News

Panguil Bay Bridge: A New Era of Connectivity and Growth in Mindanao

Published

6 months ago

October 7, 2024

Filman

People from various walks of life have shown appreciation for the government’s inauguration of the Panguil Bay Bridge, which connects Tubod in Lanao del Norte and Tangub City in Misamis Occidental.

Stretching 3.17 kilometers, this sea-crossing bridge is now the longest in Mindanao, cutting travel time between Tubod and Tangub from more than two hours to just seven minutes.

The Panguil Bay Bridge is a beacon of progress, creating not just physical links but also new avenues for business, tourism, and personal development throughout Northern Mindanao and the Zamboanga Peninsula.

During the inauguration, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. highlighted the importance of the bridge, stating, “The bridge connects two provinces. More importantly, we all know that the increased economic activity is going to be a very important development building block for both the provinces and the entire island of Mindanao. But more than just a physical bridge, we are connecting the dreams and aspirations of the people of Lanao del Norte and of Misamis Occidental.”

He further emphasized that the Panguil Bay Bridge symbolizes not only infrastructure progress but also the potential to foster growth, opportunities, and community ties.

Accessible to all vehicle types

In an interview, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan explained that the bridge is designed for all kinds of vehicles, though the government is considering weight restrictions and a speed limit of 60 kilometers per hour to ensure its durability and stability.

“This is actually designed for all types of vehicles, so it will be open for all types of vehicles. We need to avoid exceeding load limits to prevent compromising the structural stability of the bridge,” Bonoan said.

The government is also deliberating on whether to impose toll fees to help maintain the bridge, but no decision has been finalized.

Driving progress forward

Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda “Angging” Quibranza-Dimaporo expressed her gratitude for the completion of the long-awaited project, which she said was a dream initiated by her late father and other leaders. She noted that the bridge would improve connectivity and spur economic growth, agriculture, education, tourism, healthcare, and investment.

“This project is a shining example of how the Bagong Pilipinas campaign can transform lives and communities. For me, the Bagong Pilipinas campaign is not just about infrastructure projects; it is about creating a principled, accountable, and dependable government that works for the people,” she added.

Dimaporo also pledged her commitment to ensuring that the project’s benefits extend to all areas of Lanao del Norte.

Meanwhile, Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal Sr. pointed out that the bridge marks a significant structural milestone and paves the way for new opportunities and progress across Mindanao. He emphasized the economic advantages of the bridge and called for a unified council to manage its operations and maintenance effectively, ensuring collaboration among stakeholders.

“In this manner, we can be assured of collaborative management efforts among stakeholders directly involved in ensuring protection and maintenance of the bridge instead of having it managed separately by the two LGUs exercising their powers and authority over their respective jurisdiction,” he said.

Boosting connectivity and tourism

The Panguil Bay Bridge is more than a physical link between provinces—it represents growth and opportunity for residents. Farmers, fishermen, vendors, drivers, humanitarian workers, and students stand to benefit from reduced travel time and improved access to resources, markets, and services.

For Francisco Bihod of the Lanao Norte Aquaculture Producers Association, the bridge will transform their business operations. In the past, they would spend 3-4 hours waiting at Mukas Port before boarding a barge to Ozamiz, which delayed the transport of products like bangus and tilapia, driving up costs and reducing freshness.

“Grabe ang epekto, grabe ang advantage sa atong tulay diri… i-deliver sa Ozamis, itravel para sa airport padulong Manila,” Bihod shared.

Similarly, Felipe Peremacio, a farmer and senior citizen from Tubod, looks forward to the enhanced travel opportunities the bridge will offer. He often travels to Cotta Fort in Ozamiz City for leisure, and the bridge will make his trips much easier and more frequent.

Humanitarian worker Antonette Barlisan, who has spent 20 years with Relief International, also sees the bridge as a significant improvement. Currently, her commute between Lanao del Norte and Ozamiz City involves long waits and travel via RoRo, which can take up to one and a half hours in bad weather. The new bridge will eliminate these hassles.

“Naka-experience na ko many times, labi na ingon ani, ulan-ulan… Dako kaayo ang kawalan sa hassle kung naa na ang bridge didto sa Tubod,” Barlisan said.

The bridge will also shorten travel time for Lanao del Norte residents heading to Ozamiz Airport, like Junael Alilang, a 21-year-old midwifery graduate. He noted that the bridge will not only ease transport for goods but also improve access to local tourist destinations, such as Pikalawag Beach.

The DPWH-Unified Project Management Office-Roads Management Cluster II implemented the P8.026 billion project, which was funded through a 2016 loan agreement between the Philippine government and the Korea Export-Import Bank-Economic Development Cooperation Fund.

Initiated with a pre-feasibility study in 1998, the project was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority in 2015, followed by procurement in 2018 and contract signing in 2019. Although construction began in February 2020 under the previous administration, the project faced delays due to the pandemic and budget issues. However, the current administration’s Build Better More program pushed the project forward with minimal interruptions.

