3 major bridge projects in Tawi-Tawi near completion

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is in the process of completing three major bridge projects in Tawi-Tawi, which form part of the government's broader effort to support peace, stability, and inclusive development in the Bangsamoro region.

In a report to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain identified the key bridge projects as the Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge 1, the Malassa-Lupa Pila Bridge 3, and the Tongsinah-Paniongan Bridge 2.

The Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge 1 is now 96-percent complete and is scheduled to open by July 2025, said Sadain, head of DPWH's infrastructure flagship projects under Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) infrastructure initiatives.

The 541-meter bridge, part of the Asian Development Bank-assisted Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP), will connect Bongao Island to Sanga-Sanga Island.

"The Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge, along with its sister projects — the Tongsinah-Paniongan Bridge 2 and the Malassa-Lupa Pila Bridge 3 in Tawi-Tawi — represents one of the most significant infrastructure support initiatives of the national government in the BARMM," said Sadain.

"These bridges are more than just structures of physical connectivity; they stand as powerful symbols of the government's unwavering commitment to fulfilling Mindanao's long-held promise by unlocking its vast economic potential through modern, inclusive infrastructure," he added.

The ₱1.08-billion project features a 380.8-meter bridge and a 160-meter approach road. It is being implemented by the Unified Project Management Office – Roads Management Cluster 2.

In the same report, Sadain said that the two other bridge components under IGCMRSP were also making steady progress, contributing to the overall momentum of infrastructure development in Tawi-Tawi.

The Malassa-Lupa Pila Bridge 3, which spans 680 meters across the Manalik Channel, is now 72-percent complete. The project connects Sanga-Sanga Island to mainland Tawi-Tawi and has completed deck slab installation up to Pier 3, with ongoing bored piling and fabrication works.

The Tongsinah-Paniongan Bridge 2, a 570-meter structure connecting Pababag Island to Sanga-Sanga Island, is in the early phase of civil works, including bored piling and equipment mobilization.

According to Sadain, these bridge projects are crucial for strengthening Tawi-Tawi's transport system and boosting local industries like fishing and seaweed farming.