Mindanao, Philippines, September 27, 2024 – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to lead the inauguration of the Panguil Bay Bridge, the longest water-spanning bridge in Mindanao, on Friday. The 3.169-kilometer bridge connects Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental, significantly improving travel and economic opportunities in Northern Mindanao.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirmed the President’s participation in the opening ceremony, which will take place at 8 a.m. The project is a key infrastructure initiative under the government’s inter-island linkage program, aimed at enhancing connectivity across the archipelago. During his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos cited the Panguil Bay Bridge as one of the two major bridges expected to be operational by the end of 2024.
The bridge project, which was first initiated under the previous administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, underscores the continuity of infrastructure development as a national priority. The project started in 2018 as part of Duterte’s Build, Build, Build program, which aimed to address the country’s infrastructure deficiencies. Despite facing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other logistical challenges, the Marcos administration prioritized its completion.
“This opening fulfills a long-held dream of the people of both Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental provinces, providing a permanent solution to connectivity challenges and stimulating economic activities, particularly by enhancing access to markets, trade, and tourism,” the Lanao del Norte provincial government said in a statement.
The bridge drastically reduces travel time between the two provinces. Currently, traveling by land or Roll-on, Roll-off (RoRo) ferries takes between one and a half to two and a half hours. With the new bridge, the journey will take just seven minutes, greatly benefiting commuters and local businesses.
The Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental expressed optimism that the bridge will spur economic growth, particularly in agriculture, trade, and tourism. “The bridge is a game-changer for our region. It will not only cut down travel time but also increase trade efficiency, boosting regional development,” a provincial official said.
The PHP7.3 billion project was funded through a loan agreement between the governments of the Philippines and South Korea, reflecting the close cooperation between the two countries in infrastructure development. South Korean firms also provided technical expertise throughout the construction process.
As the longest water-spanning bridge in Mindanao, Panguil Bay Bridge is a landmark achievement in the region’s development. It is expected to serve as a catalyst for further infrastructure projects aimed at linking remote areas and fostering economic integration across the island and beyond.
