The P7.375-billion Panguil Bay Bridge, one of Northern Mindanao’s most significant infrastructure projects, must be durable enough to withstand the impact of wear and tear and natural disasters like earthquakes over the long term.
That was the message Department of Public Works and Highways delivered to the local government units of Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, and Tubod, Lanao del Norte, the other day during an inspection of the bridge upgrading work.
DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain stated in a press release on September 7 that a joint inspection was conducted with Tangub City Mayor Sabiniano S. Canama and Tubod Mayor Dionisio Cabahug Jr.
The inspection focused on the completed upgrading of the 3.17-kilometer asphalt pavement to improve the bridge’s durability and driving safety.
Sadain said the asphalt overlay was completed to ensure safer and smoother travel and to support local economic growth, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to maintain the structural integrity and long-term performance of significant infrastructure projects.
He also highlighted the role of the Multi-Partite Monitoring Team (MMT), which was created during the bridge’s construction, to ensure stakeholder engagement and project oversight.
Inaugurated by Marcos in September 2024, the Panguil Bay Bridge has significantly improved regional connectivity and boosted the local economy by reducing travel time and improving access to key areas in Northern Mindanao, according to the DPWH.
The pavement works included a revised asphalt mix design, new pavement markings, and the installation of reflective road studs to improve road safety.
Funded by the Korea Export-Import Bank’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund (KEDCF) under Loan Agreement No. PHL-18, the DPWH Unified Project Management Office supervised the project – Roads Management Cluster II (UPMO-RMC II).
The Namkwang-Kukdong-Gumgwang Joint Venture carried out civil works, while Yooshin Engineering Corporation, PyeongHwa Engineering Consultants Ltd., and Kyong-Ho Engineering & Architects Co., Ltd provided consulting services.
The bridge features a 320-meter main span supported by two pylons with six cable stays each, along with two observatory bays for maintenance. A 360-meter approach road connects to a 1,020-meter bridge section on the Tangub side, while a 569-meter approach road leads to a 900-meter bridge section on the Tubod side.
