Bridging the Gap: The 89% Completion of the Panguil Bay Bridge Project - A Testament to Progress

 

Source: PNA

In the realm of infrastructure, the 3.17-kilometer Panguil Bay Bridge project in Northern Mindanao has reached an exciting milestone. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on Saturday that the project is now 89 percent complete. This inter-island bridge, a promising symbol of progress and connectivity, links Tangub City, Misamis Occidental and Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

Despite facing funding challenges, the project is expected to be completed this year, according to Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain, who heads the DPWH infrastructure flagship projects. Additionally, the project also encountered delays due to adverse weather conditions in Mindanao during the past several days.

Last year, DPWH estimated that by June, the project will be open to vehicular traffic. This opens a door to a future where distance is no longer a hindrance, but an opportunity for growth and exploration.

Sadain remains optimistic that the implementing office, the Unified Project Management Office-Roads Management Cluster II (Multilateral), contractors, and consultants would be able to make up for the delays. Their collective efforts are a testament to the spirit of unity and cooperation.

The Panguil Bay Bridge project, which began in February 2020, is projected to significantly reduce travel time, bolster economic growth, and enhance transportation links between provinces of Northern and Central Mindanao, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

In sync with the DPWH INFRAgenda 2028 Strategic Plan, the project envisions a seven-minute inter-island connectivity with Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, and Tubod, Lanao del Norte. This is a significant improvement from the current access connectivity through Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo), which has a travel time of about two and a half hours, including loading and unloading time.

The project is funded by a loan agreement between the Philippines and South Korean governments through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund. This international collaboration not only facilitates the project but also strengthens diplomatic relationships between the two nations.

The Panguil Bay Bridge project is a testament to progress, unity, and determination. As it nears completion, it stands as a symbol of a brighter future for the residents of Northern Mindanao and the entire Philippines.