Zamboanga Sibugay — July 6, 2025 — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is fast-tracking the construction of the Guicam Bridge Project in Zamboanga Sibugay, one of the key infrastructure initiatives under the national government’s Build Better More program. The bridge is also aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision, which promotes inclusive and sustainable national development.
With a total project cost of ₱1.155 billion, the Guicam Bridge is a vital component of the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP), funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Once completed, the bridge will connect Olutanga Island to the mainland via the municipality of Alicia, boosting economic integration and mobility across the Zamboanga Peninsula.
DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain reported to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan that the project is now 87.90% complete. All major foundation works have been finished, including the installation of 115 bored piles—99 offshore piles (2.2 meters in diameter) and 16 land-based piles (1.2 meters in diameter).
During a site inspection on July 4, 2025, Undersecretary Sadain, who oversees DPWH’s flagship infrastructure projects, directed the contractor Grace Construction Corporation, in joint venture with Tianyuan Construction Group Corporation, and the project supervision consultant Renardet S.A. Consulting Engineers, to intensify efforts on girder installation and concrete works.
He was accompanied by officials from the Unified Project Management Office – Roads Management Cluster II (UPMO-RMC II), including Project Director Teresita V. Bauzon, Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario, Project Managers Evangeline L. Carabal and Emmanuel M. Supe, and Project Engineer Barley H. Sali. Former Project Director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim, who initially led the project, also joined the visit and shared his technical inputs.
Work is currently focused on the bridge’s superstructure, particularly the launching of girders and concreting of deck slabs. So far, four girders have been launched at Span 1 (Abutment A to Pier 1), with the deck slab in that section already completed. Out of 48 total girders, 40 have been fabricated, and 36 units have undergone stressing and grouting.
On the Olutanga Island side (Approach B), retaining wall and embankment works are ongoing, while portland cement concrete pavement and canal construction are progressing on the mainland side (Approach A).
The Guicam Bridge spans the Canalizo Strait and will stretch a total of 540.80 meters, consisting of 12 spans of Type VI Prestressed Concrete Girders. It includes approach roads measuring 389.60 meters on the mainland and 277.62 meters on the island. The bridge is designed with a navigational clearance of 14.80 meters in height and 24.00 meters in width to accommodate maritime traffic.
“Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance regional logistics, and strengthen inter-island connectivity and access to essential services across southwestern Mindanao — contributing to an improved quality of life and driving inclusive growth,” said Undersecretary Sadain.
The DPWH is optimistic that the bridge will be completed soon, marking another milestone toward improving infrastructure and economic development in Mindanao.