The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is making significant headway in the Province of Tawi-Tawi, part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with the construction of key bridges which are visibly progressing aimed at improving regional connectivity and boosting economic growth.
DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, in his inspection report to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, highlighted the ongoing progress of the Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge No. 1 and Malassa Lupa Pula Bridge No. 3.
These bridges, located in the southwestern tip of the Sulu archipelago, are steadily transforming from their foundations to functional structures that will soon link various islands in the province.
On July 26, 2024, Senior Undersecretary Sadain, along with Project Director Teresita V. Bauzon and Project Managers Emmanuel M. Supe and Evangeline L. Carabal of the DPWH Unified Project Management Office - Roads Management Cluster II (Multilateral), inspected these projects.
Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP), these bridges demonstrate the DPWH commitment to advancing infrastructure projects that not only connect communities but also foster economic growth and development across the Philippines.
The bridges are set to ease congestion on Bongao Island, Tawi-Tawi’s capital, by enhancing connectivity among the province’s islands and municipalities.
These government-initiated projects support BARMM’s economic development and leverage Tawi-Tawi’s strategic location within the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
“By enhancing local and regional market connectivity, these bridges are expected to attract more investors, stimulate economic activities, and improve the quality of life for the people of Tawi-Tawi,” said Senior Undersecretary Sadain.
The 541-meter Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge No. 1, which spans the Bongao Channel, will connect Bongao Island to Sanga-Sanga Island is set for completion by July 2025.
Awarded to China Wuyi Co., Ltd. with a contract amount of ₱893 million, the project is 64 percent complete, with significant milestones such as the completion of pile caps, backwalls, wingwalls for abutment B, and other key structures.
DPWH UPMO Project Manager Ernante S. Antonio explained that ongoing work includes rebar installation, approach railing and sidewalk construction at abutment B, drilling for pier 9, and pile cap installation at pier 6.
Meanwhile, the on-going 681-meter Malassa Lupa Pula Bridge No. 3 across the Manalik Channel, will link Sanga-Sanga to mainland Tawi-Tawi.
This project, contracted to a consortium of V.T. Lao Construction and China Wuyi Co., Ltd. for ₱1.25 billion, is 32.9 percent complete and expected to be finished by September 2025.
Key accomplishments include the completion of over half of the 99 bored piles and the construction of foundations and initial structures from the channel.
Additionally, the 569-meter Tongsinah–Paniongan Bridge, connecting Pababag Island to Sanga-Sanga Island, has begun civil works after receiving a notice to proceed on July 16, 2024, to the China Wuyi Co., Ltd./ Vicente T. Lao joint venture.
This bridge will provide a direct route between Bongao, a major growth center, and future growth centers in Panglima Sugala and Pababag Island.
Development plans for Pababag Island include a large-scale seaweed processing plant and housing projects, significantly boosting the local economy.
