President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday vowed that his administration would continue pursuing job-generating initiatives that could help in further transforming the Philippine economy.

Marcos made the pledge, as he attributed the 6.3-percent economic growth in the second quarter of 2024 to the increase in investments and construction under the Build Better More program.

“Inuulit ko, balewala lahat ng ating ginagawa kung walang pagbabago sa buhay ng mga Pilipino (I repeat, everything we do is meaningless if there are no changes in the lives of Filipinos),” he said in a video message uploaded on the Presidential Communications Office’s official Facebook page.

“So I assure you, this government will continue to invest in job-generating infrastructure, social protection programs, health and education for all Filipinos. We will not rest on our laurels but use them to propel us forward into social and economic transformation,” he added.

The country’s economic growth accelerated to 6.3 percent in the second quarter of 2024, higher than the 4.3 percent during the same period last year and the 5.8 percent in the first quarter of this year.

He said the government is doing everything to give Filipinos “decent and formal” jobs to elevate them to middle class.

“Kaya patuloy ang ating pagbibigay ng sapat at kalidad na trabaho (That’s why we continue to provide adequate and quality jobs). This June, the unemployment rate dropped to 3.1 percent, one of the lowest on record for the last two decades. Over 50.3 million Filipinos are now employed, with 63.8 percent of them in the formal sector,” Marcos said.

Marcos assured Filipinos of his administration’s commitment to combat poverty, saying the goal is already “within its reach” as the latest poverty rate also dropped to 15.5 percent.

“[That] means we have lifted two and a half million Filipinos out of poverty and only 10.9 percent of Filipino families remain poor. Our goal is to further reduce this rate to 9 percent by 2028, and improve the lives of eight million Filipinos,” Marcos said.

Part 1

A group of an all-Filipino Mining Engineers worked under the auspices of Paramina Earth Technologies, Inc. (PARAMINA) for a civil construction tunnel project.  These Mining Engineers developed and excavated an 8m wide x 7m high x 1,011m long tunnel safely, without a single lost time accident (LTA) accident and or rockfall incident as a Subcontractor and without the help of a Civil Engineer.  The project applied the NATM following international tunnel design, plans and standards. Completion of the tunnel project was remarkably ahead of the adjusted timeline including the remediation works.

The project is the Upper Wawa Pumping Station Water Access Tunnel owned by WawaJVCo, a joint venture company of Prime Infrastructure Capital, Inc. an Enrique Razon corporation and the San Lorenzo Builders and Developers Group, the grantee of the water rights of the project.  The joint venture company is developing the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project, “an infrastructure project of the Philippine Government and will address the growing concern of water scarcity and is expected to minimize the risk of flooding in the capital region and in the nearby province of Rizal.  It will be the biggest water source built since 1967 and will supply at least 518 million liters per day through Manila Water Company. CTTO ”  The main beneficiary of the bulk water supply project will be the eastern communities of Metro Manila and Rizal.

The water access tunnel project is part of the second of two water supply infrastructures of WawaJVCo.  The tunnel designed by Lombardi SA was constructed to ensure that it will last for a minimum period of 100-years, therefore, the group of all-Filipino Mining Engineers who built the tunnel had to pass through very stringent QA/QC requirements which had to be followed and implemented to the minute detail.

The all-Filipino Mining Engineers who developed and excavated the tunnel were Mining Engineers who used to occupy and manage senior positions in various mining and tunneling projects in the Philippines and overseas; supported by a group of experienced junior Mining Engineers who supervised the shift operations.  At least fifty Filipino multi-skilled tunnel equipment operators were at the forefront of the tunnel excavation operations. 

Another group of at least forty Mechanical and Electrical Engineers and technicians formed the equipment maintenance and support group.

Two twin boom and one single boom electro-hydraulic jumbo drill rigs were the main drilling equipment.  Two side dump loaders, three 20-tonne underground trucks and three dump trucks were used for mucking, loading and hauling. Blasting was designed using a computerized shot-plan and varied according to the rock and ground condition. Two robotic shotcrete machines and two high-and-low-pressure grouting machines were used for mechanized shotcreting and grouting respectively.

The tunnel support design was the greatest challenge of the project because there was limited geotechnical information provided.  Every advance or blast was closely monitored as the crown and side supports and the blasthole drilling depths depended on the rock structure which was defined by the RMR of the active face.

Water is life. The Filipino Mining Engineers who built the tunnel are proud to be part of the commitment of WawaJVCo, the owners of the project to provide a new source of potable water, sustainable in the next 100 years.

Purpose and Magnitude of the Project

The “Upper Wawa Pumping Station,” is one crucial component of a Mega-Infrastructure Project better known as the “Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project,” is considered the largest potable water source to be constructed in the country since 1967. It comprises of four (4) major integral components or sub-projects of the Mega Infrastructure, namely, the Upper Wawa Dam and Spillway, Reservoir, Pumping Station and Transmission or Water Conveyance Pipeline. The Water Access Tunnel forms part of the Transmission or Water Conveyance Pipeline component of the Mega-Project.