News credit to: Philippine Information Agency (PIA)

Related Topics:Featured Panguil Bay Bridge

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News

NPA Rebel Killed in Clash with Government Troops in Sultan Kudarat

Published

1 month ago

March 2, 2025

News Team

Sultan Kudarat, Philippines – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in a firefight with government troops in Baluan village, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, the military reported on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Gumabao, commander of the 57th Infantry Battalion (57IB), the encounter occurred around 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, when troops conducting a security patrol came across 20 fully armed NPA rebels.

The clash resulted in the death of one NPA rebel, whose comrades left behind his remains as they retreated in different directions. Soldiers at the scene recovered an M-16 Armalite rifle, an M-14 rifle, and other war materials from the slain rebel.

Authorities have yet to confirm the identity of the deceased insurgent.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Michael Santos, commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, directed his troops to pursue the fleeing NPA members.

“This operation is a clear message that we will not tolerate the presence of these lawless elements in Sultan Kudarat,” Santos stated.

In a separate statement, Brigadier General Donald Gumiran, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, encouraged remaining NPA members to surrender and reintegrate into society.

“Ang inyong Hukbong Katihan ay handang tumanggap sa mga nais magbagong-buhay. Sa halip na patuloy na mabuhay sa takot at panganib, maaari kayong bumalik sa mapayapang pamumuhay kasama ang inyong pamilya (Your Armed Forces is ready to receive those who want to live new lives. Instead of continuing to live in fear and danger, you can return to a peaceful life with your family),” said Gumiran.

Authorities continue their operations to track down the remaining rebels in the area.

Source: Sunstar

Cotabato

4 Bomb-Makers and Mamasapano Residents Surrender Weapons in Maguindanao del Sur

Published

1 month ago

February 28, 2025

News Team

The 13 firearms surrendered by residents of Mamasapano Maguindanao del Sur. Photo by Philstar.com / John Unson

COTABATO CITY – Four bomb-making experts from a local terror group and residents of Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur have surrendered to authorities in separate ceremonies, marking progress in disarmament and peace efforts in the region.

On February 27, four bomb-makers pledged allegiance to the government in Datu Anggal Midtimbang, surrendering an M16 rifle, two caliber .30 M1 Garand rifles, a 40mm grenade launcher, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) capable of remote detonation. They also renounced ties with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) during a ceremony attended by local executives and officials from the 1st Mechanized Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Robert Betita, and Col. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.

“We are thankful to all local officials and barangay leaders who helped secure their surrender through dialogues,” Army Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said.

Earlier, on February 24, residents of Mamasapano turned over 13 M1 Garand rifles to the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion as part of peace efforts. The surrender was conducted alongside the signing of a peace covenant by local election candidates to support peaceful May 2025 elections in the municipality.

The peace dialogue, held at the 33rd IB command post in Barangay Zapakan, Radjah Buayan, was organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Bangsamoro region, the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, the Mamasapano Municipal Police Station, Mayor Akmad Ampatuan Jr., and Col. Edgar Catu. Candidates signed a manifesto supporting election security measures.

Through the efforts of Mayor Ampatuan and Col. Catu, residents surrendered their firearms to back the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program of the 6th ID and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity.

The 6th Infantry Division, implementing the SALW program across six provinces and three cities in Central Mindanao, has collected over 700 firearms in the past six months, including combat rifles, machine guns, pistols, and grenade launchers, many from former members of Moro fronts that now have peace agreements with the national government.

These efforts highlight continued disarmament and reconciliation initiatives aimed at promoting long-term stability in Maguindanao del Sur and the wider Bangsamoro region.

Source: PHILIPPINE STAR

National

Senate Proposes July 30 Start for VP Sara Duterte’s Impeachment Trial

Published

1 month ago

February 27, 2025

News Team

Photo by Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Senate has proposed to start the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 30, following a structured pre-trial process to ensure a fair and orderly proceeding, Senate President Francis Escudero announced on Thursday.

Escudero confirmed that preparations would begin on June 2, when the Senate resumes session. Prosecutors will present the Articles of Impeachment, and senators will approve revised trial rules.

On June 3, the Impeachment Court will convene, and senator judges will take their oaths. By June 4, the Senate is expected to issue a summons to Duterte.

From June 14 to 24, the prosecution and defense will exchange legal pleadings. Pre-trial proceedings will take place from June 24 to July 25, establishing the trial framework and organizing the presentation of evidence.

With the 20th Congress set to open on July 28, after the May 12 midterm elections, newly elected senators will take their oaths on July 29, officially seating them as Impeachment Court judges. The trial will begin on July 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Escudero said the Senate is implementing security measures, logistical arrangements, and legal preparations to prevent delays.

“We are ensuring that all necessary resources – from security protocols to legal support – are in place before proceedings begin,” he said.

The Senate has procured robes for senator judges, improved court documentation procedures, and engaged external legal consultants to assist in the case.

The House of Representatives transmitted the verified impeachment complaint against Duterte to the Senate on Feb. 5, triggering its constitutional role as an Impeachment Court.

Escudero assured the public that the Senate will uphold due process and impartiality throughout the proceedings.

“The integrity of this impeachment trial is paramount. We are duty-bound to conduct the process with professionalism and transparency,” he said. (PIA)