The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has secured P694.44 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to fund the feasibility study for the Urgent Bridges Construction Project for Rural Development (UBCPRD) Phase II — a major initiative designed to enhance inter-regional connectivity and promote inclusive economic growth across the Philippines.
The consulting services, which started nn June 7, 2025, will cover the feasibility study for the construction and/or replacement of 25 priority bridges across 11 regions, with a total estimated combined length of 18.78 kilometers of bridge and approach roads.
“By expanding bridge infrastructure with ten (10) in Luzon, six (6) 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. It also directly aligns with President Marcos’ national priorities of balanced regional development and modern infrastructure connectivity,” DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain said.
Priority bridges include conventional pre-stressed concrete girder (PSCG) bridges such as the Bacarra Bridge (parallel) in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte; Quirino Bridge (parallel) in Bantay, Ilocos Sur; Kalabaza-Villa Fugu Bridge and Lalog Bridge in Isabela; Alag Malaki Bridge (parallel) 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 includes the Buntun and Enrile bridges in Cagayan; the New Mancatian Bridge along the Angeles-Porac-Floridablanca-Dinalupihan Road in Central Luzon; the Daram-Talalora Bridge on Daram Island, Samar; and Wawa Bridge in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
Also included are iconic arch bridges such as the Amnay Bridge in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro; Araneta Bridge (new) in Bago City, Negros Occidental; Biliran Bridge (parallel) and Baliacao Bridge (parallel) in Eastern Visayas; Layog Bridge (parallel) 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 iconic arch truss bridges including Quezon Bridge in Dipolog City; Disakan Bridge 2 (new) in Sindangan; and Ingin Bridge in Manukan, all in Zamboanga del Norte.