The primary objective of the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project is to address the perennial water scarcity issue in Metro Manila. This challenge has been exacerbated by population growth driven by migration, rapid urbanization, and economic opportunities. Once completed, this ambitious undertaking will establish a reliable source of potable water supply for Eastern Metro Manila, specifically serving the so-called East Zone Concession managed by Manila Water Co.

The Upper Wawa Pumping Station plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal. It is designed to supply a minimum of 518 million liters of water daily (MLD), with an additional standby capacity of 259 MLD, resulting in a total pumping capacity of 777 MLD. The Tayabasan River, situated in Barangay Calawis, Sitio Apia, Antipolo, within the Upper Marikina Watershed, serves as the primary raw water source. This river is further supported by several smaller tributaries spread across the Marikina watershed. Through this comprehensive project, the region will gain access to a sustainable and essential water supply, quenching the thirst of East Metro Manila’s residents in the next 100-years.

Scope of Tunnel Project and Technical Description

The scope of work for the Main Access Tunnel, a critical component of the Water Conveyance Pipeline within the larger mega-project, mandates that the tunnel Subcontractor undertake the excavation work by drilling and blasting, as well as the transportation and disposal of the muck through  synchronized activities utilizing specialized equipment such as Furukawa, hydraulic twin boom jumbo drill rigs with man basket, Dali, 20-tonne low profile trucks, SDLG, side dump, 3cu.m. loaders and XCMG, robotic shotcrete machine among the capital equipment used in the project.

As the excavation advanced, the project required the installation of galvanized self-drilling anchor and all threaded rock bolts which were grouted to stabilize the newly exposed tunnel surfaces so that drilling and blasting can immediately commence after the newly excavated ground was fully shotcreted. A vast part of the process entailed the application of 50mm shotcrete immediately after scaling using a Komatsu excavator equipped with a hydraulic breaker, then 100mm thick shotcrete applied thereafter and before the start of drilling. The shotcrete mix is a special concrete mixed with additives and synthetic and or steel fibers and applied using the XCMG mechanized robotic shotcrete machine.

To ensure that ground water is drained and will not accumulate at the crown and sides of the tunnel, drilling of drainage and or weep holes using the MTI Single boom hydraulic jumbo drill was essential. Each weep hole is inserted with perforated drainpipes wrapped with non-woven geotextile.

Additionally, it was also necessary to execute variation works on an as-needed basis. The provision of essential support services is also part of the Bill of Quantities (BOQ), including the supply of adequate ventilation, water, power, and compressed air.

Temporary field offices, equipment maintenance workshop and personnel accommodations, ensuring a comprehensive and supportive environment for the project’s successful completion was also constructed.

Technical Requirements

The tunnel which was required to be driven was 8m wide and 7m high, extending over a total length of 1,011 meters. The specific dimensions for excavation and reinforcement are determined based on the rock mass rating (RMR) for each tunnel segment, as assessed and evaluated by Geologists and Geotechnical Engineers. Depending on the RMR of the tunnel’s face which is evaluated every after blasting, the tunnel designer and the Geotechnical and Geological Engineers considered six distinct support types. The support type spectrum ranged from Support Type P (for Portal), Support Type 5, down to Support Type 1, each tailored to reinforce the crown and sides of the tunnel as the excavation progresses, resisting the impact of drilling and blasting and to maintain the structural integrity of the tunnel to be able to last for 100years.

Support Type P is required to support the tunnel Portal which had Rock Mass Rating (RMR) between 0 and 20 and was intended for the excavation of the East and West portals of the Main Access Tunnel.  The dimensions of Support Type P are 8.38meters wide by 6.74meters high allowing for the installation of Steel Rib Supports (SRS). This support system integrates the installation of Steel Rib Support (SRS) made from 200mm x 200mm H-beams using a specially designed “hook” attached to an excavator; a protective “umbrella” of grouted galvanized Self Drilling Anchor (SDA) rock bolts; a Shotcrete lining, 400mm thick enough to cover the whole SRS. Additionally, the structure is equipped with weep holes, into which eight 50mm diameter perforated drainage pipes wrapped in non-woven geotextiles are installed.  As it was difficult to apply shotcrete at the back of the SRS, the sides of the SRS were drilled with holes in regular distances and were in-fill grouted using high-pressure automatic cement grout machines.

Conversely, Support Type 1 was designed for tunnel sections 7.78m wide by 6.44m high, intended for RMR ranging from 81-100. The support in these areas consists of sporadically placed grouted Dywidag split-set type rock bolts, 46mm diameter and 4 meters long, along with 8-pieces of 50mm diameter perforated drainpipes wrapped with non-woven geotextile. Due to the inherently stable nature of the rock mass, no shotcrete lining is applied in these sections.

