TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA) — People from all walks of life have expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts in inaugurating the Panguil Bay Bridge, which links Tubod in Lanao del Norte and Tangub City in Misamis Occidental.
Spanning 3.17 kilometers, this sea-crossing bridge is now the longest in Mindanao, reducing travel time between Tubod and Tangub from over two hours to just seven minutes.
The Panguil Bay Bridge symbolizes progress, opening up not just roads but opportunities for business, tourism, and personal growth across Northern Mindanao and Zamboanga Peninsula.
“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,” President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., said during the inauguration ceremony of the bridge.
He also emphasized that the Panguil Bay Bridge represents not only physical connectivity but also the potential to bridge opportunities and communities, fostering growth and development.
Open to all types of vehicles
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan said in an interview that the bridge is designed for all types of vehicles, though the government is considering weight limits and a 60 kilometers per hour speed limit to ensure the bridge’s longevity and structural 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,” he said.
Bonoan stated that the government has not yet made a decision regarding the toll fees for the Panguil Bay Bridge. He clarified that the government is currently assessing the necessity of toll fees for the bridge’s maintenance and structural stability, and has not yet finalized any plans.
Bridging together towards progress
Gov. Imelda “Angging” Quibranza-Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte expressed her gratitude that the long-awaited project has been finally realized. She highlighted that this bridge fulfilled the dream that began with her late father and other leaders. She said that the project will enhance connectivity and will boost economic growth, agriculture, education, tourism, health services, and investment opportunities.
“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 said.
Dimaporo also reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that the benefits of this project reach every part of Lanao del Norte.
Meanwhile, Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal Sr. highlighted that the bridge not only signifies a structural achievement but also opens new avenues for opportunity and progress in the entire Mindanao region. He emphasized the expected economic benefits of the bridge and requested a unified council to manage its operations, ensuring effective maintenance and 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.
Connecting opportunities and boosting tourism
This infrastructure is not just a physical connection between two provinces but a symbol of growth and opportunity for the residents. Farmers, fisherfolk, vendors, drivers, humanitarian workers, and students will benefit from the reduced travel time and increased access to resources, markets, and services.
Francisco Bihod, representing the Lanao Norte Aquaculture Producers Association, recalled how, in the past, it would take 3-4 hours waiting in Mukas Port before boarding a barge to Ozamiz. This delay hindered their ability to transport products like bangus and tilapia, resulting in increased costs and a loss of freshness.
“Grabe ang epekto, grabe ang advantage sa atong tulay diri. Naa’y panahon nga naa ko’y apo nga gaeskwela sa Ozamiz, maghatod ko og allowance, tapos naa mi mga produkto nga itravel namo sa Ozamiz—mga fishery products, bangus, tilapia—i-deliver sa Ozamis, itravel para sa airport padulong Manila,” he said.
(The impact is huge, and the advantage of our bridge here is significant. There were times when I had to bring an allowance for my grandchild, who is studying in Ozamiz. We also had products we would travel with to Ozamiz—fishery products like bangus and tilapia—to deliver in Ozamiz and transport to the airport heading to Manila.)
For Felipe Peremacio, a farmer and senior citizen from Tubod who enjoys unwinding with regular outings, the opening of the bridge will significantly improve travel opportunities for locals. He frequently visits Cotta Fort in Ozamiz City, which currently takes him more than an hour and a half from his home.
While he currently travels only once a month, he looks forward to making more frequent trips once the bridge opens, as it makes his outings much more accessible.
Antonette Barlisan, a humanitarian worker with 20 years of experience, also sees the bridge as a game changer. She currently works as a project officer for Relief International. Although her base is in Ozamis City, her current assignment is in Lanao del Norte.
She commutes weekly for her job, facing long waits and tedious travel via a RoRo. Barlisan shared that her trips can take up to one and a half hours, especially during peak times and rainy weather, but the new bridge will alleviate these hassles and improve connectivity.
“Naka-experience na ko many times, labi na ingon ani, ulan-ulan. There are times, taas jud na’g pila, ang uban magabin-an pa. Ang pila muaabot pa sa gawas. Dako kaayo ang kawalan sa hassle kung naa na ang bridge didto sa Tubod,” she said.
(I have experienced this many times, especially when it’s raining. There are times when the lines are really long, and some people even have to wait until late at night. The queue can extend outside the port. It will greatly reduce the hassle once the bridge in Tubod is completed.)
Additionally, the opening of the bridge will make travel from Lanao del Norte to Ozamiz Airport quicker and more convenient for residents. Junael Alilang, 21, a midwifery graduate from Sultan Naga Dimaporo who recently passed his board exam, planned a trip to Manila to explore opportunities.
While waiting for the RoRo at Mukas Port, he expressed how the new bridge will enhance travel to Ozamiz, particularly during rainy weather. He also shared his experience of arriving early at the port and catching the RoRo at 7:00 a.m.
He is thankful for the opening of the bridge, as it will enhance the convenience of transporting goods. He believed that it will also benefit their province by making it easier to access local attractions, such as the beaches and tourist spots in their town, like Pikalawag Beach.
The DPWH-Unified Project Management Office-Roads Management Cluster II implemented the project at a cost of P8.026 billion. This 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 secured approval from the National Economic and Development Authority in 2015, leading to procurement in 2018 and contract signing in 2019. The construction began in February 2020 with the previous administration, but the pandemic and budget issues caused delays.
The current administration’s Build Better More program ensured the project moved forward with minimal interruptions. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
