Batan–New Washington Bridge Seen as Key Driver of Western Visayas Economic Growth-Haresco

KALIBO, Aklan — The proposed Batan–New Washington Bridge is being viewed not merely as a transportation project but as a transformative economic corridor that could reshape trade, tourism, and investment across Western Visayas.

Spanning approximately 1.5 kilometers, the bridge is expected to establish a direct logistics route linking Capiz, East Aklan, Kalibo International Airport, and the rehabilitated Dumaguit Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Port, providing seamless connectivity to Batangas and the rest of Luzon.

Former Aklan Congressman Teodorico Haresco say the project could significantly reduce travel time between Altavas and Kalibo by as much as 1.5 hours, generating substantial savings for both freight operators and commuters.

“Travel time is a cost. Every hour saved translates into lower fuel consumption, reduced vehicle wear and tear, and increased productivity,” Haresco said.

The reduced travel time could lower trucking operating expenses by an estimated 20 to 40 percent while enabling transport operators to increase the number of trips made daily. Agricultural producers and fisherfolk are likewise expected to benefit from lower spoilage rates and faster access to markets.

Analysts project corridor activity could increase by 15 to 25 percent within the first two years of operation. Growth could rise to between 25 and 40 percent in three to five years, and potentially reach 40 to 70 percent over a decade if complemented by investments in industrial parks, logistics centers, and tourism facilities.

The bridge’s strategic location near Kalibo International Airport is also expected to enhance the province’s competitiveness. Situated approximately 2.5 kilometers from the airport, the project would improve access for tourists, cargo exporters, and logistics companies.

For his part, USWAG Ilongo Partylist Congressman Jojo Angg believe the improved connectivity could encourage cargo consolidation and strengthen the viability of exporting seafood and other perishable products through air freight services. It may also expand the airport’s service area beyond Aklan into neighboring provinces.

Meanwhile, the bridge’s proximity to the rehabilitated Dumaguit RoRo Port, located roughly 1.5 kilometers away, is expected to create an integrated sea-road-air transport corridor.

Under the envisioned logistics chain, cargo arriving from Batangas via RoRo vessels could be transported through Dumaguit Port, cross the bridge, and gain immediate access to Kalibo International Airport and major destinations in Capiz and Iloilo.
The agriculture sector is among the industries expected to gain the most from the project. Rice farmers, coconut growers, vegetable producers, livestock raisers, and fishing communities stand to benefit from faster delivery times, reduced post-harvest losses, and improved farm-gate prices.
Tourism stakeholders also see opportunities for multi-destination travel packages linking Boracay, Kalibo, Capiz, and Iloilo. Improved accessibility could encourage visitors to extend their stays and spend more across the region.
The bridge is likewise expected to expand labor market opportunities by shortening commuting times and increasing the pool of workers available to businesses. Residents would gain access to a broader range of employment options, while employers could tap into a larger workforce.
Economic experts note that infrastructure projects become most valuable when they attract complementary investments. Improved transport connectivity, along with access to an international airport and a RoRo port, could encourage the establishment of warehouses, cold storage facilities, food processing plants, distribution centers, and manufacturing operations.
According to transport economics principles, every peso saved in logistics costs can generate multiple pesos in economic activity through increased trade, productivity, and investment.
Supporters of the project argue that the Batan–New Washington Bridge should therefore be viewed as a regional development initiative rather than a simple transportation link.
“The Batan–New Washington Bridge is Western Visayas’ next economic corridor, connecting Capiz and Iloilo to Kalibo International Airport and the Dumaguit RoRo Port, transforming a 1.5-hour travel barrier into a seamless logistics and tourism gateway between Panay and Luzon,” the analysis concluded.
If realized, the project could become one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Western Visayas, strengthening the region’s position as a logistics, tourism, and agricultural hub in the years ahead.