In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to uphold the spirit of the Local Government Code—promoting meaningful participation of local government units (LGUs) in infrastructure projects that directly impact their constituents—the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues to strengthen its partnership with the LGUs of Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, and Tubod, Lanao del Norte to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Panguil Bay Bridge (PBB) in Northern Mindanao.
In a report to DPWH Secretary Vince B. Dizon, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain stated that a joint inspection was conducted on Saturday, September 6, 2025, with Tangub City Mayor Sabiniano S. Canama and Tubod Mayor Dionisio Y. Cabahug Jr. The inspection focused on the recently completed end-to-end upgrade of the asphalt pavement of the 3.17-kilometer bridge, aimed at enhancing structural durability and ensuring the long-term performance of this vital infrastructure.
Senior Undersecretary Sadain also highlighted the success of the institutionalized Multi-Partite Monitoring Team, an infrastructure monitoring and advisory body formed during the bridge’s construction. He noted that the team has played a key role in ensuring continued engagement and oversight from LGUs and other stakeholders—contributing to the bridge’s effective operation and extended service life.
Inaugurated by the President in September 2024, the one-year-old Panguil Bay Bridge has significantly enhanced regional connectivity and improved the quality of life for local communities in Northern Mindanao.
At the conclusion of the inspection, Tangub City Mayor Canama and Tubod Mayor Cabahug expressed their gratitude to the national government for the continued improvements to the Panguil Bay Bridge.
“We are deeply grateful to President Marcos Jr. and the DPWH for their unwavering commitment to improving this vital infrastructure. The completion of the asphalt overlay ensures safer, smoother travel for our constituents and boosts our local economy,” said Mayor Canama.
Mayor Cabahug echoed this sentiment, stating, “The upgraded pavement of the bridge is a testament to the government’s dedication to inclusive development. This project will continue to serve as a lifeline for the people of Lanao del Norte and the entire region.”
The recently completed pavement works included the application of a revised asphalt mix design to improve surface quality and structural protection, as well as the addition of new pavement markings and the installation of reflective road studs.
“These corrective works were carried out at no additional cost to the government, as they were undertaken within the project’s warranty period. The responsiveness and accountability demonstrated by the contractor and consulting team in heeding the Department’s instructions reflect a commitment to quality, compliance, and long-term infrastructure integrity,” Senior Undersecretary Sadain emphasized.
Funded through the Korea Export-Import Bank Economic Development Cooperation Fund (KEDCF) under Loan Agreement No. PHL-18, the project was constructed under the supervision of the Unified Project Management Office – Roads Management Cluster II (UPMO-RMC II), with civil works implemented by the joint venture of Namkwang Engineering & Construction Corporation, Kukdong Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd., and Gumgwang Construction Co., Ltd. The consulting consortium included Yooshin Engineering Corporation, Pyunghwa Engineering Consultants Ltd., and Kyong-Ho Engineering & Architects Co., Ltd.
The bridge features a 320-meter main span supported by two pylons, each with six cable stays, as well as two observatory bays for maintenance. On the Tangub side, a 360-meter approach road connects to a 1,020-meter bridge section; on the Tubod side, a 569-meter approach road leads to a 900-meter bridge section.
Also present at the inspection were Project Director Teresita V. Bauzon and other key staff of the DPWH Unified Project Management Office – Roads Management Cluster II (UPMO-RMC II), along with top executives of Yooshin Engineering Corporation including Construction Management Department President Kim Donguk, Vice President Lee Heejoon, and Country Manager/Director for the Overseas Business Department Lee Jinho.
As part of their continuing involvement, the LGUs committed to help safeguard the bridge by assigning surveillance patrol units to monitor the structure.
