MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL (PIA) — As part of the construction of new access roads leading to the Panguil Bay Bridge, Gov. Henry S. Oaminal inspected the infrastructure project on a Saturday, October 26, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers in the coastal areas and diversion roads of Malaubang and Pulot in Ozamiz City, as well as San Apo and Maloro in Tangub City.
“This coastal road, or the Ozamiz City-Tangub City coastal road leading to Panguil Bay, is vital to the economy and growth of Misamis Occidental. This road will connect Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, providing direct access to Ozamiz Port via the bridge. We estimate a need for approximately 1 billion pesos in funding, and this project aligns with the infrastructure program of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos and the initiatives of Congress Speaker Martin Romualdez aimed at enhancing rural and economic development,” Oaminal said.
He clarified that they are lobbying through their representatives to secure funding for 2025, with the aim of accelerating the project, particularly given the completion of the bridge.
The project consists of multiple phases—Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4—and is crucial for connecting the roads leading to Barangay Pulot.
The design of this road network expedites and enhances the comfort of goods transportation from Ozamiz Port, eliminating the need to traverse city centers and thereby mitigating traffic congestion. Motorists and cargo trucks can anticipate a significant reduction in travel time with the opening of the Panguil Bay Bridge.
Oaminal said this project will greatly enhance the transportation of products and services to neighboring areas in Misamis Occidental. The roads will also support livelihood development and tourism, as they will provide greater access to beaches and coastal attractions.
Oaminal, along with Rep. Ando Oaminal, is advocating for the continued expansion of coastal routes to improve access for communities along the coast.
Through these new roads and access routes, it is anticipated that stronger connections will be established between Misamis Occidental and other regions in Mindanao and the Visayas via the Panguil Bay Bridge.
Coordination between DPWH and the province of Misamis Occidental will continue to ensure that the project adheres to the planned timeline and meets the needs of the provincial population. (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)
