The P7.37-billion Panguil Bay bridge, the longest sea-crossing bridge project in Northern Mindanao, is on track to be completed by June 2024, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
At present, the project is 69 percent complete.
Emil Sadain, senior undersecretary in-charge of DPWH infrastructure flagship projects, conducted a project inspection on May 9.
Sadain said weather permitting, the inter-island bridge project is targeted to attain 90 percent completion by December 2023, reach 95 percent by March 2024 and open to vehicles by June 2024.
By reducing the travel time to seven minutes from two to 2.5 hours of land travel between Tangub City, Misamis Occidental and Tubod, Lanao Del Norte, the bridge is expected to bring many benefits to the local economy and conveniences for businesses and the general public in Northern Mindanao.
“We are particularly excited about the upcoming completion of the Panguil Bay Bridge Project, which we believe marks a significant milestone for the whole of Mindanao,” said Sadain.
DPWH said this infrastructure project will enhance economic growth as it will serve as a vital gateway that connects and further strengthens the region’s infrastructure, providing seamless transportation of goods and services.
Although the design and build activities for the Panguil Bay Bridge were slowed down by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the project has started to recover in 2022 and early 2023 anchored on the catch-up plan and construction improvement measures, DPWH added.
Construction started after the full completion of all 54 bored piling works to allow the start of construction of the 36 abutments and pier column, 32 coping and commence on both ends at Tubod and Tangub City the incremental launching method for the superstructure.
Funded by a loan agreement between the governments of the Philippines and of South Korea through its Economic Development Cooperation Fund, the construction work is under joint venture contractor Namkwang-Kukdong-Gumwang with Yooshin Eng’g Corp. in JV with Pyunghwa Eng’g & KyongHo Eng’g & Architects as project consultant. – Myla Iglesias