Support Type 2 was designed for RMR 61-80 with tunnel dimensions 7.88m wide x 6.49m high. The support consists of 11pcs fully grouted Dywidag hollow all-threaded galvanized rock bolts, 25mm diameter x 4 meters long. Shotcrete thickness was 150mm including the initial 50mm after scaling, after which 50mm drainage holes were drilled and inserted with 50mm diameter perforated drainpipes wrapped in non-woven geotextiles.

Support Type 3 had similar excavation dimension as Support Type 2 but is designed for RMR equivalent to 41-60. The main difference is that the number of rock bolts is 15pcs fully grouted Dywidag hollow all-threaded galvanized rock bolts, 25mm diameter x 4 meters long. The number of drainpipes is the same as Support Type 2, but the shotcrete thickness is 300mm.

Support Type 4 required an excavation dimension of 8.28m wide by 6.69m high, designed for RMR equivalent to 21-40. This category when encountered was supported by a combination of the installation of 200mm x 200mm SRS, grouted galvanized SDA rock bolts, R38 x 4 meters long complete with plates and nuts, 350mm thick shotcrete covering the entire SRS and installed with 50mm diameter x 2m long perforated drainpipes wrapped in non-woven geotextile.

Finally Support Type 5 required an excavation dimension of 8.38 m wide x 6.74 m high for RMR ranging from 0-20. This support type consisted of a combination of the installation of 200mm x 200mm SRS, SDA galvanized rock bolts, R38 x 4m, 400mm thick shotcrete enough to cover the SRS and 8-pieces x 50mm perforated drainpipes wrapped with non-woven geotextile.

The various designs of Support Types ensure the stability and integrity of the tunnel, adapting to the varying rock conditions which were encountered during the actual excavation and were designed for the tunnel to last for 100years.

 

<to be continued> In Part 2 of this article, we will discuss the challenges encountered, the innovations and the milestones achieved.

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.

In the male-dominated industries like mining and construction, how is it possible to promote workplace gender equality and women empowerment? “Investing in Women” offers solutions and opportunities for discussion to address gender-related issues.

The Australian Government recently launched the new phase of its “Investing in Women” program in the Philippines. The event was held at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City. It was well attended by gender equality advocates from the Philippine Government, private sector, civil society, and members of the press.

“Investing in Women” is a multi-country initiative of the Australian Government that seeks to accelerate women’s economic empowerment through increased and equitable opportunities in the private sector, contributing to inclusive, sustainable economic recovery and growth in targeted countries across Southeast Asia.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received resounding rounds of applause several times during his third State of the Nation Address 2024 (SONA), particularly on the final part of his speech when he announced the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).

The SONA 2024 was held on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

Among other things, his State of the Nation Address covered various significant national issues from education, agriculture, defense, cybersecurity, tourism, and more.  

“As we enter the mid-term, our infrastructure development remains sustained, strategic, and on schedule,” the President said.

“Aside from agriculture and disaster risk, our other vital sectors and pillars — such as education, health, energy, low-cost housing, transport, information technology — they all stand to benefit from our aggressive infrastructure development, as befitting our upper middle-income economic target.”

He mentioned that despite the challenges during the past two years into this Administration, there has been a steady progress towards the targets in the medium-term.

“Our power and internet services are continuously being upgraded in both capacity and connectivity.”

Unified Philippine Grid

The President mentioned that the energy sector looks bright and promising with completion of projects and new investments. With that, he expected that the nation’s power supply will increase steadily to meet the growing demands in the future.

He also mentioned that government is urgently addressing power shortages and the systemic causes of blackouts in unserved and underserved areas.

Through microgrids, off-grid systems, and missionary small power utilities that supports solar power, the President said these will provide solutions to places that need a steady supply of electricity.

“Running through Bataan, Pampanga, and Bulacan, the newly inaugurated Mariveles-Hermosa-San Jose transmission line will further strengthen the reliability of the Luzon power grid.”

He announced that in the Visayas, all stages of the Cebu-Negros-Panay backbone project have been completed.

“This project shall serve to stabilize the power situation in Western and Central Visayas, and avert recurrences of power outages experienced in the past,” he noted.

He said that because of these projects, blackouts at Panay Island were prevented from April until June despite the yellow and red alerts in the region.

The President noted that the Dumanjug-Corella Line of the Cebu-Bohol Interconnection Project was energized, enabling the transfer of power between Cebu and Bohol.

“With these systems currently operating at capacity, these major power lines shall contribute to the efficient power exchanges not only between Luzon and the Visayas, but also involving Mindanao. Energy sharing and transfers between, among, and within the three island groups have now been made possible with the energization last January of the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection.”

“The energization of the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection is a defining moment not only for the power sector but for the entire country. Finally, we have connected the power grids of all three major island groups.”

“The ‘unified Philippine Grid’ is a fulfillment of the dream, whose seeds were planted in the 80s, through a vision bolstered by R&D, which we accomplished by applying typical Filipino persistence and dedication,” he stated.

Addressing the high cost of electricity, President Marcos Jr. gave assurance that government will continue to add power infrastructure that will contribute to the lowering the electricity rates and providing fair charges to consumers.

