Philippine president says China-aided bridge lifts key infrastructure to higher levels

The opening ceremony of China-aided Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in the Philippines was held in Manila on April 5.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte thanked China for its assistance and said the bridge will help the Philippines lift its key infrastructure facilities to higher levels as he attended the ceremony.

The cross-river highway bridge will facilitate transportation and connectivity in Manila, as well as the country's economic recovery, Duterte said.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said that the bridge's operation represents a new major headway in the synergy between China's Belt and Road Initiative and the "Build, Build, Build" program of the Philippines. It will not only promote connectivity, the recovery of the country's economy and its people's livelihoods, but also help enhance people-to-people exchanges and deepen the trust and friendship between the two peoples.

Huang said more China-Philipines cooperation projects will come in the future to bring more benefits to the people.

Roger Mercado, acting secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways of the Philippines, said at the ceremony that the bridge is a symbol of the China-Philippines friendship. The bridge, which lights up at night, is expected to be a new landmark and perfect sightseeing site in Manila, capital of the country.

The two-way, four-lane bridge connecting the Binondo district, where  Manila's Chinatown is located, with Intramuros is expected to see an average daily traffic flow of 30,000 vehicles as a flagship project of the "Build, Build, Build" program .

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during the opening ceremony of the China-aided Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in Manila, the Philippines on April 5, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]