The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is fast-tracking the construction of the Guicam Bridge Project, a major inter-island connectivity initiative in Zamboanga Sibugay Province. The bridge forms part of the Build Better More infrastructure program and aligns with the Bagong Pilipinas vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for inclusive and sustainable national development.
A key component of the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP), the ₱1.155 billion bridge is financed by the Asian Development Bank. Once completed, it will connect Olutanga Island to the mainland through the municipality of Alicia, boosting mobility, trade, and economic integration across the Zamboanga Peninsula.
In a project update to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain reported that the Guicam Bridge has reached 87.90% completion. Major foundation work is finished, including the installation of 115 bored piles—99 offshore piles measuring 2.2 meters in diameter and 16 land-based piles at 1.2 meters in diameter.
During a site inspection on July 4, Sadain, who oversees flagship infrastructure projects for the agency, directed contractor Grace Construction Corp., in joint venture with Tianyuan Construction Group Corp., and project supervision consultant Renardet S.A. Consulting Engineers, to intensify girder installation and concrete works. He was joined by DPWH UPMO-Roads Management Cluster II Project Director Teresita V. Bauzon, Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario, UPMO project managers Evangeline L. Carabal and Emmanuel M. Supe, and Project Engineer Barley H. Sali. Former project director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim also attended and shared his technical insights.
Work is now focused on superstructure development, particularly girder launching and deck slab concreting. According to DPWH, four girders have been launched at Span 1 (Abutment A to Pier 1), with the corresponding deck slab already completed. Of 48 girders, 40 have been fabricated, and 36 have undergone stressing and grouting.
Retaining wall and embankment construction is underway on Approach B (Olutanga Island side), while portland cement concrete paving and line canal works are progressing on Approach A (mainland side).
The Guicam Bridge spans 540.80 meters over the Canalizo Strait and consists of 12 spans of Type VI prestressed concrete girders. It includes 389.60 meters of approach roads on the mainland side and 277.62 meters on the island side. To support maritime navigation, the bridge is designed with a clearance of 14.80 meters in height and 24 meters in width.
“Once completed, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance regional logistics, and strengthen inter-island connectivity and access to essential services across southwestern Mindanao—contributing to an improved quality of life and driving inclusive growth,” Sadain said.