Roads and Railway Renaissance

President Marcos Jr. reported that as of May of this year, 12,000 kilometers worth of roads and more than 1,200 bridges have been completed and upgraded across the country.

“Of note, we have provided the budget to upgrade 367 bridges and almost 1,600 kilometers of road along our country’s longest thoroughfare — the Maharlika Highway — from Luzon all the way to Mindanao.”

“Moreover, significant segments of major expressways, which are part of the Luzon Spine Expressway Network, have now been opened to the public.”

By the end of this year, he announced that the C-LEX, NLEX-SLEX Connector, and the Plaridel Bypass will be fully completed, while the CALAX and the C5 South Link will be fully operational by next year.

“Under our Inter-Island Linkage Bridge Program, we expect two major bridges to be opened to motorists this year. One is the Panguil Bay Bridge — touted as the longest water-spanning bridge in Northern Mindanao.”

“This bridge will connect Lanao del Norte to Misamis Occidental. The other is the Guicam Bridge in Zamboanga Sibugay, which shall connect Olutanga Island to the mainland of Mindanao.”

“In addition, travel to and from Clark Airport is now much faster and more convenient, with the inauguration of the 20-kilometer Airport-New Clark City Access Road in Pampanga.”

“We are in the midst as well of a ‘railway renaissance’. The Metro Manila Subway Project has logged significant accomplishments in its tunneling works.”

Additionally, other railway projects such as the MRT-7 and the North-South Commuter Railway are in progress.

He mentioned that government will make sure that the right of way issues are resolved in the most equitable, efficient, and expeditious manner, so that these will not get in the way of the infrastructure development.

As part of the LRT 1 Cavite Extension project, the route of LRT Line 1 in Metro Manila will be extended from Baclaran to Sucat in Paranaque City. This is expected to be open to the public within the year. After a few years, the route will further extent to Bacoor in Cavite. 

He also reported that LRT 1 had an additional 76 new and modern trains. This upgrade will provide a faster and more comfortable commuting experience for passengers.

The recent reopening of the PNR Bicol Line is also a milestone achievement in the list of railway projects. This railway spans out to 100 kilometers from Naga to Legazpi.

President Marcos Jr. also talked about the improvement of the country’s airports and harbors for the benefit of travelers.

With the help of the private sector, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is expected to improve and provide better services in the years to come.

“Soon, it will be capable of accommodating 48 flights per hour, servicing our ever-increasing local and international flight routes, and catering to more than 62 million passengers per year.”

“More than 70 airport and seaport development projects across the country have been completed, and another 350 ongoing projects are set to be completed by 2028.”

“Notably, the capacities of the Passenger Terminal Buildings of the General Santos Airport and the Bicol International Airport have been expanded by 300 and 500 percent, now catering to 2,000 and 1,600 passengers, respectively. Meanwhile, the Batangas Port PTB, our popular marine gateway to MIMAROPA, the Visayas and to Mindanao, can now accommodate 8,000 travelers at any given time.”

“Thanks to Congress, the Public-Private Partnership, as a crucial funding mechanism for big-ticket projects, is now institutionalized by force of law. PPP is seen to facilitate strategic investments and the timely development of projects under our Build Better More program, especially since around one-fourth of our flagship projects have been envisioned to be funded through this modality.”

He emphasized that the NAIA PPP will go down in history as being the largest and fastest approved PPP, as well as setting the standard in terms of transparency and competitiveness of the process.

“Through this partnership, our foremost aerial gateway is now primed for a revitalization. Once considered among the worst and most stressful airports in the world, it will soon be a world-class international airport that we can be proud of.”

Reference:

https://pco.gov.ph/presidential-speech/3rd-state-of-the-nation-address-of-his-excellency-ferdinand-r-marcos-jr-president-of-the-philippines-to-the-congress-of-the-philippines/

Progress continues to surge forward on the Davao River (Bucana) Bridge Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Davao City.

In his inspection report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain said that the construction of the 1.34-kilometer, four (4)-lane, six (6)-span extradosed bridge and its approach roads over the Davao River which started in November 2023 has made significant strides, with completion now reaching 32.13%.

Senior Undersecretary Sadain, in charge of DPWH infrastructure flagship projects alongside Unified Project Management Office - Bridges Management Cluster (UPMO-BMC) Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes conducted a site inspection on July 19, 2024.

Their project visit together with UPMO - Roads Management Cluster I Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista highlighted substantial advancements in the ₱3.126 billion construction of the bridge funded by the Philippine government and a China Aid Grant.

"With active project supervision and management by UPMO-BMC Bucana Bridge Project Team headed by Acting Project Manager Norifel Teddie G. Cadiang and Project Engineer John Christian T. Gaden and the dedication of our partners at China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), we are confident in meeting our target to open the bridge to traffic by end of 2025”, Senior Undersecretary Sadain added.

The bridge project that will complement the Davao City Coastal Road upon completion promises enhanced mobility, connectivity, and economic opportunities for Davao Region.

