IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, July 21 (PIA) – July 21 marked a momentous day in the history of Mindanao, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr took the helm to lead the inauguration of three monumental road projects under the auspices of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-assisted Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP).
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Zamboanga Peninsula Region, two of these grand projects find their home in Zamboanga Sibugay Province, while the third takes root in Zamboanga del Norte. Each road project stands as a testament to the unyielding commitment of the administration under the “Build, Better, More” development agenda, with a singular mission to revolutionize the region’s travel landscape.
President Marcos, arriving in Alicia town, one of Zamboanga Sibugay’s vibrant municipalities, graced the occasion with his esteemed presence. Commencing the inauguration, he unveiled the highly anticipated Alicia-Malangas Road, embellished with eight awe-inspiring bridges. A marvel in its own right, the project’s total cost amounts to an impressive PhP 1,422,910,094.22, boasting a completion rate of 100 percent as of June 25, 2023.
Travelers between Alicia and Malangas are set to revel in the newfound convenience, as the arduous two-hour journey is now condensed to a mere 30 minutes. This transformation is expected to benefit an estimated 5,000 daily travelers, paving the way for seamless movement of people, goods, and services.
Steering towards the next milestone, the Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road claims its spot as another vital artery in the region’s infrastructure network. The colossal project, with a price tag of Php1,086,290,498.04 and a sprawling length of 29.70 kilometers, prides itself on achieving 100% completion as of June 25, 2023. Bounded by Alicia (mainland) and the alluring Olutanga Island, the once formidable three-hour journey now beckons travelers with a seamless 45-minute experience. With a daily travel population of approximately 5,000 individuals, this feat marks a major leap in the region’s connectivity.
Photo: DPWH
And finally, in the verdant landscapes of Zamboanga del Norte, the Tampilisan-Sandayong Road emerges as the last jewel in the crown of development. A grand culmination of engineering prowess, this road project, accompanied by three magnificent bridges, shines with a project cost of Php 658,186,558.90 and a total length of 15.35 kilometers. Clocking in at 100 percent completion as of June 25, 2023, it proudly presents travelers with the gift of time, compressing a two-hour winding journey into a breezy 25 minutes. Envisioned to serve approximately 5,000 daily travelers, this development sets the stage for boundless socio-economic opportunities and growth.
In retrospect, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, the visionary behind DPWH’s infrastructure flagship projects, reminisced on the bygone era of treacherous travel experiences marred by deep muddy roads. Today, this narrative has been rewritten, paving the way for smoother journeys and embracing a brighter tomorrow.
Beyond the realm of mere infrastructure, the IGCMRSP carves a path towards enduring peace and security within the municipalities. With the wheels of progress set in motion, the heart of Mindanao pulses with renewed vigor, poised to harness untapped socio-economic potential. As these road projects converge to catalyze the region’s growth, the Philippines stands united in embracing the dawn of a brighter era for Mindanao, where the promise of progress and prosperity takes root. (RVC/JPA/PIA Sibugay)
