The Department of Public Works and Highways will commence this week the feasibility study for the construction and/or replacement of 25 priority bridges in 11 regions, with a total estimated combined length of 18.78 km. of bridge and approach roads.
In a statement Thursday, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the consulting services, set to officially begin on Saturday, would cover the feasibility study for the Urgent Bridges Construction Project for Rural Development (UBCPRD) Phase II.
He said the feasibility study would be funded through an Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan, with a contract valued at PHP694.44 million.
According to DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain, the UBCPRD Phase II aims to enhance inter-regional connectivity and promote inclusive economic growth across the Philippines.
“By expanding bridge infrastructure with 10 in Luzon, six in Visayas, and nine in Mindanao, the project is expected to enhance transport efficiency, strengthen disaster resilience, and boost local economies, especially in remote and underserved areas,” said Sadain, who is in charge of Official Development Assistance-funded infrastructure flagship projects under the Build Better More program of the Marcos administration.
“It also directly aligns with President Marcos’ national priorities of balanced regional development and modern infrastructure connectivity.”
The priority bridges include the conventional pre-stressed concrete girder (PSCG) bridges Bacarra Bridge in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte; Quirino Bridge in Bantay, Ilocos Sur; Kalabaza-Villa Fugu Bridge and Lalog Bridge in Isabela; Alag Malaki Bridge in Baco, Oriental Mindoro; Malitubog Bridge in Alamada, Cotabato; Simuay Bridge in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao; and the Talacogon Steel Bridge in Agusan del Sur.
The iconic cable-stayed bridge category are the Buntun and Enrile bridges in Cagayan; New Mancatian Bridge along the Angeles-Porac-Floridablanca-Dinalupihan Road in Central Luzon; Daram-Talalora Bridge on Daram Island, Samar; and Wawa Bridge in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
Also included are arch bridges – the Amnay Bridge in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro; Araneta Bridge in Bago City, Negros Occidental; Biliran Bridge and Baliacao Bridge in Eastern Visayas; Layog Bridge in Mahaplag, Leyte; Calbiga Bridge in Samar; and Tamontaka Bridge in Cotabato City.
The lone iconic extradosed cable-stayed bridge is the proposed Manguisoc Bridge in Mercedes, Camarines Norte, while the iconic steel truss bridge is the new Butuan Bridge in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
Rounding out the list are the iconic arch truss bridges Quezon Bridge in Dipolog City; Disakan Bridge 2 in Sindangan; and Ingin Bridge in Manukan, all in Zamboanga del Norte.