This project under the “Build Better More” agenda of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is an essential transportation infrastructure, providing faster and more efficient roadway to large volume of vehicles and in alleviating the east-west traffic congestion in the coastal areas of Davao City.

Currently, civil works for the bridge include the installation of rebars for pier columns and crossbeams, simultaneous with placement of scaffoldings in preparation for deck construction. Activities such as steel sheet pile driving for cofferdamming and bored piling are also progressing as planned.

The highly anticipated modern scenic bridge project, implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), connecting the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) and Davao City, has made significant strides in both design and construction.

In his inspection report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain highlighted that the ongoing bored piling works for the land viaduct structure of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project, which began in May 2024, are progressing well.

To date, 42 out of the 72 bored piles in Samal side have been completed, while in Davao City side, 23 out of 72 were finished.

Meanwhile, the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) phase is nearing completion at 94.41%, which comprise the approval of the design plans for substructure and superstructure of the land viaduct, marine viaduct, and navigation bridge.

According to Senior Undersecretary Sadain, despite encountered challenges and legal issues in the project implementation, the DPWH is taking proactive measures to ensure that issues are promptly addressed. This approach aims to keep civil works on schedule, avoiding delays and adhering to the project timeline.

“We are closely coordinating and monitoring every detail of progress in this project, as we aim to open this bridge to traffic within the term of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. This bridge will serve as one of the pioneering modern transportation infrastructures in Mindanao, enhancing economic growth, connectivity, and access to essential services and activities in IGaCoS and the Davao Region,” said Senior Undersecretary Sadain.

Also present at the site inspection on July 19, 2024 were DPWH Unified Project Management Office - Bridges Management Cluster (UPMO - BMC) Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes, UPMO Roads Management Cluster I Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista, Project Manager Joweto V. Tulaylay, and Project Engineer John Christian T. Gaden.

With an estimated total cost of ₱23.52 billion, the SIDC Project is funded through Official Development Assistance (ODA) under the Government of China’s concessional loan.

The SIDC Project features a four-lane (two lanes each direction) extradosed bridge with a total length of 4.01 kilometers, a main span of 275 meters, and a vertical navigation clearance of 47 meters across the Pakiputan Strait. The marine crossing is approximately 1.62 kilometers long with a seabed depth of 40 meters, supported by two pylons standing 73 meters above sea level.

Once completed, this iconic bridge will provide a resilient and reliable transportation link between IGaCoS and Davao City, instrumental in spurring economic growth and development in the Southern Philippines.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is advancing steadily on the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP), with ongoing efforts in tunnel waterproofing and the construction of concrete arch and invert linings for the two (2)-lane northbound and southbound tunnels.

Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, in-charge of DPWH infrastructure flagship projects, explained that these crucial activities are part of the effort to ensure structural integrity and durability. This is essential to provide a safe and reliable passage for motorists through the 2.3-kilometer twin tube tunnel component of the DCBCP.

The road mountain tunnel is a key part of the ₱13.23 billion DCBCP Contract Package I-1, financed through a Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP) Loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

In his report to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Sadain emphasized that Japan’s engineering expertise and advanced technology are being utilized in the construction of what will soon be the longest road mountain tunnel in Mindanao.

This project also promotes technological transfer between Japan and the Philippines, with provisions for technical assistance and capacity building to ensure successful implementation and sustainability.

During a site inspection on July 19, 2024, Senior Undersecretary Sadain, along with Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista of the Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) - Roads Management Cluster I (Bilateral) and Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes of the UPMO Bridges Management Cluster, observed the meticulous work on waterproofing and subsequent concrete pouring for the invert arch lining.

The waterproofing efforts, which have covered 1.130-kilometer northbound and 1.135-kilometer southbound, are crucial for preventing water ingress, preserving the tunnel’s longevity, and ensuring operational efficiency.

Meanwhile, 978 meters northbound and 967 meters southbound have already been fitted with invert arch lining concrete, which will reinforce the tunnel structure and improve its ability to withstand various loads and environmental conditions.

The entire Contract Package I-1 involves the construction of a 10.7-kilometer two (2)-lane carriageway for both northbound and southbound roads, divided by a median, from the Mintal Road Intersection at Sta. 12+800 to the Mandug Road Intersection at Sta. 23+500. The package also includes three (3) pairs of river bridges with a total length of 0.5 kilometers and two (2) underpasses.

With an overall accomplishment of 51.5%, Contract Package I-1 also covers the construction of access roads to the bridges and tunnel portals, two (2) Engineer’s offices with laboratories, and main and sub-offices at the north and south portal sides, respectively, for construction supervision and management.

The Engineer’s Offices were designed to meet the standards of a typical school building and are planned for future turnover to the Department of Education as additional learning facilities.

Under contract with the Shimizu - Ulticon - Takenaka joint venture, DPWH field supervision for Contract Package I-1 is managed by Project Manager Joselito B. Reyes, Project Engineer Juan M. Diña Jr., and Engineer Earl Nicholas F. Rada of the UPMO - Roads Management Cluster I (Bilateral).

