the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge, we can see the fruits of our cooperation and the bright future of our relations," Huang said.

Philippine Public Works Acting Secretary Roger Mercado said the bridge can cater to 30,000 motorists daily.

The new bridge that illuminates at night is expected to be a new landmark and tourist attraction for those seeking a picturesque view of Manila.

Befitting its handle steel design, Mercado said the iconic structure, dubbed "the friendship bridge", will remind the Philippines of its close ties with China.

Xinhua