Philippines: Mindanao’s longest bridge opens Friday, September 27, 2024

Manila: The longest bridge in Mindanao opened on Friday (September 27, 2024) in a ceremony marking a fresh milestone as the country ramps up infrastructure build-up.

The 8.026-billion-peso ($143 million) cable-stayed bridge connects Tangub City in Misamis Occidental to Tubod town, Lanao del Norte, significantly cutting travel time between them from 2-1/2 hours (via roll-on-roll-off ferry) to just a few minutes.

While it links up the two provinces across the bay in Mindanao, the easier connection is expected to benefit the wider region. Mineral-rich Mindanao is the main southern island, with a land area of 95,000 km2, about thrice the size of Belgium.

'Dream come true'

The bridge's opening is a "pivotal moment" signifying the realisation of a long-held dream of the people of both Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental provinces to have a permanent structure that will connect the two provinces, according to Secretary Manuel Bonoan of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The easier connectivity is expected to stimulate economic activity, by enhancing access to markets, trade, and tourism.

Coastal development plan

The new infrastructure could kick up development on both sides of the bay. Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Dimaporo said a technical working group has been established to guide the creation of a development plan following the iconic bridge’s inauguration.

Even before the bridge was completed, a private firm had proposed to the provincial government of Lanao del Norte to undertake the Panguil Bay Coastal Development – along with five other projects under the province’s new development roadmap, which extends to 2050.

“With support from our partners, we aim to position Lanao del Norte as a leader in development and sustainability in the region,” she said.

The bridge has faced a number of challenges.

These included the pandemic restrictions, insufficient fund allocation, further complicating its progress and implementation, as well as cost over-runs.

The initial project cost was estimated at 6.4 billion pesos ($114 million), which was later revised upward to 7.8 billion pesos ($139 million), which then went up further to 8.026-billion-peso ($143 million), the figure announced on Friday.

“Despite these setbacks, the project persevered, demonstrating DPWH resilience and underscores the commitment of President Marcos administration to advancing vital infrastructure projects that will contribute to the nation's progress and prosperity under Bagong Pilipinas”, sad Emil K Sadain, Senior Undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Landmark

According to Sadain, the bridge is among the "flagship" projects of the department, as the landmark infrastructure is seen boosting the economic growth of Mindanao.

Approved during the Aquino administration, the bridge's construction kicked off under the Duterte administration and was completed under the term of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who is set to attend Friday's opening celebrations.

Funding for the Panguil Bay Bridge came through a loan from the Korean Export-Import Bank (Korea Eximbank).

Other on-going projects

A number of on-going projects under the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP) are expected to play a significant role in the development and connectivity of Mindanao, according to Sadain.

He said the six-year Philippine Development Plan (2023-2028) and the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda being pushed by President Marcos, Jr have one goal: improved physical connectivity across the archipelago.

The official said 14.5-billion pesos have been allocated for the IGCMRSP, funded through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The projects are being implemented by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office - Roads Management Cluster II-Multilateral (UPMO - RMC II).

The project encompasses the construction or improvement of the following:

These are all located in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

The projects also include the construction of three (3) bridges with a total length of 1,790.66 lineal metres, including approaches in the Province of Tawi-Tawi.