BY ASANGAN T. MADALE
TUBOD LANAO DEL NORTE:- President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr led the inauguration of the Panquil Bay Bridge , the longest water-spanning bridge in Mindanao held on Friday, September 27,2024. This historic infrastructure project connects the Municipality of Tubod, Lanao del Norte, with Tangub City, Misamis Occidental and is expected to transform
travel and trade in Northern Mindanao, Top Officials said.
First Lady Atty. Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos also graced the event. The President and First Lady arrived at the Mindanao Civic Center before making their way to the bridge for the official inauguration ceremony. Key officials, including DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa, Korea Export-Import Bank Director General Cho In-Kyo, and leaders of both connecting provinces, Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda “Angging” Q. Dimaporo and Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oamina, joined the President for the event.
Stretching 3.17 kilometers, the bridge will reduce travel time between the two provinces from 2 ½ hours to just 7 minutes, significantly improving connectivity and boosting economic activity in the region.
Governor Angging, in her welcome address, praised the bridge’s potential to uplift local livelihoods: “Sa pamamagitan ng tulay na ito, mas uunlad pa po ang ating mga negosyo, agrikultura, edukasyon, turismo, kalusugan, at investment opportunities. Ang dating mahabang oras ng paglalakbay ay magiging pitong minuto na lang, mas mapapadali ang paghatid ng ating mga produkto at serbisyo, lalo na sa ating mga magsasaka.”( With the use of this newly inaugurated new bridge, will enhance to prosper our business like agriculture, education, tourism, health
and investment opportunities. The long travel time will only take 7 minutes in the efficient delivery of our products and good services , especially our farmers).
Funded through a PhP8 billion loan agreement between the Philippine government and the Korean Export-Import Bank, the project is one of the 198 high-impact priority infrastructure flagship projects under the “Build, Better, More” program, which aims to enhance the country’s connectivity and boost economic activity.
President Marcos, in his keynote speech, emphasized the importance of the bridge for Mindanao’s progress saying, “We waited for this for such a long time. But today, the waiting is ended. We are here for the inauguration of the Panguil Bay Bridge—a day we have long looked forward to.”
Currently, travel takes at least 2.5 hours through Roll-On, Roll Off (RoRo) vessels from Ozamiz to Mucas in Lanao del Norte or a 100-kilometer route via Tangub-Molave-Tubod road or Tangub-Kapatagan-Tubod road.
DPWH Secretary Bonoan during his project presentation, highlighted the bridge’s state-of-the-art features. The project used advanced Korean bridge technology. This included reverse circulation drilling on barges to create boreholes and launching of thick permanent steel casings using revolving crane barges and vibro pile hammers. Additionally, two (2) land and sea-based batching plants supplied ready-mixed concrete for the project. The bridge features 54 board piles for 32 piers, ensuring a solid foundation capable of supporting the megastructure that carries 2-lane, 2-way traffic and can withstand an intensity 8 earthquake.
Governor Imelda Q. Dimaporo expressed her gratitude to all stakeholders, most specially to the presendent, saying, “Mr. President, maraming salamat po sa walang sawang suporta. Ipinagmamalaki ko pong sasabihin na sa inyong administrasyon, ang Lanao del Norte ay isa sa mga laging unang nakikinabang sa mga programa at proyekto ng ating pambansang pamahalaan.
In closing, President Marcos emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering a connected and inclusive nation. “It is just the beginning. We are building a Bagong Pilipinas—one where every Filipino, no matter how far, no matter how remote, is somehow connected,” he stated, highlighting the administration’s focus on improving infrastructure and digital access.
The Panguil Bay Bridge will not only ease travel for locals but also open doors for new opportunities in tourism, education, healthcare, and agriculture, marking a significant leap in the development of not just for both provinces of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental, but the whole island of Mindanao.
