The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved financing of up to USD 1.14 billion for the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) project in the Philippines.

As the lead cofinancier, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will collaborate with AIIB to finance the BCIB project that involves a 32.15-km fixed crossing over Manila Bay, including two climate-resilient cable-stayed bridges with main spans of 900 and 400 meters, connecting Mariveles, Bataan to Naic, Cavite. It also features 24 km of marine viaducts and 8 km of approach roads, with a U-turn facility near Corregidor Island for future expansion. Additionally, a tourist center and supporting facilities will be built at the northern approach to promote tourism in Bataan Province and Corregidor Island. The BCIB Project is planned to be funded in three stages.

The BCIB project follows a multitranche approach, with the first tranche set at USD 350 million. Covering a span of 32.15 km, the BCIB project aims to establish a strategic connection between Regions III and IV-A. This development will significantly reduce travel time from Mariveles, Bataan to Naic, Cavite, cutting it down from five hours to just 1.5 hours.