Mindanao is on the brink of a connectivity revolution as the **Marcos-Led Council approves ₱145.6-B CDO–Bukidnon High-Standard Highway**. This monumental project, officially named the *Central Mindanao High Standard Highway Construction Project (CMHSHCP)*, promises to reshape travel, commerce, and daily life in Northern and Central Mindanao.
Funded through **Official Development Assistance (ODA)** from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the ambitious 64.7-kilometer four-lane span will link Cagayan de Oro to Malaybalay. Passing through the Municipality of Tagoloan, the vibrant streets of Cagayan de Oro City, and the scenic highlands of Bukidnon, it will incorporate 47 bridges — nine of which are breathtaking long-span structures.
From Hours to Minutes: The Transformative Promise of Speed
Currently, traveling from **Cagayan de Oro** to **Malaybalay** can take around 6.5 hours, a journey often slowed by winding roads and traffic bottlenecks. However, with the completion of this newly approved highway, that time will be reduced to just 3.5 hours. This speed upgrade is more than a matter of convenience — it’s a game-changer for business, tourism, and everyday life.
Shorter travel means farmers can bring fresh produce to markets faster, entrepreneurs can expand their reach, and families can stay connected despite long distances. As ED Council Vice Chair Arsenio M. Balisacan notes, enhanced mobility and market access can help reduce poverty, raise incomes, and build a foundation for sustained economic activity.
The Highway as a Lifeline for Growth
Beyond faster transportation, the CDO–Bukidnon High-Standard Highway will stimulate regional development in unprecedented ways. By improving logistical efficiency, it will open new opportunities for trade, attract investors, and support tourism in Central Mindanao’s natural and cultural treasures. With 47 bridges connecting diverse landscapes, the project symbolizes not just infrastructure, but unity across communities.
Moreover, this initiative is part of a broader ₱279.5-billion infrastructure push under the Marcos administration — a clear sign of the government’s determination to accelerate regional growth. This is more than just a road; it’s a lifeline that will connect people, inspire progress, and pave the way for Mindanao’s brighter economic future.
The approval of the ₱145.6-B CDO–Bukidnon High-Standard Highway is more than a milestone in infrastructure — it’s a testament to how well-planned public investments can truly transform lives. With every bridge built, every span completed, and every kilometer connected, Mindanao moves closer to becoming a hub of opportunity and prosperity.