The construction of the 32-kilometer Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge is likely to start early or mid 2025, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Thursday. 

With an initial cost of PHP219 billion, the Bataan-Cavite mega bridge is set to be the “biggest and the single most expensive project” of the DPWH, Public Works Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral said during the Build Better More Infrastructure Forum at New Clark City in this town.

The bridge, once completed, will reduce the travel time between Bataan and Cavite from five hours to 45 minutes bypassing Metro Manila by crossing Manila Bay.

The detailed engineering design of the mega bridge project has been completed, while the bidding of the initial contract package was held last week, Cabral said.

“Hopefully, it will be started either by early part of next year or middle of next year,” she said.

The project will be funded through an official development assistance (ODA).

ODA loans support developing countries by providing low-interest, long-term and concessional funds to finance development projects.

The construction of the Bataan-Cavite bridge project was supposed to start late 2024.

Asked what caused the delay, Cabral explained that the government took its time in looking for the "best financing package" available.

“Sourcing the funding has been really the problem. We’re trying to get the best financing package for this biggest project of the DPWH and finally we are able to do so," Cabral said.

“I think last week we just held the bidding for the first contract packages,” she added.

Infra program forum

Spearheaded by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the Build Better More Infrastructure forum is the third leg of the PCO‘s pioneering initiative, the Bagong Pilipinas Media Engagement and Workshop Series of 2024, following the successful culmination of the Food Security Cluster Communications Workshop and National Security Cluster Communications Workshop in March and April 2024, respectively.

It seeks to provide a platform to allow government agencies to engage and collaborate with the media and government communicators to enhance the quality and value of public discourse on the Build Better More Infrastructure Program – the flagship infrastructure development agenda of the Marcos administration.

The program includes 187 infrastructure flagship projects.

A ₱23.36 billion Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contract has been signed between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC) for the construction of 59.4-kilometer extension of Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) all the way to the surfing capital of the north in San Juan, La Union.

DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan and SMHC Chairman and President Ramon S. Ang presented to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 the concession agreement, which was signed on July 3, 2024 at the DPWH Head Office in Port Area, Manila, and witnessed by DPWH Undersecretary for Planning and PPP Services Maria Catalina E. Cabral, and Mr. Raoul Eduardo Romulo of the project concessionaire SMC TPLEX Extension Infrastructure Corp. (STEIC) among others.

Also present in the event held at the Kalayaan Hall of Malacañang Palace are Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin; National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan; DPWH Undersecretaries Cabral, Eugenio R. Pipo Jr., Roberto R. Bernardo, Ador G. Canlas, and Carlos G. Mutuc; and DPWH Public-Private Partnership Service Director Pelita V. Galvez.

“With the signed PPP contract, the STEIC and DPWH can now proceed with detailed engineering design (DED), parcellary plan, right-of-way (ROW) acquisition for all the segments, so that we can commence civil works by July 2025,” said Secretary Bonoan.

According to Secretary Bonoan, the TPLEX Extension Project will be divided in three (3) segments, with first segment aimed for completion before the end of President Marcos’ term in 2028.

Segment 1 will start from the last exit of TPLEX at Rosario and end in Tubao, which is an additional 18.5-kilometer of 4-lane road, while Segment 2 will cover the 23.1-kilometer section from Tubao to Naguilian; and Segment 3 which extends 17.8-kilometer from Naguilian to San Juan, La Union.

The TPLEX Extension will have five (5) interchanges namely Rosario, Tubao, Naguilian, Bauang, and San Juan.

When completed, the TPLEX Extension will reduce travel time from Rosario going to San Juan, La Union from the current one (1) and a half hour to just 40 minutes, further promoting investments and economic development up north.

Construction for the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) is expected to speed up with the arrival of two more tunnel boring machines (TBM) by yearend, for a total of six so far.

At the Pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address) Special over state-run People’s Television Network on Friday, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista said four TBMs are currently in operation and the project construction is in full blast.

“Meron na tayong apat na TBMs na almost 24 hours ang operations niya. Within the year ay magiging anim yan (We already have four TBMs that are operating almost 24 hours a day. Within the year, that will become six),” Bautista said.

He said the TBMs will increase to at least 19 working simultaneously in the coming years.

According to DOTr data, an estimated 1.2 million cubic meters of soil using cut-cover and TBMs are to be excavated for the partial operability section of the MMSP, equivalent to 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

“For the tunnels alone, the excavation will be around 711,000 cubic meters or an equivalent of 285 Olympic size swimming pools,” he said.

The DOTr is also working with the MMSP’s contractors to fast-track the construction of subway stations.

“Itong Metro Manila Subway, ang more challenging part of the construction ‘yung mga stations kasi maraming stations ‘yan -- 17 stations (For the MMSP, the challenging part of the construction are the stations because there will be 17 of them),” he said.

