29/08/2024
DPWH INSPECTS PANGUIL BRIDGE BEFORE SEPTEMBER OPENING
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has intensified its efforts to ensure the timely completion of the Panguil Bay Bridge Project in Mindanao, ahead of its scheduled inauguration next month.
This ambitious infrastructure project is set to become a landmark in the region, connecting Tangub City in Misamis Occidental with Tubod in Lanao del Norte, drastically improving transportation and economic activities in the area.
On Friday, Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain, together with key officials from the Unified Project Management Office Operations, led a comprehensive onsite inspection of the bridge.
This inspection is part of the final preparations to ensure that the 3.17-kilometer bridge is ready for its much-anticipated opening in September. The project, which is currently more than 97.5 percent complete, represents a significant milestone in the DPWH’s mission to enhance infrastructure across the Philippines.
The Panguil Bay Bridge is one of the most important infrastructure projects in Mindanao, designed to significantly reduce travel time between the provinces of Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte. Currently, the journey across the bay takes around two and a half hours via roll-on/roll-off vessels. Once the bridge is open to the public, this travel time will be reduced to just seven minutes by land, marking a significant improvement in accessibility and convenience for residents and businesses in the region.
The project, with a total cost of PHP7.375 billion, is financed through a loan agreement between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. The loan agreement underscores the strong partnership between the two countries, with Korea providing the necessary financial support to ensure the successful completion of this vital infrastructure project. The funding has been allocated to cover all aspects of the bridge’s development, including the civil works and ancillary structures that are essential to its operation.
During the inspection, the DPWH team conducted a detailed assessment of the bridge’s key components. The evaluation focused on several critical aspects, including the deck slab, approach roads, barrier and median strip concrete, and metal guardrails.
These elements are crucial to the bridge’s structural integrity and safety, and the DPWH is committed to ensuring that each component meets the highest standards of quality and durability.
In addition to assessing the main structural components, the team also monitored the progress of the crucial finishing activities. These activities include the application of waterproofing and asphalt paving, which are essential for ensuring the bridge’s longevity and resistance to weather conditions.
The expansion joint works were also reviewed, as these joints are critical to accommodating the bridge’s movements and preventing damage over time.
Furthermore, the inspection covered the implementation of aesthetic and electrical lighting systems, which are designed to enhance the bridge’s visual appeal and ensure safety during nighttime travel. The team also reviewed the installation of line markings and road signage, which are essential for guiding motorists and ensuring safe and efficient traffic flow once the bridge is operational.
The Panguil Bay Bridge is more than just a transportation project; it is expected to have a transformative impact on the local economy. By drastically reducing travel time between Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte, the bridge will facilitate the faster movement of goods and services, boost tourism, and improve access to markets and resources. This, in turn, is expected to create new economic opportunities and contribute to the overall development of the region.
The DPWH’s commitment to ensuring the successful completion of the Panguil Bay Bridge is evident in the meticulous approach taken during the inspection. With the bridge now nearing completion, the focus is on finalizing the remaining work to ensure that everything is in place for the scheduled opening.
The DPWH, under the leadership of Secretary Manuel Bonoan, remains dedicated to delivering infrastructure projects that not only meet but exceed the expectations of the Filipino people.
As the Panguil Bay Bridge prepares to open, it stands as a testament to the power of infrastructure to transform communities, enhance connectivity, and drive economic growth. The bridge is poised to become a vital link between Mindanao’s provinces, providing a faster, safer, and more efficient route for travelers and goods, and marking a new era of progress and development in the region.