A top official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has issued a stern reminder to all government engineers, consultants and contractors involved in the on-going projects under the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP).
In a recent coordination meeting at Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain stressed the importance of executing projects efficiently and effectively, adhering to the highest standards of quality and safety.
“It is imperative that we approach our work with a strong sense of responsibility and dedication. Delays and substandard work are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Senior Undersecretary Sadain said.
He emphasized Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan’s marching order for a heightened sense of urgency, unwavering commitment, and full accountability in the execution of projects. These efforts will play a significant role in the economic development and connectivity of Mindanao under Bagong Pilipinas.
The ₱14.5 Billion IGCMRSP is funded through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and is being implemented by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office - Roads Management Cluster II-Multilateral (UPMO - RMC II).
IGCMRSP supports the goal of improved physical connectivity, which is vital to the country’s development efforts as outlined in the President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. administration’s Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda.
The project encompasses the construction or improvement of seven (7) road subprojects with a total length of 151.97 kilometers, including 28 bridges and one (1) sea-crossing bridge sub-project, the Guicam Bridge, which spans 1.21 kilometers, all located in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Additionally, the project includes the construction of three (3) bridges with a total length of 1,790.66 lineal meters, including approaches, located in the Province of Tawi-Tawi.
To date, DPWH UPMO - RMC II has achieved an overall accomplishment of more than 71 percent for IGCMRSP. This includes 140 kilometers of concrete cement paved road and the completion of 14 bridges.
During the meeting, Senior Undersecretary Sadain conducted an in-depth review of the accomplishments against the timeline of each sub-projects and directed field engineers, contractors, and consultants to adopt adaptive planning to mitigate further delays.
Efforts to expedite work include deploying additional machinery and manpower and implementing round-the-clock work shifts to compensate for lost time on delayed sub-projects. The delays have been attributed to logistical challenges, weather conditions, and unforeseen technical issues.
A site inspection was conducted by Senior Undersecretary Sadain at the Guicam Bridge sub-project in Zamboanga Sibugay. He was accompanied by UPMO Project Directors Teresita V. Bauzon, Soledad R. Florencio, Benjamin A. Bautista, and Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes; Project Managers Emmanuel M. Supe and Evangeline L. Carabal; and Engrs. Barley H. Sali and Nancy C. Mari.
Senior Undersecretary reminded the contractor, Grace Construction Corporation of the strict timelines and performance benchmarks set for the project. To date, the Guicam Bridge has completed abutments A and B, and piers 1, 2, 3, 9, 10 and 11 and is targeted for full completion by mid-2025.
The realization of this inter-island bridge project complementing the 29.70-kilometer Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road, a completed sub-project of IGCMRSP, is poised to enhance the economic activities and logistics in the municipalities of Alicia and Olutanga Island towards other towns of Zamboanga Sibugay.
Meanwhile, the construction of the 541-meter Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge in Tawi-Tawi Province by China Wuyi Co., Ltd. and under the supervision of UPMO Project Manager Ernante S. Antonio is progressing rapidly.
At more than 60% completed, the fast-paced construction reflects the commitment to delivering crucial infrastructure that benefits local communities and stimulates growth in the area.
This project is part of the national government’s efforts to enhance infrastructure in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao, improving connectivity and supporting economic development.
Other on-going sub-projects are the 33.05-kilometer Curuan-Sibuco Road connecting Zamboanga City to Zamboanga Del Norte with accomplishment of 87% by the joint venture contract of M. Abubakar Construction and Engineering Inc. and Sino Road and Bridge Group; 24.52-kilometer R.T. Lim - Siocon Road connecting Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga Del Norte at 88% and 7.38-kilometer Gutalac-Baliguian Alternative Road in Zamboanga Del Norte at 52% under China Wuyi Co. Ltd.; 17.93-kilometer Siay-Gapol Road in Zamboanga Sibugay under ESR Construction & Development Corporation in venture with Qingdao Municipal Construction Group Co. Ltd at 71%; and Malassa-Lupa Pula Bridge in Tawi-Tawi at 31% under Vicente T. Lao Construction and China Wuyi Co. Ltd.