Once completed, the MMSP will cut across eight cities in Metro Manila, stretching from Valenzuela City to FTI-Bicutan in Parañaque City with a spur line to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

The 33-kilometer subway line aims to cut travel time between Quezon City and NAIA from the current average of one hour and 10 minutes to just 35 minutes.

Top officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), alongside local leaders from Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte, held on July 4, 2024 the final concrete pouring ceremony between the two (2) extra-dosed main bridge of the Panguil Bay Bridge Project (PBBP).

This significat event saw the participation of DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan; Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain; DPWH Undersecretaries Eugenio R. Pipo Jr. and Carlos G. Mutuc; Assistant Secretary Rey Peter Gille; Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal Sr.; Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Quibranza Dimaporo; Ozamis City Mayor Henry “Indy” F. Oaminal Jr.; Korea Export Import Bank (KEXIM) Deputy Country Director Yun Hak Lee; Project Directors Teresita V. Bauzon, Soledad R. Florencio, Benjamin A. Bautista, Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes, and Najib D. Dilangalen; DPWH Regional Office 10 Director Zenaida Tan; Stakeholders Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario; and other public works and locals officials and staff.

The topping-off ceremony marked the completion of the bridge’s pre-stressed concrete box girder between pylon 1 in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, and pylon 2 in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, signifying a crucial milestone for the project.

Secretary Bonoan highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating that it brings the vision of a fully connected Panguil Bay Bridge closer to reality, promising numerous possibilities for the nation.

In his opening remarks, Senior Undersecretary Sadain praised the final construction stage as a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, heralding a new era of connectivity and economic growth for Mindanao and the entire Philippines.

The Panguil Bay Bridge, soon to be the longest bridge in Mindanao at 3.169 kilometers, includes a 320-meter extra-dosed main bridge, a 1,920-meter pre-stressed concrete girder approach bridge, and a 929-meter approach road.

The bridge is expected to catalyze economic activities, improve quality of life, and open new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment, significantly benefiting local communities and contributing to national development.

The project is implemented by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations under supervision of Senior Undersecretary Sadain and more specifically by the Roads Management Cluster II (Multilateral) led by former Project Director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim and now headed by OIC Project Director Bauzon.

Funded by a loan agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea through the Korea Export-Import Bank Economic Development Cooperation Fund (KEDCF) under Loan Agreement No. PHL-18, the Panguil Bay Bridge stands as a beacon of international cooperation and shared progress.

Despite commencing civil works at the height of the pandemic and facing significant challenges in weather conditions, material supply, and health restrictions, the DPWH relentlessly pushed the design and build contractor, Namkwang Engineering & Construction Corporation, in joint venture with Kukdong Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. and Gumgwang Construction Co., Ltd., along with the project consultant, Yooshin Engineering Corporation, in joint venture with Pyunghwa Engineering Consultants Ltd. and Kyong-Ho Engineering & Architects Co., Ltd., to exert their utmost effort to accelerate the construction activities of this infrastructure flagship project.

Costing ₱7.375 Billion, the project has an overall weighted accomplishment of 93.3 percent and targetted for completion within this third quarter of 2024.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Friday, June 21, 2024 led three (3) groundbreaking and inauguaration ceremonies along sections of of the Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) C5 Link and the Cavitex - Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) Link Project.

President Marcos was joined by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan and project concessionaire Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan. Also present were Senator Mark Villar, Department of Transportion Secretary Jaime Bautista, Philippine Reclamation Authority General Manager Cesar Siador, MPTC President and CEO Rogelio L. Singson, and DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina E. Cabral.

Inaugurated was the 1.9 kilometer Segment 2 or the Sucat Interchange of Cavitex C5 Link which now connects Cavitex Interchange to the Sucat Interchange of the project. The newly-opened segment will be toll-free for a month.

Two (2) other segments of the project are already operational namely: the 2.20-kilometer Segment 3A-1 which starts from Merville to C5/SLEX, and the 1.6-kilometer Segment 3A-2 from E. Rodriguez to Merville.

President Marcos, also led the groundbreaking of the remaining 2-kilometer Segment 3B of the Cavitex C5 Link, which will complete the project as it will connect the Sucat Interchange to E. Rodriguez. The last segment is aimed for completion in 2025.

When completed, the P12.65 Billion Cavitex C5 Link will be a 7.7-kilometer, 6-lane toll road that will decongest traffic in major business districts in Makati/Taguig area, to Cavite/Paranaque/Las Pinas, reducing travel time from South Luzon Expressway/C5 and Cavitex from the current 40 minutes to just 10 minutes.

Another high-impact project that broke ground today is the 1.2-kilometer Cavitex-CALAX Link Project which is seen to decongest traffic in Cavite, specifically along Centennial Road from Gahak to Tirona Highway.

The project will directly link the coastal expressway and CALAX, with alignment crossing Tirona Highway at Barangay Binakayan and Daang Bangkal Road at Barangay Marulas in Kawit, and Centennial Road at Barangay Pag-asa III in Imus.

Government officials from the Philippines and Korea convened in a coordination meeting aimed at advancing the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) Project – Phase I and other Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration’s “Build Better More” program.

