Panguil Bay (Screengrabbed from RTVM)
The Panguil Bay Bridge, officially inaugurated on September 27, 2024, is a landmark achievement for Northern Mindanao, linking the Municipality of Tubod in Lanao del Norte with Tangub City in Misamis Occidental.
Spanning 3.169 kilometers, it is the longest water-spanning bridge in Mindanao and a long-awaited solution to decades of connectivity challenges.
The project, which cost ₱8.026 billion, symbolizes the fulfillment of a promise made to the people of Northern Mindanao.
For decades, residents depended on slow, unpredictable Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ferries or long overland routes, making access to opportunities, markets, and services a persistent challenge.
“This bridge is more than an infrastructure project—it is a bridge of progress, a bridge to the future,” said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the infrastructure’s inauguration. He emphasized the bridge’s potential to transform the region, shorten travel times, and boost economic activity.
A vision in the making
The Panguil Bay Bridge was first approved in 2015 by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board as part of the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program. With the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Unified Project Management Office – Roads Management Cluster 2 (UPMO-RMC 2) as the implementing agency, the project aimed to connect Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental, regions long hindered by logistical bottlenecks.
Panguil Bay Bridge Inauguration
Groundbreaking for the project took place on November 27, 2018, led by then-President Rodrigo Duterte. At the ceremony, Duterte expressed optimism, saying, “This bridge will bring communities closer, improve mobility, and help Mindanao reach its full potential.” Preparatory activities began following the groundbreaking.
Full-scale construction officially started on February 28, 2020, funded by a ₱5.098 billion loan agreement with the Korean Export-Import Bank.
Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project advanced. By May 2024, the bridge was 90% complete, and the final concrete pouring ceremony was held on July 4, 2024.
The bridge features 54 board piles for 32 piers, ensuring a solid foundation capable of supporting the mega structure that carry 2-lane, 2-way traffic with carriageway width of 13 meters.
Its world-class design features an extra-dosed main bridge, with 320-meter central span, supported by two (2) pylons standing 20 meters tall, anchored by six (6) cable stays each both sides and complemented by a lighting system, providing structural support and enhancing bridge aesthetics and safety for nighttime travel.
A collaborative legacy
The completion of the Panguil Bay Bridge under the Marcos Jr. administration highlights the importance of continuity in government initiatives.
During his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July 2024, Marcos announced that the bridge was one of two major infrastructure projects set to open before the year’s end.
At the inauguration, Marcos praised the collaborative efforts behind the project, calling it a “testament to what we can achieve when we unite for the common good.” He also acknowledged the hard work of engineers, laborers, and local officials who contributed to the bridge’s realization.
“This bridge represents the resilience and determination of our people. It is proof that we can overcome obstacles to build something truly transformative,” Marcos added.
Changing lives in minutes
The Panguil Bay Bridge reduces travel time between Tubod and Tangub from one and a half to two and a half hours to just seven minutes.
This dramatic improvement has already begun to change the lives of residents and businesses in the region.
Maria Gonzales, a small business owner from Tangub, was among the first to cross the bridge on opening day. “It feels like a dream. Before, I had to leave home at 4 a.m. to deliver my goods to the market in Tubod. Now, I can be there in less than 10 minutes. It’s life-changing,” she said.
For students like Angela Ramos, the bridge means more opportunities to pursue their education. A resident of Tubod who studies at a university in Ozamiz City, she previously relied on ferries to get to class. “There were days when I missed school because the RoRo was delayed or canceled.
“Now, I don’t have to worry about that anymore. It’s a huge relief,” she shared.
Motorists have also praised the bridge for its convenience and safety. “The RoRo was always a hassle—sometimes it broke down or was delayed. Driving over the bridge feels like freedom,” said jeepney driver Leo Cruz, who transports passengers between the two provinces.
Boosting economy
The Panguil Bay Bridge is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic growth in Northern Mindanao. Farmers and traders now have a reliable means to transport goods, significantly reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
“The bridge is a blessing for us farmers. We can deliver fresh produce faster and cheaper, which means better income for our families,” said Mario Villanueva, a vegetable farmer from Lanao del Norte.
“Before, we had to account for the ferry schedules and additional fees. Now, it’s so much easier,” he added.
Tourism is also poised to benefit from the improved accessibility. With its stunning vista of Panguil Bay, the bridge has already become a popular spot for locals and travelers alike.
The DPWH also highlighted the broader implications of the project. “This bridge is part of our vision for a connected and progressive Mindanao. It will not only improve mobility but also pave the way for investments and regional development,” the agency stated in a press release.
Stories of Transformation
As the first vehicles crossed the bridge during its inauguration, emotions ran high among the gathered crowd. For many, it was the realization of a long-held dream.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for as long as I can remember,” said 65-year-old fisherman Pedro Lim, who lives along the bay.
“For decades, we’ve watched ferries come and go, wishing for a better way. This bridge means my grandchildren will have a brighter future,” he said.
Meanwhile, the bridge has also brought a sense of pride to those who built it. Anita Flores, a construction worker who joined the project in 2021, reflected on her experience. “It wasn’t easy: there were challenges, especially during the pandemic. But seeing the bridge completed and knowing I was part of it is an incredible feeling,” she recalled.
Realized dream
The Panguil Bay Bridge is more than just a feat of engineering—it is a symbol of hope and progress for Northern Mindanao. It reflects the government’s commitment to addressing long-standing challenges and uplifting the lives of Filipinos.
President Marcos, in his closing remarks during the inauguration, captured the essence of the moment: “The Panguil Bay Bridge is a dream realized. It will not only connect two provinces but also countless opportunities for growth, development, and prosperity.”
As vehicles now traverse the bridge in just minutes, the people of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental are finally seeing the fruits of a project that has bridged not just geography, but aspirations and futures. (PTV)
