President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurated a series of significant road projects in Zamboanga Peninsula, signaling his commitment to improving the nation’s infrastructure and quality of life. These projects, totaling 69.08 kilometers of roads and 11 bridges, were completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP).
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Alicia Gymnasium in Zamboanga Sibugay Province on July 21, 2023. President Marcos, along with DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr., Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Dulce Ann K. Hofer, and Asian Development Bank (ADB) – Philippine Country Office Director Pavit Ramachandran, led the event.
The completed core road projects include the Alicia-Malangas Road (24.03 kilometers) and Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road (29.70 kilometers) in Zamboanga Sibugay, as well as the Tampilisan-Sandayong Road (15.35 kilometers) in Zamboanga del Norte. These projects were implemented by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) – Roads Management Cluster II (Multilateral).
The improved road network in Western Mindanao aims to support economic growth and development by reducing travel time, providing safer and more efficient travel, and creating new livelihood opportunities for the locals. This initiative aligns with the administration’s Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda.
During the ceremony, President Marcos emphasized the importance of continued investment in physical connectivity to enhance the nation’s development. He urged everyone to work together in building structures that would lead to a better life and a brighter future for all Filipinos.
The completion of the Alicia-Malangas Road has significantly reduced travel time between Zamboanga Sibugay towns, benefiting thousands of travelers daily. The Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road has connected mainland municipalities to the Olutanga Island, cutting travel time and facilitating smoother transportation for motorists. Meanwhile, the Tampilisan-Sandayong Road has provided a direct link between Dipolog and Pagadian, reducing travel time and benefiting daily commuters.
The IGCMRSP, funded by a ₱25.26 Billion loan from ADB and ₱6.117 Billion from the Government of the Philippines, includes a total of 151.60 kilometers of roads and 34 bridges in Zamboanga Peninsula and Tawi-Tawi. Once fully completed, the project will boost the capacity of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) road network, supporting economic growth and promoting peace and order in Mindanao.