The meeting held on June 20, 2024 at Bayleaf Hotel, Intramuros, Manila saw the participation of Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Director Jiyoung Choi from Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Organized as part of a pre-policy dialogue, the meeting is a significant step forward in the bilateral efforts between Philippines and Korea and pivotal in in securing strategic cooperation and funding support from Export–Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) for LLRN Project – Phase I particularly at the 7.94-kilometer contract package I between Lower Bicutan to Alabang.

The LLRN Project–Phase 1 covering Laguna Lake’s western side alignment covers the construction of a 37.6 kilometers mainline road, 6.1 kilometers local connecting roads, and 7.3 kilometers interchanges and slip roads that stretches from Lower Bicutan all the way to Calamba City.

The project which is a new expressway that will connect the southern province of Laguna to Metro Manila via Laguna Lake, consists of viaduct and embankment and will have eight ( interchanges, namely: Sucat, Alabang, Tunasan, San Pedro/Biñan, Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, and Calamba.

Also present at the meeting are Ministry of Economy and Finance Deputy Director Seojeong Kim; KEXIM Director Yushin Kim; Senior Loan Officer Yu-Jin Shin; KEXIM Manila Country Director Jung Won Seo; KEXIM Manila Deputy Directors Yunhak Lee and Minjeong Kwon; Department of Finance OIC-Director John Narag; DPWH Directors Ramon A. Arriola III, Benjamin A. Bautista, Teresita V. Bauzon, and Randy R. Del Rosario; and Project Managers Zenaida Mauhay and Jerry C. Fano.

Other component of the LLRN particularly for the 7.63-kilometer Contract Package 2 between Alabang to San Pedro/Biñan and 9.70-kilometer Contract Package 4 between Cabuyao to Calamba will be financed by Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Meanwhile, the 12.23-kilometer Contract Package 3 between San Pedro/Biñan to Cabuyao will be co-financed by ADB and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

To date, detailed engineering design of LLRN Project Phase – I is about 97.0% completed with the remaining 3% for assistance of the Consultant to the procurement of civil works.

In his report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Sadain said that the coordination meeting also highlighted discussions on other ongoing and prospective initiatives supported by Korean financing and under the implementation of DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations.

These include the imminent inauguration this August 2024 of the Panguil Bay Bridge in Northern Mindanao; completed Samar Pacific Coastal Road (SPCR) Phase I in Eastern Visayas and Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (IDRR –CCA) Measures in the Low-Lying Areas of Pampanga Bay in Central Luzon; and on-going detailed engineering design of Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges.

Other projects under Feasibility Studies or project proposal stage supported by Korean financing are the Samar Pacific Coastal Road – Phase II (SPCR-II); Consolacion-Liloan Bypass Road; Philippines-Korea Project Preparation Facility (Roads & Bridges Output); Lapu-Lapu Coastal Road; New Liloan Bridge; Maasin City Coastal Bypass Bridge; Iconic Bohol-Leyte Bridge; Philippines-Korea Project Preparation Facility (Flood Control Output); and Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (IDRR-CCA) Measures in Low Lying Areas of Pampanga Bay, Stage II.

“Further discussions with Korean counterparts are vital as we strive for infrastructure cooperation to enhance transport links and foster regional development", added Senior Undersecretary Sadain.

On other hand, Director Choi reaffirmed the Republic of Korea’s steadfast support, emphasizing practical infrastructure cooperation as a cornerstone of bilateral relations.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue dialogue and accelerate progress on these transformative projects, demonstrating Korea’s enduring partnership in the Philippines' infrastructure development journey.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday broke ground for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System’s Banlic Depot in Calamba, Laguna.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the Banlic Depot signals the “rapid progress” of the project after its land development and other preparatory works began in 2023.

“We mark the significant progress since June last year in land development and other preparatory works such as geotechnical investigation, fencing, clearing, erecting temporary project site offices and access roads,” he said.

The depot, part of Contract Package (CP) S-07 of the NSCR, covers an area of 24.5 hectares and consists of a control center, stabling yard, maintenance shop, and other ancillary buildings.

CP S-07 is worth PHP16.9 billion and is scheduled to be completed in 2028.

“For residents of Banlic and adjacent communities, the NSCR will not only enhance connectivity but also transform their socio-economic status by providing rapid mobility for people and goods,” Bautista said.

Meanwhile, he also called on project contractors of the NSCR to give special consideration to the safety of their workers.

“I therefore urge our contractors – the joint venture of Hyundai Engineering and Dong-Ah Geological Engineering – as well as other contractors building the various segments of the NSCR, to always focus on safety throughout the construction sites,” he said.

He said a delay with no record of an accident at the workplace is more acceptable than having workplace casualties.

“Of course, on-time completion with no accident is better,” he said.

Co-financed by the Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the 147-kilometer NSCR system will connect Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila and Laguna via railway.

Once operational, the NSCR is seen to reduce travel time from Clark, Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna to less than two hours and accommodate 800,000 passengers daily.