President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has demonstrated his commitment to improving the country’s infrastructure with the inauguration of the Panguil Bay Bridge, the longest water-spanning bridge in Mindanao.
Opened in September 2024, the 3.16-kilometer bridge connects Tangub City in Misamis Occidental to Tubod in Lanao del Norte, providing comfort and convenience to more than 10,000 commuters daily.
The bridge has significantly reduced travel time between the two provinces—from two hours to just seven minutes—marking a major milestone in Philippine infrastructure development.
A Journey Marked by Challenges
During the inauguration, President Marcos highlighted the bridge’s challenging journey from conception to completion.
The pre-feasibility study began in 1998, but it wasn’t until May 2015 that the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved the project.
Construction officially started in February 2020, but progress was hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic and budget constraints.
President Marcos recalled how these challenges tested the resolve of project stakeholders:
“When the pandemic hit, the DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] had to pause, recalibrate, and revisit strategies. Just as they found ways to move forward, funding issues arose, slowing the project down again.”
Despite the setbacks, the President emphasized perseverance.
“Pero hindi tayo nagpapatinag nang basta-basta. We do not get intimidated or discouraged by obstacles. We worked harder, pushed harder, and never lost sight of why we are building this bridge.”
To ensure its completion, President Marcos, as chairman of the NEDA Board, approved an additional PhP650.89 million, increasing the project’s total cost from PhP7.38 billion to PhP8.03 billion.
A Catalyst for Growth
The President underscored the bridge’s far-reaching impact on Mindanao’s economy, particularly for local businesses.
Faster transportation of goods and safer, more convenient travel are expected to spur growth and development in the region.
“The bridge is a gateway to a world where distance no longer limits our dreams, where aspirations can take flight, and where the ambitions of entrepreneurs fuel growth and prosperity,” President Marcos said in his speech.
World-Class Technology for a Landmark Project
The Panguil Bay Bridge was implemented by the DPWH and constructed through a loan agreement with the Korean Export-Import Bank’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund.
It utilized advanced Korean bridge technology, including an extra-dosed main bridge with a 320-meter central span. A state-of-the-art lighting system ensures safety during nighttime travel.
The Panguil Bay Bridge stands as a testament to the government’s dedication to the “Build Better More” initiative, signaling a new era of infrastructure development in the Philippines. | PND
