Mindanao is known for its rich biodiversity, vibrant culture, and abundant natural resources. However, it has also historically lagged behind the rest of the country in terms of economic development. This disparity is partly due to inadequate infrastructure, particularly in the road sector, which hinders connectivity, trade, and access to essential services. To address this challenge, the Philippine government, with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has embarked on the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP). This ambitious initiative aims to enhance road infrastructure and connectivity, thereby unlocking the island’s vast economic potential and promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
The IGCMRSP: A Catalyst for Change
The IGCMRSP is a comprehensive infrastructure development project designed to improve national roads and bridges in Mindanao. It focuses on upgrading and widening existing roads, constructing new bridges, and implementing road safety measures. The project is divided into several key components including road improvement and widening. This component involves upgrading and widening approximately 280 kilometers of national primary, secondary, and tertiary roads across Mindanao.
Among the roads that are currently under development includes Gutalac-Baliguan Alternative Road, RT Lim-Siocon, Curuan-Sibuco Road, and Siay-Gapol Road. While those that are already completed include Alicia-Malagas Road in Zamboanga Sibugay, Tampilisan-Sandayong Road in Zamboang del Norte, and Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road in Zamboanga Sibugay,
These improvements will enhance road capacity, reduce travel time, and improve transportation efficiency.
Another component is bridge construction. The project includes the construction of several new bridges, including the 540-meter Guicam Bridge in Zamboanga Sibugay, Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge in Tawi-Tawi, Malassa-Lupa Pula Bridge, also in Tawi Tawi and Tongsinah-Paniogan Bridge in the same municipality. These bridge projects total 1.79 kilometers. These bridges will provide vital links between communities, facilitating trade and access to essential services.
The IGCMRSP also incorporates road safety measures such as the installation of road signs, markings, and guardrails. These measures will help reduce road accidents and improve overall road safety for all users.
Meanwhile, aside from road and bridges development projects, the IGCMRSP also includes other components such as the ICD-I multiyear planning which aims to provide upgrading of the existing DPWH multiyear planning software into a modernized web-based platform. This project will also incorporate consulting services for the nationwide institutionalization of the planning processes in DPWH offices, which will improve data collection and management and the organizational capability of the agency.
Also, there is the ICD-2 Fiscal Accountability project which is for the procurement of the enterprise resource planning financial management software which will replace its existing system.
Another component is the ICD-3 Human Resource Management which will procure an integrated human resource information system to improve the human resource process of DPWH.
The entire IGCMRSP has a total estimated cost of PHP 25.26 billion (approximately USD 503 million) and is funded through a loan agreement between the Philippine government and the ADB. The ADB is providing a loan of PHP 19.08 billion (approximately USD 380 million), while the Philippine government is contributing PHP 6.18 billion (approximately USD 123 million).
The project commenced implementation in March 2019. The original completion date was December 2020, but it has been extended to March 2027 due to various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some of the projects were already completed, while some are still ongoing and are expected to be finished in time for the 2027 deadline..
Socio-Economic Benefits of the IGCMRSP
The IGCMRSP is expected to generate significant socio-economic benefits for Mindanao, contributing to its overall development and progress. Some of the key benefits include enhanced connectivity and accessibility. The improved road network will enhance connectivity between different regions and provinces in Mindanao, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services. This will open up new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment, boosting economic activity across the island.
It is expected to reduce transport costs since the upgraded roads and bridges will reduce travel time and transportation costs, making it more efficient and cost-effective to transport goods and people. This will benefit businesses, farmers, and consumers alike, leading to increased productivity and competitiveness.
It will also improve access to essential services. Better road infrastructure will improve access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and social welfare programs, particularly for those living in remote and underserved areas. This will enhance the quality of life for many Mindanao residents and contribute to human capital development.
IGCMRSP stimulates job creation and economic growth during and after its construction and operational phases, providing employment opportunities for local communities. The improved infrastructure will also attract investments and stimulate economic growth in various sectors, such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.
Additionally, it will promote peace and security in the region, which has a long history of armed struggle. By promoting economic development and improving access to opportunities, the IGCMRSP can contribute to peace and stability in Mindanao. Enhanced connectivity can also facilitate greater interaction and understanding between different communities, fostering social cohesion and reducing conflict.
Conclusion
The Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project is a crucial initiative that holds immense potential for transforming the island’s economic landscape and improving the lives of its people. By enhancing road infrastructure and connectivity, the project will unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, and development, paving the way for a more prosperous and inclusive future for Mindanao.
The IGCMRSP is aligned with the Philippine government’s “Build Better More” program, which focuses on accelerating infrastructure development and promoting sustainable and resilient infrastructure. It is also an integral part of the national development plan, which aims to achieve inclusive growth and reduce poverty across the country. By investing in infrastructure and connectivity, the Philippine government is demonstrating its commitment to developing Mindanao and ensuring that its people can fully participate in the country’s economic progress.
During the inauguration of the IGCMRSP in Zamboanga Peninsula last 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to continue building vital infrastructure development projects in the region and in the entire country.
“We will continue to build roads, bridges, ports, and airports all over the country so we can bring Filipinos closer together. “So, let us build upon this achievement as we continue the unending work of building structures that will bring a better life and an invigorating future for all our fellow Filipinos,” he added.”he said. (PTV)
