Panguil Bay Bridge, the longest sea-crossing bridge in Mindanao that connects Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental, is now open.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. led the inauguration on Friday, September 27, 2024, by cutting the ribbon and unveiling the marker.

“Very important development building block for both provinces and the entire island of Mindanao but more than just a physical bridge, we are connecting the dreams and aspirations of the people of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental,” Marcos said.

The 3.17-kilometer bridge has a two-lane traffic road with a capacity of 62 tons, so only trucks with a capacity of 30 tons are allowed to pass.

A pre-feasibility study was conducted in 1998 and the construction of the bridge started in February 2020 with the use of modern Korean bridge technology.

The national government allocated P8 billion for the project.

Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Dimaporo said businesses, agriculture, education, tourism, and other economic activities are seen to grow with the opening of the bridge.

“Sa pamamagitan po ng tulay na ito mas uunlad po ang ating mga negosyo, agrikultura, edukasyon, turismo, kalusugan, investment opportunities at iba pa,” Dimaporo said.

“Definitely it would because we have agriculture, eco-tourism we have this Panguil Bay in which we have we were able to harness products from our bay and maybe in the future talagang maraming mangyayari,” Tubod, Lanao del Norte Mayor Dionisio Cabahug Jr. added.

Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal, Sr. added that the bridge will also help the province achieve its vision of seeing the people live progressively.

“The completion of the project will surely contribute to our provincial vision of Misamisnon magpuyo malinawon, malambuon ug malipayon. Misamisnon living peacefully, progressively and happy,” Oaminal said.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan said after the inauguration that some adjustments will still be made with the local government units concerned before the bridge will be opened to motorists afternoon on Saturday, September 28.

DPWH is also studying the possibility of collecting a toll fee.

“Tingnan natin if there is a need para ma-sustain natin ang structural stability at saka yung maintenance ng bridge. I think… tingnan natin… there will be consensus on how we will do it,” Bonoan said.