Advancing the infrastructure development agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to commence 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.
Led by DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, with the oversight of Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, who is in charge of Official Development Assistance (ODA)-funded infrastructure flagship projects under the Build Better More program, the feasibility study will be funded through Asian Development Bank (ADB) Loan No. 3886 – PHI (Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility – Additional Financing) under a contract valued at ₱694.44 million.
The consulting services, scheduled to officially begin on 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 (9) 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”, said Senior Undersecretary Sadain.
A formal kick-off meeting between DPWH Bridges Management Cluster – Unified Project Management Office (BMC-UPMO) under Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes, ADB, and the consulting consortium, composed of SMEC International Pty Ltd. (lead) in joint venture with Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd., COWI A/S, SMEC Philippines Inc., and associated with Pacific Rim Innovation and Management Exponents, Inc. (PRIMEX), was held Tuesday, June 3, 2025 to mark the start of the consulting services, following the approval of the Contract Agreement on May 9, 2025, and the issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP) on May 20, 2025, which was accepted by the consultant on May 28, 2025.
Other notable attendees of the kick-off meeting include ADB Transport Sector Group - South East Asia Department Director Dong Kyu Lee, SMEC International Pty, Ltd./OCG/COWI A/S JV Project Manager/Sr. Highway Engineer Gavin Strid, SMEC Philippines President and Country Manager Hilario M. Pastrana, UPMO-BMC Project Managers Nina Y. Maniaul and Judee Ann D.R. Santillan, and representatives of DPWH Planning Service, Bureau of Quality and Safety, Bureau of Design, Stakeholders Relations Service, and UPMO-Roads Management Cluster II (Multilateral).
The consulting consortium will carry out the feasibility study within the period of 24 months and will form the basis for the detailed design and construction phases of the project.
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.
